Face mask seal adjust mask

[Want to sleep]

Good morning thanks for letting me join the site and forum it is very much appreciated.

Ive recently been diagnosed with sleep apnoea around 3 months ago, im using the full face mask and like most it took a while to get used to but ive managed to get used to it ok now.

I will let you know im a male of 59 with stubble sometimes a light beard i say light as not like santa clause i also have a top denture that i remove at night and i wear glasses during the day, ive informed you of this as this may have a bearing on whats happening below.

So i hear you saying then why are you here.

Well the last few weeks ive been having issues with air leakage, to the point my scores have gone down from a constant 100 to around 80 or less.

Ive tried adjustments to the tightness and thats not worked ive tried it many times to the point the mask is very tight to my face especially my nose,

My nose is a big nose and the top bridge has now become very sore im currently putting cream on during the day making sure I wash it completely off for the mask at night but still having seal issues.

Ive tried cloth things you can buy to go over the mask between the mask and face but unfortunately that did not work.

Ive just literally ordered another replacement mask and that should arrive hopefully soon.

Is this a common thing to happen and am i missing something here in the sense the masks do they only work for a certain time or is it something else.

Your help and suggestions is good to hear and i thank you for them

[Kelly @ Intus]

Good Afternoon,

Thank you for your post.

When you say you use a full-face mask, is this the standard full-face mask that goes over your nose and mouth?

If your mask is not performing as well as it did at the start of your CPAP therapy, then I would ask you to look at the cushion (the soft part that sits on your face) and headgear to see if there is any wear and tear that may affect it. The masks have a manufacturer's warranty of 90 days. Anything past this will need to be replaced if there is an issue. So you could try a replacement cushion to see if this resolves the issue.

Do you have the correct mask size for your face? Have you used a sizing guide to check this? If you wear a standard full-face mask that covers your nose and mouth, then this should sit on the bridge of your nose where your glasses would sit, and the bottom part would sit in the dip between your lower lip and chin.
If the mask is causing damage to your nose, then I can suggest you try a hybrid full face mask. This is still a full face mask, but one that sits over your mouth but under your nose. This would give your nose a break and time to heal. This type of mask works better for side sleepers, or people who are active in their sleep. Here is a link to the range of hybrid masks that we sell - https://www.cpap.co.uk/cpap-products...al-cpap-masks/

Any of these masks would be suitable for you to try. If you are unsure, then you can opt for the BMC F6 Full Face Mask – Fit pack. This comes with 3 different size cushions for you to try, so you do not need to measure your face beforehand. This is also a risk-free mask. This means you have up to 28 days to try this mask at home. Should it be unsuitable for any reason, then you can return it for a refund of the mask price.

Alternatively, you can try a gel standard full face mask - https://www.cpap.co.uk/?s=gel+full+f...ct&dgwt_wcas=1
The cushion is made of gel rather than silicone and is cooler and softer on your face. If you look at the Ascend Gel Full Face CPAP Mask – FitPack, this again comes with the 3 different size cushions and is risk-free.

Do you want to have a look at the above links and let me know if you have any questions.

Kelly

[Want to sleep]

Good Morning Kelly

Apologies i was not aware of your reply until i checked back on my post.

Many thanks for your detailed response.

Yes its the mask airfit F20 size L it was given to me by the sleep clinic place i attended at the hospital along with all the other parts that go with it.

The hospital measured me up.

I was unaware the mask has a 90 day warranty, and thats most likely my issue then as mine is over that.

I will order another mask and see how i get on, my mask replacement part is a AIRFIT F20 size L

im getting good results with the equipment i was supplied by the hospital until recently so will stick with that for now and see if a replacement mask improves things.

Many thanks

[Want to sleep]

Ps
ive pressed the subscribe button now so should get a notification lol

Thankyou

[Kelly @ Intus]

Good Morning,

You are more than welcome.

Please do let me know how you get on with the replacement mask.

If you ever get stuck or need any help and the NHS is not available, then please do call our customer service number, and our team will help you: 0800 024 8050.

Kelly