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I had heard about smashed face syndrome, but didn't know it would happen to me.  For six months I fought with a heavy total face mask because I was convinced it was the only mask I could use.  My lower teeth and jaw have moved back 1/4 inch, measured by the dentist.  The solution was to change masks which I did almost four months ago and I will be fitted for a retainer to prevent more movement.  It wasn't the fault of the mask.  It was my fault because it stopped sealing well and I put bandaids on- silicone ear plugs rolled into a string and place round the perimeter of the mask and most recently divers mask sealant.

 

I have always suggested Macks Silicone Ear Plus as a remedy for a leaking mask.  Now I think that even though it may be difficult -there is no substitute for a properly fitted and sized mask.

  I bought a quattro fx mask and had a great DME Respiratory tech help me size and fit the mask.  I was pleasantly surprised when he fitted it and it felt loose.  The first night I used it the mask cushion filled up with air and fit perfectly- no leaks.  I am also using a nasal mask when I can't breathe thorough my nose.  The nasal mask is so easy to fit and wear.  I am half way between a small and medium and I chose medium and it fits a little high on my nose, but it's a gel cushion and seals very welI think smashed face syndrom is rare.  I've only heard of one person on the forums it has happened to and who warns others.

Mary

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Glad you have a good fitting mask now. I tried many masks. None of them were every fitted by a tech and I could use none of them. They were just ordered and thrown at me for me to try. I did get a very impressive pimple on my forehead before I decided to never go back to that group of "techs" I am sure there are some great ones somewhere, but I have never found one yet.

Have been fitted but they were not very interested in "really" fitting me.  Just wanted to sell a mask! have done better now on my own.

hifay said:

Glad you have a good fitting mask now. I tried many masks. None of them were every fitted by a tech and I could use none of them. They were just ordered and thrown at me for me to try. I did get a very impressive pimple on my forehead before I decided to never go back to that group of "techs" I am sure there are some great ones somewhere, but I have never found one yet.

When I used a nasil mask. I too had some form of "smash face". Sore teeth and problems with my upper gum where it was pushed back into the teeth and the bridge of my nose had a sore on it. What I found was as the mask got older and the rubber got stiffer, the natural tendency was to tighten it up a bit, therefore creating the smash face effect. Most people (me included) tried to get to much time out of the mask. Even though it seemed like it should last for many months, in reality it needed to be replaced every three to four months tops. If insurance covers it, then get a new one as often as you can. When the rubber is soft and pliable the pressure actually pushes it against your skin and creates the seal. Also wash it often with warm soapy water. I have since switched to a full mask, so those problems are no more, but there are other issues with using a full mask, but for me it's a better choice.

I use a nasal pillow mask and have found that when I have congestion and have to use my F&P 431 I can hardly tolerate the pressure on my face.  I do think mostly it is the techs fault as none of them have actually taken the time to fit our masks to our facial contours and with the machine on.  It has even been suggested that one needs to be laying down.  I wonder how many more would be compliant if only they had a properly fitting mask.

Carol, your right on with the fitting process. Even the instructions show someone that appears to be standing up. I have always laid down to fit my own mask and I always keep the hose going over my head. It seems to work out the best that way.

I have recently been forced to start wearing a FFM due to sinus issues. It has been a huge learning experience for me. The FFM should float on the face like a hovercraft, literally. This makes the maask fitting even more important with these types of masks. Masks and facial contours are very different. Finding the right one is tough given the few choices we are given.If this is not the case the mask will have high leaks and need to be tightened past the point of efficeincy. It is this tightening that causes smashed face syndrome. Most likely a result of a poor fitting. it will also cause an increase in the arousal index.

After trying several I have found that the Respironics Amara works well for me. You will hear techs and DME alike complain about the engineering of this mask. They will complain that it is cheaply made. I thought much the same when I first viewed this mask. It is in fact the cheapness of it that made me like it. This mask unlike many FFM is very light weight. It does not feel like a paperweight on my head.

That is why (in my opinion) that this treatment has such a high rate of "drop outs" that fail to find adequate therapy and stop using it. 

Here no one follows up with you.  We have one sleep doctor serving about a 70 mile radius.  Many times regular doctors make a referral for a sleep study and hence never get to actually talk to him.  He reads the results, sends them to the ordering doctor -- end of story.  My doctor will tell me I have more knowledge of sleep apnea and treatment than she does.  How sad!!

As far as DME's go all they want is their money, I have yet to have one call me and ask how I did, do I need supplies, etc.  I found the forums on the internet and read and read and read. 

Agree!   But Lincare never fails to call me monthly to see if (and they hope I do) need any supplies.  Quite pushy! Few sleep doctors here, either.  My primary physicians..."  Gee, you don't have a large neck and are not overweight...surprised you have sleep apnea".  

sleepycarol said:

That is why (in my opinion) that this treatment has such a high rate of "drop outs" that fail to find adequate therapy and stop using it. 

Here no one follows up with you.  We have one sleep doctor serving about a 70 mile radius.  Many times regular doctors make a referral for a sleep study and hence never get to actually talk to him.  He reads the results, sends them to the ordering doctor -- end of story.  My doctor will tell me I have more knowledge of sleep apnea and treatment than she does.  How sad!!

As far as DME's go all they want is their money, I have yet to have one call me and ask how I did, do I need supplies, etc.  I found the forums on the internet and read and read and read. 

I noticed this morning that the area under my nose feels strange and I did not think my Eson mask was  tight but I did have to tighten it a little more because of more leaking last night.

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