I have used the new mask for 3 nights for an hour plus each night.  After waking up, I found my mouth very very try and just took off the mask each time and went back to sleep.  That was Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.  I thought it was a good sign that at least I could use the new mask.  I felt quite good the following day.  HOWEVER, it was on the old machine with the lower settings and only for about an hour.  I knew I should try the new machine with the much higher settings.

Last night I tried the new machine with the new mask.  Problems developed right a way.  There was a mask leak at the very top of the mask.  Only one leak was apparent.  The mask seal was broken at the top of the mask.  I took off the mask.  There are 4 straps on the sides and one on the top cross over strap.  I became aware that the top two adjustment straps were at almost their max and could not be closed tighter.  So I shorten the top cross strap a little hoping that would tighten the other 2 top adjustment straps.
 
I put the mask back on and tried at the higher setting on the new machine and still got a leak at the top.  The leak was like a stream of air quite strong and fouled the machine in blowing more air, as if I was taking a deep breath.  This cannot even be acceptable, even if I wanted it to.  The leak, because of the design, (Side seal is wider than other masks, making it feel better) makes the leak unusually strong when a leak does happen.

I do believe if a small strap is made for the top of the mask, it will work (I’ll try to make one in the next few days).  It did not take much holding on the top of the mask to stop the leak, but of course I could not hold it in place when I slept.
So, I went back to the old machine with the lower settings and slept the complete night for the first time in over 10 years – night of September 23!!!  

The new mask makes it acceptable and comfortable to use but needs some strap additions in order to work on machines that have high settings like mine.

We are making progress.
  

someone on this forum had the same problem and decided a head band might solve the problem.  I don't remember where the post is, but it should be easily found.


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Resmed S8 Elite II with FitLife total face mask.
DISCLAIMER - I am sometimes corrected by those that actually do know what they are talking about.

I'm not familiar w/the straps on the FitLife - but my favorite mask's center top strap is too long. I just cut it to make it shorter and put the cut ends back together w/velcro.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity mask, ResScan 3.7, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

I agree that the head gear could be a little smaller. I am right on the edge but I think the headgear is stretching so I really ned to get it tighter. I am thinking of moving the Velcro down onto the strap. I think I can just cut it off and clue it on lower with silicone adhesive. As I said in my previous post, Respironics really needs to do some better marketing/trials. they seem to focus so much on the specific problem they are trying to addres that they forget about the rest of the design.

I found the head band solution from dkdc interesting.  I looked for an adjustable velcro head band last night.  I tried Target, Dick's Sporting, Sports Authority, and our local Super Stop and Shop.  All had head bands, but NOT adjustable.  The last box store I tried was Home Depot.  Success!  

It was in the Velcro section that provided quite a few options.  Most had the sticky side Velcro, but one package was classified as a 'strap' to be used to keep bundles together.  GREAT.  The package contained 2 strap units.  Each one could fit around the head with the mask on with the strap looping back to be locked in for adjustments.  Its a little wide, but okay for my usage.  Cost only $6.99.

After putting on the mask, I used the Velcro strap around the top part and adjusted it just right to stop the leak.  My BPAP setting is on the high side 24/14, so I need a good seal.  All other masks had to be so tight that it was not acceptable.  However this FitLife is just great.  When I used the old machine at 14/9, no leaks.  So this little trick is only needed when the pressure settings are on the high side.

The FitLife comes in two sizes, I use the larger unit because 'am 225lbs at 5'11".  After trying many masks over the past 10 years, this is the first one that I believe I will stick with.  "Try it, you'll like it"
 


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Good - Better - Best
Dont let it rest
Unitil your good is better
and your better is BEST!

I found velcro in strips or roll, both sides "clingy" or just one side "clingy", at a Hobby Lobby store (arts and crafts store). The roll was in the $6-$7 range but the strips of various lengths were cheaper. There were at least two different widths to choose from. I don't remember if there were more width choices or not. Once I found what I wanted I didn't look over the other choices.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity mask, ResScan 3.7, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

Hello, new to the forum, wondered if anyone had a fitlife they did not like, and maybe wanted to sell. I would really like to try this mask, but dont want to shell out top dolar for a new one if it dosent work. have no ins. so all my equipment is out of pocket. will need a large. thanks.
Derek