So why has it suddenly started to hurt?

[Tigers Fan]

The Mirage Ultra Full Face mask has not given me any trouble for nearly four months - since I started using it and APAP therapy - till the last few nights. Suddenly, it has started to leave pressure marks across the bridge of my nose and tapering lines across my cheeks. The marks disappear after a couple of hours and I've not broken the skin. But why?

I've adjusted the straps, the forehead rest angle, the strap tensions and it fits perfectly. In fact, the shape of the mask makes contact with the bridge of my nose seem impossible, with a large clearance. When I fall asleep, all is normal and as it has been. When I wake up, I have pressure marks - no leaks, low AHI, everything seemingly normal - but I have pressure marks.

Trying to replicate the effect in front of the mirror only confirms that the mask cannot put pressure on my nose - but it does! I tried the equivalent of pushing my face into the pillow with a sack of spuds on the back of my head - and only got the marks on my cheeks. Wearing the mask high and low on my face - no nose marks. The only way I could get nose marks was by setting the forehead support incorrectly. But it isn't set incorrectly when I wake up!

It occurs to me that this has been happening since I kicked Doris out of bed but as she is only a bolster pillow, that has to be coincidence. Doesn't it?

Does anyone know of other adjustments I could make?

Tigers Fan

[leswaller]

Funnily enough I have also recently encountered the same problem with my quattro mask. I had put it down to the fact that I am burying my head in the pillow to stay warm now the nights are getting colder, but maybe not ??
You dont think it is anything to do with our heated hosepipes do you

[Tigers Fan]

Late breakfast

Hey! Les

I didn't take my heated hose to Vienna because of the transformer weight, so I used a standard hose with an Intus sleeve. The first night I didn't get the pressure marks but the second night was the worst for them I've experienced - delayed going down for breakfast while they subsided!

I am greatly perplexed by this problem. It's not due to changing face shape for me - I've been at this weight going up - without mask discomfort - as well as coming back down - with discomfort. Are you continuing to lose weight?

Doris is too inert to be considered - but something has to be causing it! Probably a minor tweak of the strap, maybe putting the other one back on, who knows?

Tigers Fan

[leswaller]

Still losing weight slowly have now lost over 19lbs. My face shape has changed but I have tried with two different sizes of quattro and the marks have reappeared with both sizes. I still think it is something to do with room temperature

[Tigers Fan]

You could be right!

I slept in this morning so the bedroom was fully up to temperature when I awoke - on my back (does this signal the need of Doris' return?) and guess what? - no marks on my face or nose. Mind, there weren't any marks at 3 am either, when room temps were lower.

I put the mask on last night and a 3 am in a lower than normal position on my face, say 15 mm lower on my chin. This made it easier to mouth breathe than through my nostrils - or more difficult, though far from impossible, to breathe through my nostrils, which is what I want.

I'll try that again tonight and see if I get the same result.

Tigers Fan

[Tigers Fan]

When is the right time?

A question for James and old hands using full face masks - how does one decide when the time has come to replace the mask silicon interface?

Mine is now four months old, is still clear and does not have mechanical damage. It seals well enough though I suspect the straps are a tad tighter now than in the summer.

I seem to remember reading that the silicon should be replaced every 'x' months, probably advice by the manufacturers.

Tigers Fan

[James @ Intus]

Manufacturers (and retailers) obviously would like you to replace it every 6 months but a rule of thumb doesn't seem appropriate when it varies so much per person and per make and model.

The other day someone rang us who wanted to replace his F&P mask which he got from the hospital in 2002, it started to wear out a little!

The main issue with the silicone is skin oils and the owner's maintenance regime. A well maintained mask usually lasts around 18 months yet in case of sub-optimal cleaning combined with someone's sometime very toxic skin excrements they can break down in a matter of months.

If you can't see any problems, they tend to be just fine.

The straps can change rigidness when washed so they do need continuous adjustment over time.

It would be a lot easier of the answer indeed was "replace every 12 months" but that would cause one group to use worn out masks too long and waste another group's money!