Hello,

I am a new patient of Apnea.  So far my compliance dedication has been 100%.

My concern is regarding Full face Masks leaking and getting proper therapy while sleeping with Nasal Mask...
The problem,  I tested with a full face mask from sleep lab,  While having success there,  Lab recommended full face mask and I started to use what they suggested.  My H20 set is 13.

Since I have been using that Mirage Ultra FF, I recently developed a sore on the bridge of my nose due to me over tightning to stop leaks....I made certain my face and mask was clean every nite!!

Went back to the Med Supplier and tried on many other brands.......to find a leak free FF mask (No Luck).  They suggested that I try a nasal mask after my nose sore heals....So I left the store with a Resmed Activa Nasal Mask.

So after 3-days and today beeing day 4 of not using my machine, I am ready to start using my new Nasal mask with Chin strap this evening.

The big question is due to me beeing a mouth breather, Will I be getting proper therapy if I use a chin strap with the Activa mask?  I just received a Topaz chin strap and am ready to get back on my machine and get some sleep!!!!

How will I know if the chin strap is working and or that I am getting the proper therapy??  

Am I making a big mistake by switching from FF mask??

Any Help would be Great!!!


_________________
All The Best!

Bob

Hi Bob,
  Many of us are mouth breathers prior to starting cpap; jpart of our body's attempt to gasp for air.  If you have no nasal obstructions, or congestion, you may quickly go back to nasal breathing on cpap.
  If you have a nasal obstruction, see your ENT about correction
  If you have congestion, use heated humidification, and ask your doctor about a prescription for a nasal spray like flonase or rhinocort.
 
With any mask, including Full Face, wearing it too tight increases leaks.  Most have an adjustable forehead T peice.  If pressure point is near the eye, and leak at mouth. move the forhead peice closer to the forhead....
 
Adjust strap opposite the leak looser, instead of tighter near the leak.  For mouth leaks, try loosening the top strap...for eye leaks, try loosening the lower strap.

Support the weight of the hose, so it doesn't tug at and move the mask.  I use a velcro wrap/clip combo.  Others like a wall hook and elastic band to run the hose thru.  The hose is heavy and can cause leaks if unsupported.

If not a back sleeper, sleep with the mask suspended over a tall edge of a pillow to prevent mask contact and movement.

  The activa is a great sealing, comfortable mask, and IF worn loosely, to allow for inflation of the air chamber, should be very nice for you.

Some people find an ace bandage snugged around the head and even over the lips works better than the commercial chin straps.

To know if you are mouth breathing with a nasal only mask - your bedpartner will be happy to inform you...your mouth will feel dry...your heated humidifier chamber will empty rapidly....

I was a mouth breather without cpap, but don't with it.

Okie is right.  Your ResMed FF mask is adjustable.  The adjustment point is in between the forehead piece and the mask.  Push down on the button to tilt the angle of the mask.  Tilt it one notch so that the mask is closer to your chin and pressure is off the brigde of your nose.  You can't tighten this mask too tightly or the mask does not function properly.  The "billows" part which touches your face has to fill with air to seal.

Vicki


_________________
Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.
Marilyn Von Savant

That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

I also had a Resmed Ultra Mirage ff mask and had persistent leaks around my eyes.  I tried adjusting the straps, tighter,looser it didn't matter and I adjusted the the forehead rest.  I even tried both a medium and a large, started with a medium but it was definitely too small (there are sizing guides online, just put cpap mask in google) and did hurt my nose.  The large was better than the medium but it still leaked.   The good news is I just got a Fisher-Paykel Flexifit 431, last night.  It worked much better the seal is thicker and softer, and it comes with three seals (small, medium, and large) that you can change.  It acutally goes under you chin and the harness has an extra strap that goes over your head.  The harness also has a slide on it so when you move the mask tends to stay in place.  It is much more comfortable, and works better for me.  Of course everyone is different.  Just keep trying until you find something that works for you.  Good Luck!

SGN

I want to THANK ALL FOR YOUR HELP and guidance!

I AM GOING TO TRY THE nasal Activa with chin strap mask 1st in lieu of the FF Mirage to see if that works better!

The adjustments to the straps is very.......Helpfull...Knobody told me that!!!!!

If the Activa does not work and my mouth opens then I will have to go back to the FF Mask and or if I get a cold/flu etc.  I now
have the knowledge for proper adjustments!!

I will let you know how I do on the Actival Nasal mask and if I can shut my mouth (No Pun) LOL

Thanks again,


_________________
All The Best!

Bob

Forgot to mention that there are several FF masks out there.  Main ones made by ResMed (you have), Respironics and Fisher & Paykel (mine also).

Vicki


_________________
Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.
Marilyn Von Savant

That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Bob, if various kinds of chin straps don't get the job done for you, you might want to read up on what some of us (me!) turned to, to control mouth air leaks.  Works only if you can breathe easily through at least one nostril or the other all night, of course.  Tape.

Sep 15, 2005   subject: Time for the big Tape Arguement Join In discussions on the ASAA board

Sep 15 2005   subject: Time for the big Tape Arguement Join In discussions on the TalkAboutSleep board

Also, some have had success making an inexpensive "Do It Yourself" mouthguard to force the tongue to maintain a leakproof seal:

Topic started by frequenseeker Dec 01 2004   subject: mouth leak solution, cheap DIY oral appliance

Hello Rested Girl,

Intersting information on using Tape...May give it a try if no luck with chin strap.

Thanks for the links--

Happy New Year to All................!


Bob


_________________
All The Best!

Bob

Bob,

Congratulations on your 100% compliance! I know it's tough but you are doing great, keep at it!

If you have a sore on the bridge of your nose it may be one of three things:

1. You're tightening your headgear too tight.
2. You need a "shallow" cushion, which is great for people who have wider nose bridges or wider nostrils. You can get one of these through your DME.
3. You have the wrong size mask. Many DMEs will eyeball you and tell you what size mask you need - tell them to USE A TEMPLATE, they have them but don't use them because they think they know it all. OK, I'm getting off my soapbox now!

If you are a mouth-breather, the Ultra Mirage full face mask from ResMed is great. Fisher and Paykel make a full face mask that extends below the chin area for people who open their mouths wide during sleep.

Wash your mask once a week with warm water and baby shampoo. You can wash your hose out too. Make sure you change your filter every 4-6 months.

Good luck!