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+--- Thread: Comfortable adjustment with Evora FFM (/Thread-Comfortable-adjustment-with-Evora-FFM)
Comfortable adjustment with Evora FFM - Columbiabill - 12-15-2023
I have read just about every post on adjusting the straps on a mask; to include one that wrote close to romantic love story on how to fine tune a mask. I have found that if I adjust for comfort I end up with a 95% leak rate of 27. If I adjust the straps to prevent leaks to keep them below 10, the mask is a little too tight for my liking. I do wear my mask under a Knightsbridge Chin Strap to prevent severe jaw drop. I have been tempted to take my 3-4mm beard down to a goatee to see if less facial hair would make a difference, but from what I have read that doesn't seem to be a major issue for most. Most of my leaks take place when my head drops forward to the right or left on my pillow. I think some call this chin tuck. I only know this if the leak occasionally wakes me up. Also if I run a mask fit with my AS10, in the positions where I get leaks, I can never replicate the leak. That is frustrating.
Most of the suggestions are to not wear the mask too tight; it isn't designed to be worn tight. Part of me thinks, screw the leaks, I am sleeping great so who cares, but then I see posts that state if you don't adjust for leaks you are not allowing your machine to work the way that it should.
Also for the record I have tried nasal masks, nasal cushions, nasal pillows etc and I end up with severe mouth leaks and dry mouth. Taping does not work for me as well. My jaw just wants to drop while sleeping.
I am open to suggestions on how to get the mask adjusted correctly.
One other thing that I have found is that most of the mask adjustment suggestions that I receive state that the straps should be even, but are our faces not symmetrical; right Just curious. TIA everyone.
RE: Comfortable adjustment with Evora FFM - PeaceLoveAndPizza - 12-15-2023
I use the same mask and have a fairly big beard. I do trim where the mask sits on my face, but leave the rest long. Think Van Dyke with a full beard. For me the straps are loose at the top of my head, a bit tighter on the middle strap, and a bit tighter still on the bottom. That works for me.
You are wearing a chinstrap under the mask? Interesting. A cervical collar seems like a better choice as it would not interfere with the mask or straps. Plenty out there to choose from these days. I use a soft one from Caldera, others like firmer ones from Velpeau or Nimood, all available from Amazon.
RE: Comfortable adjustment with Evora FFM - Columbiabill - 12-15-2023
I wear my mask under the KB strap which is more like a cap with straps. It is something that the LankyLefty has touted since it pulls up on your jaw and not back. I have yet to try a cervical collar but would prefer a soft one so thank you for the brand. I’ll get one off of Amazon.
I do have the strap over the top of the head loose, the upper straps by my nose are loose and like yourself the lower ones are tighter.
Maybe the collar will be the ticket to preventing “chin tuck” which is where I tend to get the leaks but can’t replicate them during a fitting.
RE: Comfortable adjustment with Evora FFM - SarcasticDave94 - 12-15-2023
Possibly the combo of chin tuck and mask leaks is due to what will happen with pressure. The chin tuck causes the CPAP to increase pressure to remove the blockage. It can't. The increased pressure is beyond the level you've adjusted the mask for, so voila leaks.
If this is true, the soft cervical collar will give a good bit of positive help. Chin tuck is controlled, leaks go down, better sleep. Bonus maybe you don't need to tighten mask as much.