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Need advise on a mask for HIGH Pressure

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dfellows5 +0 points · almost 6 years ago Original Poster

Hello, I am back with another question. I have been on CPAP since 1994 and am a mouth breather. I sleep on all sides with movement all during the night due to sleep terrors and such. I recently had a new sleep study done within the last 3-4 months and my pressure went from a 16 to a 28! Mind you the last sleep study prior to this was with the VA about 8 years ago which had me at a 16 but I have had a LARGE weight gain since that time after several neck, back and shoulder surgeries.. The VA has been reading my card every 3-4 years claims all is good. Every mask I have tried leaks at this high a pressure even though in the specs it says up to a pressure of 30 for most masks. Several folks on here said I should get another study because they believe a mistake was made but lo and behold I had another study done 2 weeks ago and it is at 28. I have tried the following full face masks with no success: F&P FlexiFit 431. Mirage Quattro, Amara View, AirFit F20 with silicone and the memory foam insert and the Ultra Mirage. I am thinking of trying a total face mask hoping to prevent the leaks. Can someone tell me the difference in these 2 total face masks? FitLife Total Face CPAP Mask and just the Total Face Mask both by Respironics? Any help would be helpful.

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wiredgeorge +0 points · almost 6 years ago Sleep Enthusiast

Interesting. I was not aware any machine could deliver over 25 pressure. Which machine can go 28? I am on a ResMed Aircurve 10 and in bipap mode and my machine runs 25/21. What type leaks are you getting? Most full face masks don't work well when you roll around in bed. I use an Amara View and mostly sleep on my back but can roll on my side with little leaking but I have used a Simplus with little leaks but had to use mask pads as no full face mask will seal great at real high pressures I think.

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sleeptech +0 points · almost 6 years ago Sleep Enthusiast

I cannot recall a CPAP that goes over 25, but CPAP pressure of up to 30 are achievable by using a BiPAP and setting both the IPAP and EPAP to the desired CPAP pressure (28 for example). I have done this occasionally.

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sleeptech +0 points · almost 6 years ago Sleep Enthusiast

I would suggest trying a Fisher & Paykel Simplus if I were you, but you may not get anything to seal at that pressure. I have seen patients who require that sort of pressure. I have always found the Fit Life to be pretty useless, although I recently saw a guy use one in a way which was incorrect according to the manufacturer but it fit like a glove. He had the bottom of the mask under his chin. Respironics also made (I don't know if they still do) a mask called the Shield, which is even bigger than the Fit Life but not much better. I have seen it referred to as the Total Face Mask in more recent literature. The exhalation port is also very noisy. Have you tried sleeping propped up, in a chair for example? It is possible that this would reduce your pressure requirement and thus improve mask fit.

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dfellows5 +0 points · almost 6 years ago Original Poster

No have not tried propped up guess that is next. As it is I have had to reduce pressure down to 23 but still did not stop leakage.

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Sleepless0in0Burleigh +0 points · almost 6 years ago

I've had experience using the Fisher & Paykel Simplus at high pressure and find it works well for me. It might be a combination of my face shape as well as the mask but it's great. I found it online after speaking with some lovely staff at a Friendlies Independent Living store... they told me it was cheaper online than instore. https://cpap.friendlies.com.au/fisher-paykel-simplus-full-face-mask-large.html I'd suggest if you have questions to give them a call for advice - they're super helpful and I've been getting sleep results since using the Simplus.

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wiredgeorge +0 points · almost 6 years ago Sleep Enthusiast

I had issues with minor air leaks with air leaking into my eyes even after I tried all three cushion sizes. I found using mask pads eliminated the pesky air leak. I suspect, as has been mentioned, face shape has a lot to do with it.

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wildcard +0 points · over 5 years ago

I see that someone has suggested the Fish Paykel Simplus face mask. I am new to Sleep apnea and I am using this one for now. It is a good mask and I don't have a lot of problems with it. Just to let you know I am at around 19.3 and still get some leaks now and then. I don't know how it will hold up at 28. I hope this helps you.

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