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Machine: Resmed AirSense 10 Mask Type: Full face mask Mask Make & Model: ResMed Airfit 20 Humidifier: Built in CPAP Pressure: 8.0-14.0 CPAP Software: OSCAR
myAir
I've just been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea at and average of 93 events per hour. My oxygen dropped to 54% during the sleep test so they started me on a cpap half way through the test. My oxygen went back up to 91% after that. I have been given a Resmed machine and decided on a full face mask since I am a mouth breather. I'm having an awful time trying to get the mask to stop leaking air out the sides. Does anyone have any tips for me? I have a beard.
You are tucking your chin (most likely). Note clusters of obstructive events in all 3 of your days, that is the tell. You might be able to resolve this with pillow modifications, think flar/thinner, less firm, one vs two pillows etc. If that doesn't work then a cervical collar (see the link in my signature.)
Gideon - Project Manager Emeritus for OSCAR - Open Source CPAP Analysis Reporter
I, too, have a beard. I tried and tried to use a full facemask but couldn't control the leak rate.
I tried Gideon's suggestions of a flatter pillow and a thin cervical collar (short neck) and found that moving side-to-side (restless sleeper) and tilting my chin down introduced unacceptable leaks.
I switched to a nasal mask (ResMed Mirage Activa LT with the knob adjustment) and achieved acceptable results. My trade-off mask is a Phillips Dreamwear which works great when the beard grows a little too bushy.
Best of luck on the mask derby.
"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius
Gideon himself has a large beard and ended up with the Resmed Airfit P10 nasal pillows. I'm surprised he missed your comment about the leaks with a beard. I always enjoy his experience in that area.
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