As with any new product, we suggest trying a small amount directly on your skin to ensure there is no reaction. This is a topical product designed to be used as a skin protectant and/or sealant on masks. Place a small amount on your finger and rub it onto the mask in areas where it comes in contact with your skin. It may be used on the entire area or only on areas causing problems with leaks or irritations. Do not place MaskMate on open wounds. If facial hair is causing leakage, place a thin coat directly on the facial hair gently applying in the direction of the hair growth. To remove product from skin use mild soap and water. To clean mask, please refer to manufactures instructions. For many years I have been encouraging patients to use Dawn antibacterial dish washing liquid for mask cleaning and have had nothing but good results.
The following are tips I have learned over the years for mask wearers:
- Make sure your machine is on before fitting your mask. Masks are designed to reach out and adhere to your face, If you turn on your machine and place your mask against a flat surface you will notice it actually reaches out and grabs it. I usually demonstrate this by holding a nasal mask up to my hand.
- Fit your mask while lying down instead of
upright. You will be sleeping in it and as we notice with age, our skin
tends to follow gravity.
- More leaks are caused by over-tightening than under-tightening. I know this sounds strange, but true. By over tightening the pressure of the air is more likely to push the mask off of your face. Think about over filling a balloon.
- Just because you are a large person, it does not mean you will need a large mask, and visa-versa. The mask sizing is more about the size of your nose and facial structure than about your body size,
- Bigger isn't better with masks. When in doubt generally the smaller mask will be a better fit when it comes to nasal and full-face masks.
- Bigger is better when utilizing a nasal pillow type of mask. The larger the opening of the pillow the less force is generated at your pressure into your nares (nostrils). Imagine a garden hose. With the water running if you place your thumb over the hose the water will spray out farther and with more force. The same principal applies when using a nasal pillow.
- If you are claustrophobic and need a full-face mask, a hybrid style mask may be suitable for you. This type of mask has an oral cushion around your mouth with nasal pillows. It is harder to find the proper fit, but it may be the one mask that works if you are having difficulty with CPAP. Hybrid masks are not generally touted by sleep professionals, but I have found patients may succeed with this style when nothing else has worked.