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When I first started using my CPAP machine I immediately noticed the the benefits. I could make it through the day without nodding off or feeling fatigued. This was using a nasal pillow and a chin strap. But as time went on I found the chinstrap uncomfortable and not effective.
So, I made the switch to a full face mask but now I am feeling fatigued, groggy and am nodding off during the day again. It basically feels like i am not even using the machine. I am using the same pressure, have only changed the mask.
Does the full face mask require a higher pressure? Has anyone ever experienced this?
In the past, when I have used full face masks at the same pressure, the AHI has unfortunately skyrocketed so yes, a higher pressure was necessary. Do you have a data capable machine that would allow you to review this data to see if that is what is occurring?
You also might want to go to either the cpaptalk.com or apnea board forums and look for a thread on how to achieve the perfect mask fit. Personally, I am wondering in my own situation if the higher AHIs from wearing a full face mask are because I made the mistake of tightening the straps too much which might have led to a higher AHI due to the effect of the jaw being pulled back. May or may not be applicable in your case.
DanM
+1 point
·
almost 9 years
ago
Sleep
Enthusiast
Support Team
Hi @CourteousPlumGiraffe9796 and @UnassumingOrangeRedCormorant9252. Changing masks may have an impact on AHI, especially if there is more mask leak with a full face mask than with nasal masks. For some patients, even a slight increase in AHI can make a huge difference in levels of sleepiness and/or fatigue. Some machines have a feature that allows the type of mask to be set, and the machines can compensate for increased leak up to a point. After a mask change, a review of data from the CPAP machine can be helpful in determining whether pressure changes are needed. Best of luck, and please keep us posted!
As an FYI, I have had AHIs greatly increase when wearing a full face mask at the same pressure even though the leak levels were within an acceptable range. I know I am not the only one who has experienced this. That is why knowing how to properly monitor the data in case a pressure change is necessary is so important.
DanM
+1 point
·
almost 9 years
ago
Sleep
Enthusiast
Support Team
I agree it is helpful for patients to know how to monitor data or know when to contact their providers for more information. Mask changes can definitely make a difference, and some machines need to be adjusted for the type of mask.
By using the Full face it doesnt mean you need change any of the settings in your device, but maybe due of the size of the mask, due that is heavier and maybe you just feel like this. also you need to check for the leaks because with full face mask its easier to have leaks and maybe the leaks produce leak voice which maybe disturbing your deep sleep.
Unfortunately, this is happening with the Simplus. An example is at the same pressure, I had a 14 AHI for a 45 minute nap. In limited other uses, I have had the same problem which makes wearing this mask full time impossible because when I increase the pressure, I get massive leaks.
I don't understand why this occurs because with this mask, I am not severely tightening the straps which I thought might be the issue with previous full face masks I used. Any thoughts?
DanM
+1 point
·
almost 9 years
ago
Sleep
Enthusiast
Support Team
Hi @UnassumingOrangeRedCormorant9252. Mask leak can be difficult to troubleshoot. I looked back through the posts and could not find the type of treatment you are using (CPAP, APAP, BiPAP, etc.). I wonder if your leak is happening when you machine titrates up to a higher pressure during sleep, or whether you might be disloding the mask in some way. I have seen patients move masks during overnight titration, start to immediately have respiratory events or snoring, and self-adjust to correct the seal. Is it possible that your mask is becoming dislodged and you are self-correcting at some point so that the problem is fixed by the time you wake up? This would result in elevated AHIs on download. I'm not familiar with the Simplus mask, but full face masks are traditionally the most difficult to seal. Can you provide any info on what masks you have tried? Maybe some of our member community have some ideas or some experience with the same masks. -Dan
wiredgeorge
+0 points
·
about 8 years
ago
Sleep
Enthusiast
I first tried a small full face F&P mask (can't recall name) but it was a nightmare of leaks. Went to the Simplus which uses a cushion to seal but unfortunately, there is so much area that needs to be sealed, some may not effectively seal. Even if it is sealed decently, air in your eyes or whistling out your cheeks can be annoying. I resorted to mask pads by REMZZZ and they stop the air leaks in the eyes and whistling. Not sure they stop the leaks but make the mask bearable. This type mask is going to leak unless you were the model they used to form the contours and the leaks have to be dealt with for the sake of comfort. The headgear is a decent design and leaves no marks on me and is fairly comfortable. Try some mask pads to mitigate the annoyance of the small leaks.
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