Is it normal to not be fitted for a mask?

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Camdiggy
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Is it normal to not be fitted for a mask?

Post by Camdiggy » Thu Mar 05, 2015 1:23 pm

Is it normal not to try on a bunch of masks or mask types or sizes?

I am a Kaiser member, it took me several weeks to even be able to speak to the person to schedule the sleep study. Then it was going to be 3 months out for Kaiser's take home sleep study or I could go to an outsourced sleep center fairly quickly. So I opted for the sooner option. At the sleep center, they did wake me up and handed me a full face mask to put on while I was still half asleep but that was it.

Kaiser just sent me a mask: Mirage Quattro Full Face Mask in medium, now sure how they chose that (it may have been the style/size they gave me at the sleep center). It gets good reviews and is not a cheap mask, so not begrudging them on that, however I think per Resmed's downloadable chart that I am a large and I need to have the medium cranked pretty tight to seal around my bearded face. But with so many styles, brands, and sizes out there shouldn't I try some on?

Sleeprider
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Re: Is it normal to not be fitted for a mask?

Post by Sleeprider » Thu Mar 05, 2015 1:42 pm

The ultimate choice in a mask is a matter of some trial and error. DMEs often issue a full face mask or whatever was used in the sleep study. Most will measure or have a respiratory therapist do the initial fitting. I believe Kaiser allows you to return the mask for other sizes and styles within the first 30 days. If you can tolerate nasal therapy and don't breath through your mouth, nasal pillows are great, and no problem with a beard. I see more patients quit CPAP because they could never get the mask to seal or be comfortable, and the Mirage Quattro is probably the most common mask I see on Craigslist with an unused machine. Maybe that means something.

Your first and most important task in starting XPAP therapy is to get comfortable and use the therapy. Change masks, get the right size, do whatever it takes, but once you accomplish that, you will succeed. Best of luck, and remember to stand up for your needs as you get started.

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Sir NoddinOff
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Re: Is it normal to not be fitted for a mask?

Post by Sir NoddinOff » Thu Mar 05, 2015 1:53 pm

A few years ago Apria told me that they'd have a 'mask clinic' in my small town, which usually was set up once a month. They said they'd bring some masks and explain how they worked etc. The lady I talked to admitted they would only bring a few masks and they wouldn't have a very comprehensive size range. Anyway, it was too far away time-wise to be useful to me, therefore I just had them ship me a mask I selected by looking on the internet, plus downloading a few sizing guides which I printed out. I'm not sure what Apria is doing these days.

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bwexler
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Re: Is it normal to not be fitted for a mask?

Post by bwexler » Thu Mar 05, 2015 3:49 pm

After four and a half years, I have about a dozen masks in my collection.some I have used for more than 6 months, other for less than 6 days. I believe there is no amount of research that can guarantee you that perfect mask. It is a matter of trial and error. When your pressure needs change or your face changes or someone invents a new mask, you may move to something different.

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LSAT
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Re: Is it normal to not be fitted for a mask?

Post by LSAT » Thu Mar 05, 2015 3:54 pm

Camdiggy wrote:Is it normal not to try on a bunch of masks or mask types or sizes?

I am a Kaiser member, it took me several weeks to even be able to speak to the person to schedule the sleep study. Then it was going to be 3 months out for Kaiser's take home sleep study or I could go to an outsourced sleep center fairly quickly. So I opted for the sooner option. At the sleep center, they did wake me up and handed me a full face mask to put on while I was still half asleep but that was it.

Kaiser just sent me a mask: Mirage Quattro Full Face Mask in medium, now sure how they chose that (it may have been the style/size they gave me at the sleep center). It gets good reviews and is not a cheap mask, so not begrudging them on that, however I think per Resmed's downloadable chart that I am a large and I need to have the medium cranked pretty tight to seal around my bearded face. But with so many styles, brands, and sizes out there shouldn't I try some on?
I was originally measured as a large for the Quattro and I could not eliminate leaks. I exchanged it for a medium and have been a happy camper for the past 4 years. The mask should not have to be worn uncomfortably tight. If you need to tighten the medium you will really need to over tighten the large.
The mask needs to "float" on your skin. Be sure you wash your face to remove any oils before yoy mask up at night. The number of masks you are allowed to try is determined by your DME.

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archangle
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Re: Is it normal to not be fitted for a mask?

Post by archangle » Thu Mar 05, 2015 5:29 pm

Yes you should get a chance to try on multiple masks in multiple sizes. Have you called your insurance, and asked if you can try on other masks?

In my opinion, a full face mask should only be used if there's a reason not to use a nasal mask. Are you a mouth breather, or do you have problems breathing through your nose? The beard will tend to make things even worse.

I think some DME's are people who weren't honest enough to make it in the used car business.

If it's midnight and a DME tells you it's dark outside go and check for yourself.

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Oughtsix
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Re: Is it normal to not be fitted for a mask?

Post by Oughtsix » Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:21 pm

I would recommend starting with the least intrusive mask and work your way up from there. In other words I would recommend starting with Nasal pillows (maybe even a couple different models of nasal pillows). If they don't work for you try a nasal mask or two. Then only if the nasal masks don't work resort to a full face mask. I can't see much hope for a full face mask with a beard but I have never had either.

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Slats
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Re: Is it normal to not be fitted for a mask?

Post by Slats » Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:46 pm

[quote="Camdiggy"]Is it normal not to try on a bunch of masks or mask types or sizes?

I am a Kaiser member, /quote

I have found Kaiser to be very accommodating in terms of giving out masks to try. You need to get a respiratory
therapist assigned and then you can arrange to email her or him or have phone appointments or of course, in person visit.
I too started with a ff, but it was due to my insistence that as a mouth breather, I couldn't tolerate a nasal or pillows.
As a result of reading this forum for support and knowledge, I finally tried a nasal and now LOVE love MY AIRFIT P10 ( used with surgical paper tape on lips.)

Basically, you need to try as many masks until you find what works for you

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NMchop
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Re: Is it normal to not be fitted for a mask?

Post by NMchop » Thu Mar 05, 2015 10:04 pm

Interesting. I have the Simplus full face mask.

They wouldn't let me try the nasal pillows because of "high pressure" but I did a nasal mask for five hours
but then in the middle of the night they changed me to a Full face mask because I was mouth breathing
the tech said.

Well, I got prescribed the mask I ended up in. I haven't totally hated it, but would rather use a nasal mask, but
just figured it wasn't for me and didn't work out...Now I wonder....Interesting.

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Oughtsix
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Re: Is it normal to not be fitted for a mask?

Post by Oughtsix » Thu Mar 05, 2015 10:11 pm

I found that trying masks on in an office for fit had little to do with how well they worked at home in bed while sleeping. Try as many masks as you can.

I was a mouth breather too and learning to close off my mouth while sleeping was not easy. It took many weeks of frustration. I am very happy I went through the pain of this learning process because I could not imagine having to use something other than nasal pillows.

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