best high pressure mask for no leaks

[JerryG]

This is a several months old post, but I wanted to pass on info I recently learned that helped me end my leaking, squealing mask situation. I use a Resmed Mirage FX nasal mask at 11-15 cm pressure. For me, it is an excellent mask in most ways.  But It often woke me with horrible squealing -- about as loud as a clarinet.  

The cure was to replace the mask-cushion on a very short schedule, even if I can't see anything wrong with it.  Despite proper daily cleaning, the mask-cushion degrades in a way that is not easily seen.  It's mechanical properties change, and it becomes a "screamer."  Tightening the headset straps is not a cure.  That just shortens the life of the headset. I read all this in an online Resmed paper (sorry, I don't have a link).  It said to replace the mask cushion up to twice a month.  I also learned that medicare reimburses for up to 2 nasal mask-cushions per month. 

I was able to convince my DME to send me 6 cushions every three months.  A copy of Medicare's recommended replacement schedule helped.   

I'm on my fourth mask so far with nary a single squeal in the last almost-2 months.   My wife thanked me for losing the clarinet.

[Sleeprider]

Thanks for the follow-up Jerry. I also replace nasal cushions frequently and have insurance that makes that essentially free. Unfortunately many members don't have the financial resources to make that possible due to poor coverage or high copay.

[DaveL]

This is a several months old post, but I wanted to pass on info I recently learned that helped me end my leaking, squealing mask situation. I use a Resmed Mirage FX nasal mask at 11-15 cm pressure. For me, it is an excellent mask in most ways.  But It often woke me with horrible squealing -- about as loud as a clarinet.  

The cure was to replace the mask-cushion on a very short schedule, even if I can't see anything wrong with it.  Despite proper daily cleaning, the mask-cushion degrades in a way that is not easily seen.  It's mechanical properties change, and it becomes a "screamer."  Tightening the headset straps is not a cure.  That just shortens the life of the headset. I read all this in an online Resmed paper (sorry, I don't have a link).  It said to replace the mask cushion up to twice a month.  I also learned that medicare reimburses for up to 2 nasal mask-cushions per month. 

I was able to convince my DME to send me 6 cushions every three months.  A copy of Medicare's recommended replacement schedule helped.   

I'm on my fourth mask so far with nary a single squeal in the last almost-2 months.   My wife thanked me for losing the clarinet.

This is wonderful information.

I had similar findings with a ResMed N20 mask.

I replaced my mask with an identical mask after about 7 months of use. My old mask looked fine.
the mask insert looked fine. So did the headgear.

The new mask worked wonders. Numbers were where I wanted them to be.

on examination, the texture of the insert was different than the new one. the head gear of the old one was stretched--a lot!

my conclusion.  I have to replace my masks more often than I used to.  Observation? new masks are better than they used to be. But they don't last me as long.