Hybrid Full Face Mask

[joeandhelen]

HI Guys!

After testing various masks, I have settled with a Mirage Liberty Hybrid Full Face mask (That's the one where the mask only covers the mouth and has nasal pillows for the nostrils), which seems to do the trick though it is somewhat inconsistent. The slightest movement causes leakage at the sides of the mouth mask. I believe that face mask comforts would solve this problem and allow me to grow my 'trendy' beard again. I cannot find face comforts for this mask. I have looked on eu-pap and other online stores but nothing but for nasal masks and full-face masks. Anyone point me in the right direction?

The second point is that my nasal pillows start out fitting with no leaks but I often waken with Hurricane Katrina blowing up my face from one of the pillows slipping out of my nostril. I have tried different sizes of pillows and sticky plaster as well as adjusting my mask. I know that too tight causes more problems. Again any ideas?

An example of the inconsistency, is that today despite waking up this morning the hurricane was blowing, I feel awake. Yesterday, I was falling asleep at the drop of a hat and I awoke without it blowing to the wind. I have chronic pain and when exhausted it is increased ten-fold.

I know, and have stated on this wonderful forum before, that leaks from this type of mask happen and do not cause too many problems (This follows my APAP readings), but after two weeks with this mask it is too inconsistant. Again, my friends, do you have any answers?

Many thanks,

JoeCool

[threewheelweave]

No Beards?

Hi & welcome to the weird and wonderful CPAP world!

I have used this type of mask for almost nine months

To help you - here are some pointers

a) If I get more than about three days beard growth - seal problems / leaks
b) The nasal pillows seal better if you wet them before use (saliva)
c) Face mask comforts can make leaks worse
d) If you find the side seal leaks a smear of vasaline on the outer seal helps
e) A ramp pillow helps me lie on my side without moving the mask
f) Tighter straps equals more problems than less - as a rule you should be able to squeeze your finger under the seal to make it leak - any tighter and the twin seal doesn't work as it should - the air inflates it
g) Don't let the mask get too close to your nose - pull it down on to the front of your chin - it allows the nasal pillows to concertina as they should

Hope this is of assistance - refer to other posts using the search engine

Cheers

TWW
UK

[joeandhelen]

Hi & welcome to the weird and wonderful CPAP world!

I have used this type of mask for almost nine months

To help you - here are some pointers

a) If I get more than about three days beard growth - seal problems / leaks
b) The nasal pillows seal better if you wet them before use (saliva)
c) Face mask comforts can make leaks worse
d) If you find the side seal leaks a smear of vasaline on the outer seal helps
e) A ramp pillow helps me lie on my side without moving the mask
f) Tighter straps equals more problems than less - as a rule you should be able to squeeze your finger under the seal to make it leak - any tighter and the twin seal doesn't work as it should - the air inflates it
g) Don't let the mask get too close to your nose - pull it down on to the front of your chin - it allows the nasal pillows to concertina as they should

Hope this is of assistance - refer to other posts using the search engine

Cheers

TWW
UK

Thanks TWW!
That is all good advice and I'll give it a go my friend. Due to serious chronic back problem, (my neighbour reckons if I was a horse I would've been put down ages ago, bless him!), my bed electronically ellevates and is like having a ramp pillow, so I can try that. I am determined that this or some CPAP combination will work as it's early days. Since I posted my message, my APNEA nurse looked at trying to get a full-face 'gel' mask but the consultant said they had stopped supplying these as they often leaked and patients tended not to like them. I'll follow your advice and should know very quickly if I'm getting better results. I'll also see what my consultant advises as he is mulling over it.
Again thanks a lot,
You're a star!
JoeCool (With stubble and shaving tonight!)

[James @ Intus]

Hi Joe,

Indeed, there are no RemZzzs mask liners for this (yet). They are expanding the range but I've not heard about this one yet.

Mask leaks happen with all masks, rarely do we see stats where people get no leaks at all. Probably never actually. It's a matter of managing those lake rates. I don't remember which machine you have, but most Auto-CPAPs report on leak rates. The SleepCube for example reports on "excessive leak rates" and if you're around 3% ish, you're doing well.

As you've probably worked out, is you sit dead still, the mask won't leak. But if you move it will. It would help if you can work out whether it dislodges because the mask pulls on it or whether it digs in your pillow. Things like the Hose Lift can help with the former case, the special pillows (the ones where you put your head on) can assist with the latter.

Like a full face mask, those hybrid ones are bulky so they can get interference from the pillow of you sleep on your side. Pure nasal pillow masks, without the mouth bit, tend to offer a better fit to side sleepers.

