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Need FFM recommendations
I know we've gone over this subject before, but I'm too nervous this morning to go through the discussions searching for the info.
I've been using a Mirage Quattro FFM since I started CPAP nearly two years ago. I like the mask, except that I have fought the whole time with irritation on the bridge of my nose. It's to the point now that I had to get permission from the Doctor to not use the mask for a few days until the open places heal.
I have tried a MoJo gel mask and didn't like that at all.
Does anyone have a suggestion for a FFM that doesn't dig into, or put too much pressure on the bridge of the nose?
I am doing, or have tried all the self help remedies we have gone over- silicone, lanolin, duoderm,
bandaids, etc.
I just need FFM suggestions, cannot wear a hybrid.
Thanks so much,
Mary Z.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Linda Birnbaum on -
You can maybe try a Fisher Paykel full face mask. They are bottom heavy and may take some of the pressure off the bridge of the nose, but people experience a lot of leakage with them.
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on -
I have to work hard to keep leakage down, I think that's part of the problem with the Quattro, I have to tighten it down so much to stop the leaks it's really tight. I know it's said you should not have to tighten a mask that much, but at a pressure of 18/22 a tight mask is all that stops the leaks. Maybe I can play with the forehead adjustment some more. It's hard to tell if I'm having leaks around the bridge of my nose as that's where the vents are- at the top of the mask.
Thanks for the suggestion, Linda.
Mary Z.
Linda Birnbaum said:You can maybe try a Fisher Paykel full face mask. They are bottom heavy and may take some of the pressure off the bridge of the nose, but people experience a lot of leakage with them.
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Permalink Reply by Linda Birnbaum on
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The FP mask may not be adequate for those pressures. A little bit of leakage is ok. We just dont like to hear about the whoopy cushion leakage. Then we need to refit with a different mask. I would play with the forehead adjustment in a way that the chin and cheeks are more sealed and then tighten the top straps a little bit. Your headgear could also be stretching out. When did you last get a new mask?
Mary Z said:I have to work hard to keep leakage down, I think that's part of the problem with the Quattro, I have to tighten it down so much to stop the leaks it's really tight. I know it's said you should not have to tighten a mask that much, but at a pressure of 18/22 a tight mask is all that stops the leaks. Maybe I can play with the forehead adjustment some more. It's hard to tell if I'm having leaks around the bridge of my nose as that's where the vents are- at the top of the mask.
Thanks for the suggestion, Linda.
Mary Z.
Linda Birnbaum said:You can maybe try a Fisher Paykel full face mask. They are bottom heavy and may take some of the pressure off the bridge of the nose, but people experience a lot of leakage with them.
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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I got this mask January 27th, replace the cushions once a month. I'll try your suggestion on fitting.
Thanks, Linda,
Mary Z.
Linda Birnbaum said:The FP mask may not be adequate for those pressures. A little bit of leakage is ok. We just dont like to hear about the whoopy cushion leakage. Then we need to refit with a different mask. I would play with the forehead adjustment in a way that the chin and cheeks are more sealed and then tighten the top straps a little bit. Your headgear could also be stretching out. When did you last get a new mask?
Mary Z said:I have to work hard to keep leakage down, I think that's part of the problem with the Quattro, I have to tighten it down so much to stop the leaks it's really tight. I know it's said you should not have to tighten a mask that much, but at a pressure of 18/22 a tight mask is all that stops the leaks. Maybe I can play with the forehead adjustment some more. It's hard to tell if I'm having leaks around the bridge of my nose as that's where the vents are- at the top of the mask.
Thanks for the suggestion, Linda.
Mary Z.
Linda Birnbaum said:You can maybe try a Fisher Paykel full face mask. They are bottom heavy and may take some of the pressure off the bridge of the nose, but people experience a lot of leakage with them.
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Permalink Reply by Francisco G. Leyva on
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Hello Mary I am sorry to hear of the pressure sores you are experiencing, ouch! As an RT I have found real success with patients, facing the same problems, fitting the Roscoe Full Face Mask. It has no forehead pad thus eliminating the head pressure. It does rest on the bridge of the nose but with this mask all of the adjusting is done from the bottom of the mask so you don't get the mask pushing down on the bridge of your nose. It works great with high and low pressure and patients don't experience as many leaks with this mask as compared to other full face mask. Hope I have been a little helpful and good luck in your journey to find the perfect mask. Thanks for your time,
Francisco
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Permalink Reply by Carl Speas on -
Hello Mary, I understand completely about the sores you are having on your nose. I nearly lost my nose 2 years ago with the same mask you are using. My entire nose swelled up from top to bottom and my eyes swelled shut. An infection spread all through my face. I was told hang in there and you will get used to it. It took 2 months for my nose to heal after they finally agreed it was not the right mask for me. I still have a white scar on the bridge of my nose.
I sorry this is not an answer to your problem. I just wanted you to know I feel for you.
I use the hybrid right now. I saw that you cannot wear it either.
I hope you find the right mask soon.
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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Thanks, Carl, I'm sorry you had to go through so much. My roommate is a nurse and finally put her foot down about me and the mask. My DME is coming over tomorrow night and we'll try a few different ones.
Mary Z.
Carl Speas said:Hello Mary, I understand completely about the sores you are having on your nose. I nearly lost my nose 2 years ago with the same mask you are using.
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Permalink Reply by Judy on
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Francisco, are you in the USA? I've never heard of the Roscoe mask and would be interested since it doesn't have the forehead piece. The less there is to a mask the better I like it.
I am currently using the ProBasics Zzz-Mask full face mask and like it quite well. I've been able to sleep on both my sides and my back wearing it w/minimal leaks. My Median Leak is usually 0 and my 95th percentile has always been considerablyl under 10.
I tried the Quattro and I never did have any luck stopping that thin outer cushion cover from slicing into the skin on the bridge of my nose.
You might want to consider a piece of Dr Scholl's moleskin to the Quattro at the bridge of the nose area. I've read of those who have had success w/that. And Padacheeks makes a soft pad for the Quattro bridge of nose area.
And contrary to first thought, often tightening the lower strap instead of the top strap takes the pressure off the bridge of the nose as does hanging the hose above your head (which also discourages "rain out").
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Permalink Reply by steve Archer on
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The fisher paykel full mask is not to bad for the bridge issue. but if it going to leak it may do so around the chin... 432 fp full mask i think is the model... may want to give it a try... what about a nasal mask with chin strap.have you ever tried that confuguration???
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Permalink Reply by Judy on
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By the way, I've mentioned before how much I like the ProBasics Zzz-Mask and how well I've done w/it but that I had had to do a bit of "lab-ratting" w/the headgear which was much too large. I just ordered the Respironics ComfortSeries Premium headgear w/EZ Peel tabs and used it last night. I just switched the clips from the Zzz-Mask headgear to the ComfortSeries Premium headgear and voila!!! No more fussing w/folds and scissors and velcro strips when I get new headgear from now on!!!
And has anybody checked out the CPAP BIPAP Hose Belt advertised here? Quite ingenious for the simplicity of this solution to a very common leak problem!!!! Kudos to the inventor!
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Permalink Reply by Francisco G. Leyva on
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Yes I am in the US, I work for a company in Scottsdale Arizona. The Full Face Mask By Roscoe Medical is a great mask and is actually one of the cheapest FFM we carry. We are on the web at ezcpap.com please check us out.
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