newbie using cpap looking for a more comfertable mask

Hello I am a 34 year old male with fetal alchohol syndrome/cerebal palsey and also was recently diagnose with very severe sleep apnea ahi 60 or more anywho it took about 2 months to do the sleep tests and process the insurance but finally have the cpap machine and I do notice I have way more energy and my short term memory and stuff has improved the only problem I am having is the mask is either to tight that it hurts or to lose that it leeks they were supposed to let me try other masks but they pretty much stuck one on my nose and they were like yes it fits there you go I am wondering how other masks are the one they had me wear at the hospital during the sleep study was wicked comfertable was thinking maybe something with gel padding and I know I cant use a full pace mask because of the pressure the machine is set at any thoughts thanks?

Can you go back to your profile and change the equipment display to text, so we can see what mask and equipment you are using. The picture is Resmed S9. But there are many models of S9. The mask picture is even more difficult to discern.
As you can see I use a Wisp nasal mask now. But I have tried many over the years. Things change. Pressures change. New masks become available.
Each person is unique and what works for me may not work for you.

bwexler wrote:Can you go back to your profile and change the equipment display to text, so we can see what mask and equipment you are using. The picture is Resmed S9. But there are many models of S9. The mask picture is even more difficult to discern.
As you can see I use a Wisp nasal mask now. But I have tried many over the years. Things change. Pressures change. New masks become available.
Each person is unique and what works for me may not work for you.

elite, and fp eson.

What IS your pressure setting?

its the resmed s9 elite an the f&p eson mask and the pressure is at 9

bwexler wrote:Can you go back to your profile and change the equipment display to text, so we can see what mask and equipment you are using. The picture is Resmed S9. But there are many models of S9. The mask picture is even more difficult to discern.
As you can see I use a Wisp nasal mask now. But I have tried many over the years. Things change. Pressures change. New masks become available.
Each person is unique and what works for me may not work for you.

This has been mentioned many times before....If you put your curser on the picture of the equipment, the description (name) will appear at the bottom of your screen.

Masks are a very difficult thing to find comfort with. It's also very personal, what is comfortable for one may not be comfortable for another. Some people can't stand anything but nasal pillows, others won't use them at all..
Most people have to try many masks before they find THE ONE. Some people are lucky to find the right one very quickly, and others have to spend a couple months finding the right one. Your DME should allow you to switch to a different one within 30 days, so go back there. Just because it fits doesn't mean it's the right one for you or that you will find it comfortable. Like shoes, have you ever tried on a pair in your size that wasn't comfortable??

Your machine has a mask fit feature you can use when you first get into bed and turn the machine on. It's important to know that if your mask is either too tight or too loose, you will not be comfortable, and you will have more mask leaks which in turn can keep you from getting optimal therapy from the machine.

I can give one hint for something to try, though like with masks, you have to try them to see if they will work for you. I was very uncomfortable with my first mask, Quattro Air, during my first week on cpap. I liked the feel of it on my face until the machine was turned on, when it started leaking and farting noises came from the leaks I couldn't sleep. When I learned about mask liners they made a huge difference in my comfort level, and I was able to sleep through the night. If you are not comfortable with your mask when your machine is not turned on, you are probably not going to be comfortable when the machine is running... that is another reason for requesting a different mask. Your DME can be reimbursed by the mask maker for your returned one if you don't like it.

Another comfort plus for masks is that they protect your face from becoming irritated.

LSAT wrote:

bwexler wrote:Can you go back to your profile and change the equipment display to text, so we can see what mask and equipment you are using. The picture is Resmed S9. But there are many models of S9. The mask picture is even more difficult to discern.
As you can see I use a Wisp nasal mask now. But I have tried many over the years. Things change. Pressures change. New masks become available.
Each person is unique and what works for me may not work for you.

This has been mentioned many times before....If you put your curser on the picture of the equipment, the description (name) will appear at the bottom of your screen.

Cool - thanks for this tip!

calling my dme tomorrow and was thinking this one would be wicked comfertable to wear https://www.cpap.com/productpage/easyli ... -pack.html

jcmn81980ster wrote:Hello I am a 34 year old male with fetal alchohol syndrome/cerebal palsey and also was recently diagnose with very severe sleep apnea ahi 60 or more anywho it took about 2 months to do the sleep tests and process the insurance but finally have the cpap machine and I do notice I have way more energy and my short term memory and stuff has improved the only problem I am having is the mask is either to tight that it hurts or to lose that it leeks they were supposed to let me try other masks but they pretty much stuck one on my nose and they were like yes it fits there you go I am wondering how other masks are the one they had me wear at the hospital during the sleep study was wicked comfertable was thinking maybe something with gel padding and I know I cant use a full pace mask because of the pressure the machine is set at any thoughts thanks?

Hi jc- I am new to the CPAP world too, and about to take 'the plunge' into buying a machine, mask, and other assorted parts so have been doing tons of research too. Have you thought about calling the place where you had your sleep study and asking what mask they used with you? I can't think of a reason why they wouldn't give you this information.

I have been searching in detail today for masks and what I might want to try as my first one. I went to the cpap.com website, and looked at their video about all the different types of masks. As librarylady said, the 'likes and dislikes' are going to be different for everybody. For example, I don't like the idea of a forehead support but when I looked at a mask without it (don't recall which one now), I really didn't like the idea of 3+ straps all around my face and head. I am realizing I am beginning to think like a PAP'er; imagining the feel of a snug chin strap and cheek straps, along with head and neck straps altogether sends shivers down my spine already!

For me, the less straps the better I think, and it also depends on where those straps sit on my face, head, neck, chin, etc. Just my point of view, but I am way early in the game here. Best wishes to you, jc!

If you are willing to try the new ResMed Airfit F10, a full face mask with no forehead extension, I can testify that it is a vast step up from other older FFMs... not a perfect solution but still a huge improvement. I'll soon be posting a substantial review of the AirFit F10.

Sir NoddinOff wrote:If you are willing to try the new ResMed Airfit F10, a full face mask with no forehead extension, I can testify that it is a vast step up from other older FFMs... not a perfect solution but still a huge improvement. I'll soon be posting a substantial review of the AirFit F10.

I'll check that one out, Sir N -looking forward to your review! Thank you

I agree with Sir Noddinoff; the F10 is a great mask... I reviewed it over on the "other" forum as DNB128... I doubt if I'll ever go back to a mask that has a forehead arm and straps around the top of my head!

library lady wrote:I agree with Sir Noddinoff; the F10 is a great mask... I reviewed it over on the "other" forum as DNB128... I doubt if I'll ever go back to a mask that has a forehead arm and straps around the top of my head!

Hi LL - I reviewed it too, and love the looks of it and nice features! I will try one at DME tomorrow if they have one.

Thanks!