Mask Choices
Hi all, I am a new CPAP user as of a couple of weeks ago. Currently I am trying out mask number three. A Fisher&Paykel Zest nasal mask...size petite XS. So far the leakage has been mild but I am having to use gel pads for the bridge of my nose. Wondering if anybody else out there has a pressure rate of 18? I'm thinking that is where most of my trouble lies...that and the fact that I apparently have a tiny face  . Thanks for any help...
RE: Mask Choices
Hi KatNapZzz,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Don't be shy about trying different masks 'til, you find the one that works for you; some people have to try many of them.
Hang in there for more suggestions and best of luck with your CPAP therapy and finding the right mask.
trish6hundred
RE: Mask Choices
(03-17-2014, 09:52 AM)KatNapZzz Wrote: Hi all, I am a new CPAP user as of a couple of weeks ago. Currently I am trying out mask number three. A Fisher&Paykel Zest nasal mask...size petite XS. So far the leakage has been mild but I am having to use gel pads for the bridge of my nose. Wondering if anybody else out there has a pressure rate of 18? I'm thinking that is where most of my trouble lies...that and the fact that I apparently have a tiny face . Thanks for any help...
If the leaks are mild, the mask is handling the pressure fine. As to whether or not the pressure is too high, that's more of a function of what is needed to control your apnea events. So monitor your results and discuss this with your sleep docs.
As far as changing masks are concerned: I'm a big believer in giving your mask a little time. It takes awhile to establish a relationship with a little give and take sometimes needed. In the end, if you find you are just not compatible, then yes, move on. But I'm not one to just pick up any old mask that comes down the street.
RE: Mask Choices
(03-17-2014, 09:52 AM)KatNapZzz Wrote: Hi all, I am a new CPAP user as of a couple of weeks ago. Currently I am trying out mask number three. A Fisher&Paykel Zest nasal mask...size petite XS. So far the leakage has been mild but I am having to use gel pads for the bridge of my nose. Wondering if anybody else out there has a pressure rate of 18? I'm thinking that is where most of my trouble lies...that and the fact that I apparently have a tiny face . Thanks for any help...
I have used the large Zest nasal mask and my pressure was 20. I had no trouble with the mask leaking but could not keep my mouth from leaking even with a chin strap. I did not have any problem with the bridge of my nose but from what I have seen and read it might be better if you used a larger mask that hits your nose higher (more up toward your eyes). I think that the mask size may be more a function of the size of ones nose and the smaller the mask the easier it should be to get a good seal at a given pressure since there is less force trying to push the mask away from your face.
Best regards,
PaytonA
RE: Mask Choices
(03-17-2014, 11:53 AM)PaytonA Wrote: I did not have any problem with the bridge of my nose but from what I have seen and read it might be better if you used a larger mask that hits your nose higher (more up toward your eyes). I think that the mask size may be more a function of the size of ones nose and the smaller the mask the easier it should be to get a good seal at a given pressure since there is less force trying to push the mask away from your face.
People with high bridges (bump at the top of their nose), seem to have this challenge...
(1) Get a large mask to accommodate one's higher bridge.
- vs.-
(2) Get a more-appropriate smaller mask to get a better seal.
Is their any full-face mask that can accommodate nose bridges through design or adjustment?
Somewhat related is the problem of us mouth-breathers. I never hear of full-face mask users using chin straps. Mouth-breathers often can assigned a full-face mask to solve the problem but that can lead to mouth dryness (and maybe stomach air).
Are their any masks that specifically address mouth-breathers?
RE: Mask Choices
(03-17-2014, 09:52 AM)KatNapZzz Wrote: So far the leakage has been mild but I am having to use gel pads for the bridge of my nose. Whats the leak reported on the machine sleep report and Resscan (median, 95th percentile, maximum)
Do you get happy smiley face or red sad face in the morning
RE: Mask Choices
(03-17-2014, 10:36 AM)trish6hundred Wrote: Hi KatNapZzz,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Don't be shy about trying different masks 'til, you find the one that works for you; some people have to try many of them.
Hang in there for more suggestions and best of luck with your CPAP therapy and finding the right mask.
Thanks for the welcome!
RE: Mask Choices
(03-17-2014, 01:42 PM)zonk Wrote: (03-17-2014, 09:52 AM)KatNapZzz Wrote: So far the leakage has been mild but I am having to use gel pads for the bridge of my nose. Whats the leak reported on the machine sleep report and Resscan (median, 95th percentile, maximum)
Do you get happy smiley face or red sad face in the morning
Honestly, never get the chance to notice any face in the morning. I just reach over, push the off button, and unmask! My 95th percentile was something like 38.4, I think max was like 164 or something in that range. I'll take notice tomorrow morning. Thanks
03-17-2014, 02:16 PM
(This post was last modified: 03-17-2014, 02:18 PM by KatNapZzz.)
RE: Mask Choices
(03-17-2014, 11:53 AM)PaytonA Wrote: (03-17-2014, 09:52 AM)KatNapZzz Wrote: Hi all, I am a new CPAP user as of a couple of weeks ago. Currently I am trying out mask number three. A Fisher&Paykel Zest nasal mask...size petite XS. So far the leakage has been mild but I am having to use gel pads for the bridge of my nose. Wondering if anybody else out there has a pressure rate of 18? I'm thinking that is where most of my trouble lies...that and the fact that I apparently have a tiny face . Thanks for any help...
I have used the large Zest nasal mask and my pressure was 20. I had no trouble with the mask leaking but could not keep my mouth from leaking even with a chin strap. I did not have any problem with the bridge of my nose but from what I have seen and read it might be better if you used a larger mask that hits your nose higher (more up toward your eyes). I think that the mask size may be more a function of the size of ones nose and the smaller the mask the easier it should be to get a good seal at a given pressure since there is less force trying to push the mask away from your face.
Best regards,
PaytonA
Hi Payton,
I did try a small nasal mask from a different company but although it did reach higher on the bridge of my nose the bottom ends up sitting on top of my upper lip. And yup, I do have to use a dang chin strap. I think I miss the days of just jumping into bed  and going to sleep!
RE: Mask Choices
your leaks are not mild imho. They should be no more than 24L. FYI.
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