uncomfortable

[johnbryson]

I've been using cpap for about a month now. For the first few weeks I was waking up without it on, after having taking it off in my sleep. I find it very uncomfortable, It's digging into my face and leaving visible marks. It could be too tight, but if It's any looser it leaks badly...

[dravidio]

What mask are you using John? Getting the tension right is a tricky one in my experience. I have found that the more I can tolerate the mask - the tighter I have it! Most people suggest it as loose as possible without leaks.....

[johnbryson]

The mask I'm using is LMDCPAP12, full face,it's a medium. I'm the same with me the tighter the better for me, which is where the problems start waking up with marks on my nose and under the eyes but this the only way i can stop leeks.

[James @ Intus]

Hi John,

Welcome to the forums!

Regarding taking the mask off, please see what I just wrote to Gary here:

http://forums.cpap.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1037

Another good thread where mask fit is being discussed, and a clever new accessory, is here:

http://forums.cpap.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1035

The mask you mention though doesn't sound familiar. Did you get it from the sleep clinic? I wonder whether it's of the usual high quality like the major brands like ResMed, Respironics, Fisher & Paykel etc. The mask is the most important part of the therapy so if it doesn't work out, ask firmly for a new ask, or consider getting one yourself if they don't have other models.

[johnbryson]

Sorry my mistake it's a resmed, had to go home to check..

[James @ Intus]

If you breathe through your nose, you can ask them for a nasal pillow type mask, sometimes called a direct interface. They just touch the nostrils and that's it. They tend to be more comfortable but of course you have to be able to breathe through your nose.

[johnbryson]

I breathe through my nose and mouth, hence the full face mask,

[James @ Intus]

As per the other thread, a chin strap could enable you to move from a harder to fit Full Face to an easier to fit nasal only mask, so that's one option.

Otherwise, a Gel full face mask like the Joyce or Mojo also tend to be easier to fit.

If it's a ResMed Mirage Quattro or Ultra Mirage you have, you can try the RemZzzs. They help improve fit and comfort a lot too.

So there's a few options but it's always hard to predict what works best for someone. CPAP has an inevitable element of trial and error unfortunately.