Mask Problems

[Vicky1978]

I have been using a CPAP machine for a couple of months now and am having real issues with my nasal mask. As I speak, my top lip is swollen and raw from where the mask has been rubbing it in my sleep and I generally wake up with tooth ache from where it presses on my front teeth. Respironics solved my nose bleed problem (I hope) by sending me a humidifier, but all they could suggest was maybe I was wearing my mask too tight. I can easily fit fingers under the straps when I am weraing it so I don't think that is it. I am seeing Dr Dawson tomorrow, so hopefully he will tell me I have been wearing it wrong! But, if not, any ideas?

[Tigers Fan]

Fingers under the straps or not, sounds like you are wearing it too tight. From your usual position, release straps 2mm at a time until you just start to get leaks then cinch in 2mm.

Nose bleeds and sore lips suggest the same.

The mask may be too small. It should sit on the bridge of your nose and the ridge under your bottom lip. Ask to try a mask a size larger while you are at the clinic.

Good luck - sounds like a painful start to PAPing!

TF

[Fredxx]

straps too tight does sound like the starting point to look at. Forget testing if you can get fingers under the strap, the important this is to get it as slack as possible whilst not leaking as Tiger says. Adjust it and check it in the position you sleep...your face is a different shape when you are standing / sitting up.

Also, is the bit that joins the mask to the forehead pads adjustable...if it is, you may have the mask tilted too much towards your top lip and away from the bridge of you nose.

[Vicky1978]

Thanks guys - I'll give that a try. My consultant has ordered me a different mask to try too - an optilife which has minimal face contact.I am a bit dubious about it being actually up my nose though! Does anyone have experience with this mask?

[Fredxx]

Masks are a very personal thing - something that works great for one person is lousy for another.

There are people who swear by the "up the nose" nasal pillows, and others who just swear at them.

The best way to go about it is to be optimistic that it will help you, that way you give it the best try. It is great you have a clinic that has different masks to try!

One final question about your current mask... did they use a fitting guide to get the right size or was it a case of "this is about right". It is important to get the right size to reduce leak problems.

[Vicky1978]

They used a fitting guide.

I fiddled with the mask a bit last night and found that adjusting the forehead rest height, I still got a good seal but the bottom of the mask was away from my lip a bit, and I woke up with it not quite as sore, so here's hoping.

[Berneta]

Too Tight

Hi--getting your fingers under the strap means nothing. I could tighten my nasal mask very tight, and still get my fingers under the straps--the result of which would be sores. The straps need to be just tight enough to keep the mask in place and stop air from leaking. Follow TF's advice on tightening your mask straps starting with them fairly loose. Sounds like a too tight mask to me too. Good Luck, Berneta