Hi newbie here

[HappyDaze]

I have had OSA for many years but have only just been diagnosed. I started with ResMed F10 medium full face mask. The hospital seems to do a one size fits all theory. I realise most OSA sufferers are men so I asked for a size small. This was too small. I then bought the female size F10. Fits better but still having to adjust the mask several times each night due to leakage.

I had my six weeks after appointment last week and they are changing me to an F&P Simplus. I've had to phone for a different hose though as it doesn't fit on my current machine. Is this a common thing having to change many masks till you find the right one? The only way I can stop leakage is to adjust the straps tighter and that gives me headaches and marks on my face.

[Kelly @ Intus]

Hi HappyDaze,

Thank you for your post, and welcome to the forum.

There are some masks that are one size fits most, such as the JoyceOne Full Face mask - https://www.cpap.co.uk/weinmann-joyc...cpap-mask.html

However other masks that come in different sizes, such as the Airfit F20 full face mask - https://www.cpap.co.uk/resmed-airfit...406-63407.html
If this is the case, we advise our customers to use the mask specific sizing guide, which is located on the mask product page, half way down the pages on the "Downloads" tab. Each mask has it's own sizing guide. You just need to download the one you need for the mask you have chosen. Print it out at 100%, and then follow the instructions on the guide to see which size you need. The better the fit on your face, the better the seal, the better the CPAP therapy results.

Other masks come with a "Fit pack", such as the Ascend Gel Full face mask Fit pack - https://www.cpap.co.uk/ascend-gel-fu...k-fitpack.html
The Fit Pack means that this masks comes with 3 different size cushions (small, Medium & large), so that you can try each size at home to see which one is the best fit for you.

If you are having issues with your mask, then I would suggest the following
1. Check you have the right size mask for your face.
2. Watch a fitting video to ensure you are wearing the mask, and adjusting it correctly
3. Adjust your mask whilst lying down rather than sitting up as your face is a different shape. We do not recommend making the mask fit as tightly as possible to get the best seal.
4. RemZzzs Mask Liners - These are a soft cotton fabric liner that creates a barrier, absorbs skin oils and reduces air leaks, as well as skin irritations and pressure marks. You can try a sample pack for £6.99 - https://www.cpap.co.uk/remzzzs-cpap-...sk-liners.html

The CPAP machine have a standard 6ft tube with a 22mm connector, so you can use any mask with any machine apart from the ResMed Airmini Travel machine, which only uses ResMed specific masks. If your new mask does not fit in your existing tube, then please check that there is not an old piece of your original mask stuck in the end of the tube. The best way to check this on a standard tube is to hold both ends next to each other. They should loo the same. If not, then remove the part that is different from the tube and try again to use your new mask with your existing tube.

Finding the right mask can take a little while, but it will be worth it when you find the right one. If you need any help with looking at masks or with the current mask you are using then please do let us know.

Kelly