@rfries- I have been using a C-pap for over 20 years and many who follow this subject on Mayo here me say over & over that the mask is the most important. Because I am more of a mouth breather when I sleep idealy I've been told a full face mask would be the most beneficial, but after trying at least 6 different masks I was experiencing high leakage in all that I tried. The sleep tech seemed to think that I had what she called a "tweener" problem in that my face was in between sizes. Well anyway I have been using nasal masks for most of all these years and have found the Fisher Paykel Eson 2 nasal mask works well for me. In addition I use the Respironics deluxe chin strap which stays in place most nights and keep just enough resistance to mouth breathing.
My AHI #'s rarely exceed 3, but I still seem to have more often a mask leak (red unhappy face) noted on my machine display anywhere from 2-12. Generally my overall score is approx. 85. When I spoke to my sleep doctor about this he seems to minimize this because of the good AHI score that I continuely are getting.
Something I would like to bring up and ask all C-pap users is how they drape the hose to their mask?
It seems all the pictures, video's, etc. that I've seen always show the hose coming from below the head.
I've always pulled the hose up behind the headboard of my bed and have the hose come over my head.
For me that keeps the hose out of the way when I am sleeping?
Happy Zzzz's Jim @thankful