I was recently diagnosed with  severe OSA. At 76 apneas per hour. About ready to scream. I've had the machine fore little over 2 months and has improved my day/night time awareness. My sleep partner says that I am still not getting the full benefits.
I was wearing a comfort jel nose mask, but she said I was opening my mouth and had made a homemade chin strap that didn't work either. So I asked sleep doctor for a full face mask and that the company bring several TYPEs of ff masks to choose from. This was stated in the fax the doctor sent to the company.
The company came out and said that because it has been less than 3 months, that the insurance would not pay for new mask. They said they'd weasel their way into getting me a ff mask the next night anyways. I was given a ff Ultra Mirage medium..
This thing sucks! it leaks all over, is to wide at the bridge of the nose, you can't tie the hose up so that it will hang, like I did with the old one, because the vents are there ( causing the wind sound)  If you sleep on your side, you get head marks and it leaks. if I sleep on my back or roll over on my back ( due to the leaks waking me slightly) then my jaw falls back causing the mask to separate from my chin and I am now snoring and again having apnea's even with the mask on.
The nose one I think I'm alergic to, it caused a sore on my nose even when loose and a bandage was over it. It also cut in under the nose.
Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on masks? Like are there any "skinner" ones that fit tighter around the nose that doesn't leave marks and leak and fall of when I turn on my side.

Bear

Hi Bear,

From the sounds of it I'm wondering if you aren't allergic to the nose mask, but just have one that frankly doesn't fit right.  If you're getting a snore on the bridge of your nose and then it cuts in under the nose, no wonder this one isn't working well for you.

Mouth problems.  Now if you are opening your mouth even with the chinstrap, then your other option is to tape your mouth shut or go to a full face mask.  Many people who mouth open their mouths at night but don't want to wear a full face mask do tape up.  If you do a search you'll come across a lot of information.

IF the Ultra Mirage ff mask leaks like crazy and doesn't seem to fit your face right then you need to let the DME know the size is wrong.  Now saying this, I had an Ultra Mirage ff mask and with an original pressure of 14 it just didn't work well.  I've heard great success with F&P 431 ff mask.  I did try that and the seal was great.  I couldn't use it for other reasons.  Now this mask goes underneath your chin to cup it.  I did find this mask to be loud, however, I think you get used to the sound after awhile.  Of course some may not find this one loud at all.  IF you decide to go the tape route, I've found an awesome mask interface you may want to try...it's the Aura by Aeiomed, a nasal pillow mask.  This is the sixth one I've tried and is by far the best. I'm mostly a tummy and side sleeper and it works great. The mask comes with medium and large nasal pillows. Some people like the Breeze nasal pillows.  That is a good interface for side sleepers. I believe this comes in various pillow sizes too.  There is also the Swift and people do like that as well.  

If you are snoring then that's not a good sign.  First you need to get your mask to keep sealed.  Ok, very frustrating but a necessity.  IF you are still snoring after this is sealing, then you need to contact your doctor so he can adjust your pressure.  I had this very problem with a mask.  My boyfriend let me know I was snoring and after changing to a new mask with less leaks it was fixed.  My DME did say if I was snoring with a good seal, then I'd need to have my pressure increased to help open my airway.

Best of luck,

Melinda

Hi I understand your mask is giving you fits. I have a product that I make that may help you. It pads the straps and prevents facial marks. I have sleep apnea and I made this for myself over ayear ago. I use it every night on my own mask, and am now making these to help other people. If you think this would help you can email me at treeloftstudio@yahoo.com. I will tell you all about it.

Call your DME and tell them the mask is not working. They have to give you another to try! They cannot just throw a piece of equipment at you and tell you you have to use it even if it doesn't work. They WILL try to do this, but they can't. Make them bring a smaller face mask, or a chin strap and new mask, or whatever it takes to make it work. Tell them you want the respiratory therapist to help you find the one that works. I went into the office of mine, and we tried them til it sealed and didn't leak or hurt. I also provide home health, and I can tell you that it's illegal not to provide the correct and usable equipment no matter how much they get paid or don't get paid! Of course we all have to make money to stay open, but that's not an excuse to do shoddy customer service.
good luck with your machine.. keep at it. Sometimes this is just a monument to the persistant!