Upcoming Full face mask fitting at DME provider, facial shape considerations

[Rgn3]

I would appreciate input prior to my doing a full face mask fitting at my DME provider.
Background: My initial face mask was the Mirage FX nasal mask, but I used the Mirage FX with a chin strap due to mouth breathing. I did experience some TMJ discomfort, and my CPAP physician recommended going to a full face mask. So, I have been trying the Dreamwear full face mask but continue to experience mask leakage despite using different size Dreamwear masks and frames.  I have a narrow face with a large nose and tendency for my mandible to recede during sleep. The Mirage FX did result in moderate pressure on my nasal bridge.
Question: Based on my facial features are their certain full face masks that are likely to fit me better and I be sure to trial? Or should I just go by the initial “feel” of the masks that the DME provider shows me? (Presumably, in the future 3D scanning will help with the process).

[Crimson Nape]

You may wish to look into the F&P Viteria. It's an FFM that employs a roll fit seal, using the air pressure to aid in maintaining the seal.

[SarcasticDave94]

I'll ditto the Vitera. I was introduced to this model during a sleep study last year and it's become my go-to instantly. It's a light mask surprisingly so despite being full face. Go light on the strap tension and you'll be rewarded with very low leaks and high comfort. And it's repeatable each night. RollFit is more than gimmick, it works.

[Rgn3]

You may wish to look into the F&P Viteria. It's an FFM that employs a roll fit sea

I'll ditto the Vitera.. RollFit is more than gimmick, it works.

Thanks. I watched a video of the mask and will give it a try. The RollFit should prevent pressure on my nasal bridge.

[SarcasticDave94]

Yes it may help. If you get one of these, wear the Vitera lower on the nasal bridge and towards the chin than just below your lips.

[hegel]

I'm intrigued. I use an Airfit f30 and like to be able to scratch my nose. But leaks have become a problem--not terrible but an issue. Looks like I'd take a large according to their sizing guide. I wonder if I'll get used to a true full face mask. I'm working back from nasal pillows--too many leaks!

[cathyf]

... I have a narrow face with a large nose and tendency for my mandible to recede during sleep. The Mirage FX did result in moderate pressure on my nasal bridge.
Question: Based on my facial features are their certain full face masks that are likely to fit me better and I be sure to trial? Or should I just go by the initial “feel” of the masks that the DME provider shows me? (Presumably, in the future 3D scanning will help with the process).

Hey we might be twins separated at birth!

I've always worn an FFM, and fit is a real challenge for people my size/shape (which sounds like your size/shape, too.)

I've worn
-- an F10 (wore a nasty pressure sore on the bridge of my nose)
-- an Amara View (I LOVE the style and it would have been really nice if the damn thing actually fit)
-- a dreamwear (fits better than the Amara View)
-- an F30 (which fits best of all the ones I've tried so far, but I didn't realize that the F30i -- hose on top option -- existed until recently and I need to wait another 5 months before insurance will pay for a new mask)

I will warn you that I've had really bad luck with RTs who don't seem to understand the concept that different people have different shapes to their faces. They seem to think that there are "good masks" and "bad masks" and don't seem to get that any particular mask will work differently on people with different shapes to their faces.

I also did a full face mask fitting with an RT who insisted that I had to put the mask on and not touch it! You know the move where you power on the machine and pull the mask out and let it "settle" onto your face once it comes up to pressure? The move we all do automatically every time? Yeah, she kept freaking out and scolding me. It's the weirdest thing about sleep medicine -- my experience has been that the "experts" we've been saddled with keep saying things and doing things which make it really obvious that they don't understand the concept that we use CPAP when we are asleep!

So good luck -- and go into the fitting knowing that you will probably have to ignore the "advice" you get and have to focus on the masks themselves and using them yourself.

[Rgn3]

Hey we might be twins separated at birth!

I've always worn an FFM, and fit is a real challenge for people my size/shape (which sounds like your size/shape, too.)

I've worn
-- an F10 (wore a nasty pressure sore on the bridge of my nose)
-- an Amara View (I LOVE the style and it would have been really nice if the damn thing actually fit)
-- a dreamwear (fits better than the Amara View)
-- an F30 (which fits best of all the ones I've tried so far, but I didn't realize that the F30i -- hose on top option -- existed until recently and I need to wait another 5 months before insurance will pay for a new mask)

So good luck -- and go into the fitting knowing that you will probably have to ignore the "advice" you get and have to focus on the masks themselves and using them yourself.

Thanks for your comments. Interesting that your facial configuration does better with the F30 than the Dreamwear. Apparently the F30 mask is more curved than the Dreamwear so it should be a better fit for a narrow face. I do like the top of head tubing attachment so I will check out the F30i.

[hegel]

MyAir web site shows my leak per minute rate as often being at 15 or above. They score this as being just fine. Is it? Seems a bit high. For a long time my leak rate was consistently much lower. Maybe nothing to worry about?

p.s. I went to buy an SD card so I could begin using Oscar and realized that I wasn't sure about the size for my machine. Are sd cards all standard sized?

[SarcasticDave94]

A leak rate of 15 on ResMed? You are approaching the 24 redline so if me I'd get to work on reducing it.