Do you know your predominant sleep position?

PS great tips TWW, thanks a lot for sharing those pearls of wisdom.

[joeandhelen]

Hi Joe,

Indeed, there are no RemZzzs mask liners for this (yet). They are expanding the range but I've not heard about this one yet.

Mask leaks happen with all masks, rarely do we see stats where people get no leaks at all. Probably never actually. It's a matter of managing those lake rates. I don't remember which machine you have, but most Auto-CPAPs report on leak rates. The SleepCube for example reports on "excessive leak rates" and if you're around 3% ish, you're doing well.

As you've probably worked out, is you sit dead still, the mask won't leak. But if you move it will. It would help if you can work out whether it dislodges because the mask pulls on it or whether it digs in your pillow. Things like the Hose Lift can help with the former case, the special pillows (the ones where you put your head on) can assist with the latter.

Like a full face mask, those hybrid ones are bulky so they can get interference from the pillow of you sleep on your side. Pure nasal pillow masks, without the mouth bit, tend to offer a better fit to side sleepers.

Do you know your predominant sleep position?

PS great tips TWW, thanks a lot for sharing those pearls of wisdom.

Thanks James,
I do sleep on my side but had a trial with the nasal pillows however they just kept slipping out and then when nostrils blocked (Sinus problems), I would unconsciously just breath through my mouth despite normally breathing through my nose during the day. I am aware that there will be leaks but the pillows just slip out. Sorry TWW I did lower the mouth mask down to allow the concertina of the pillows to keep them in place but I was again awoken a few times during the early hours with one of the pillows blowing forcefully into my eye. My chronic pain then makes it difficult to get back to sleep. I'm determined to keep at it but having two serious chronic ailments at once very much complicates things. I have looked at the hose lift James and will probaly purchase it but hope to settle on a definite mask combination first.
Thanks again to both of you. I'll get there in the end as I have experienced a few full nights before my nose cut with the nasal mask. That experience was awesome!
Cheers,
JoeCool

[joeandhelen]

Hi James,
I have replied in full to you sound advice (It's in the system), but forgot to remind you my mask is-
The Mirage Liberty Hybrid Full Face mask (That's the one where the mask only covers the mouth and has nasal pillows for the nostrils)
Thanks
JoeCool

[threewheelweave]

Options?

Hi JoeCool

You may want to consider a Resmed Nasal only mask preferably with a chin strap to stop your mouth falling open when you nod off. That may be the solution. Personally as I wear glasses and am as blind as a bat without them the hybrid allows me to keep my glasses on while reading before sleep with the mask feeding me air until I want to roll over and turn the lights out.

If you don't wear glasses the Resmed Mirage Nasal mask may be the best way forward

Keep us posted

Cheers

TWW
UK

[Jimprn]

Hybrid Help

joeandhelen,

I have been using the Mirage Liberty for a little over a year and suffered half that time with similar nasal pillow issues. I discovered this little bit of advice and it has helped me tremendously!! Get a small rubber band and place it around the nasal pillows. It should be only slightly loose around the pillows when not wearing the mask. When the mask is applied, minimal tension from the rubber band seems to keep the pillows from moving and slipping about. I almost never awaken with the air blowing in my eyes!! That's not to say it is 100% effective but, it's a HUGE improvement. Hope this helps.

Jim

[joeandhelen]

joeandhelen,

I have been using the Mirage Liberty for a little over a year and suffered half that time with similar nasal pillow issues. I discovered this little bit of advice and it has helped me tremendously!! Get a small rubber band and place it around the nasal pillows. It should be only slightly loose around the pillows when not wearing the mask. When the mask is applied, minimal tension from the rubber band seems to keep the pillows from moving and slipping about. I almost never awaken with the air blowing in my eyes!! That's not to say it is 100% effective but, it's a HUGE improvement. Hope this helps.

Jim

All excellent advice indeed, Thanks Jim, the elastic band idea seems so simple and may work well. (Thought of trying that on Dragon's den?). My sleep service nurse, has given me a full-face quattro mask and let me keep my hybrid liberty one also. (What a star man he is!). The hybrid works well and incidentally, unlike the nasal mask, which cut the bridge of my nose, rests above the bridge and has a much larger and softer cushion. It works well and doesn't cut into the bridge of my nose. So this full-face mask is different to nasal masks and shouldn't be ruled out if 'nose-friction' is a problem! I really appreciate all your wonderful advice chaps! I have also invested in the 'hose holding device'. Will let you know if that helps when sleeping in different positions.
Cheers,
JoeCool