We use cookies and other tools to enhance your experience on our website and to analyze our web traffic.
For more information about these cookies and the data collected, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Need advise on a mask for HIGH Pressure

3 posts
Was this reply useful? Learn more...
   
[-]
dfellows5 +0 points · over 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.

944 posts
Was this reply useful? Learn more...
   
[-]
wiredgeorge +0 points · over 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.

581 posts
Was this reply useful? Learn more...
   
[-]
sleeptech +0 points · over 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.

581 posts
Was this reply useful? Learn more...
   
[-]
sleeptech +0 points · over 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.

3 posts
Was this reply useful? Learn more...
   
[-]
dfellows5 +0 points · over 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.

1 post
Was this reply useful? Learn more...
   
[-]
Sleepless0in0Burleigh +0 points · over 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.

944 posts
Was this reply useful? Learn more...
   
[-]
wiredgeorge +0 points · over 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.

6 posts
Was this reply useful? Learn more...
   
[-]
wildcard +0 points · over 6 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.

Please be advised that these posts may contain sensitive material or unsolicited medical advice. MyApnea does not endorse the content of these posts. The information provided on this site is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for advice from a health care professional who has evaluated you.