Think I need a different mask - how to find the 'right' one?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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Festerann
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Think I need a different mask - how to find the 'right' one?

Post by Festerann » Mon Apr 27, 2015 6:01 pm

Total newbie, I admit it. I've been trying tho. Two weeks now, and I have used my machine every night. However, the longest I have been able to sleep with it is 3:44. I am having issues with the mask, and I think I need a different one - but how the heck to choose?

The issues I have with my Airfit P10:
1. the straps do not stay in place (I have long hair, and the straps slide back up and over my crown)
2. it hurts my nostrils (placing one/both straps lower on the back of my head seems to make the mask too tight)
3. it leaks air (whenever I shift position in my sleep, the hose drags and starts leaking air around the nose)
4. I can't keep my mouth shut all night (resting position seems to be with my jaw a little slack. I have an underbite and to keep my mouth completely closed with the air pressure, it feels like I have to clamp my jaws shut which I cannot hold while sleeping)

My local provider only carries 3 masks: one pillow, one nasal and one full face mask. I think I need to go mail-order and so the options open up and I'm drowning in choices. I'd prefer not to have anything resting on my forehead.

Thanks in advance for any help.

134
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Re: Think I need a different mask - how to find the 'right' one?

Post by 134 » Mon Apr 27, 2015 6:03 pm

I love and have used my Mirage Activa LT for over 6 years. It is sooooo comfortable and easy to adjust. And, it does not have to be tight to get a good seal.

Don't be afraid to try new masks.

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Julie
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Re: Think I need a different mask - how to find the 'right' one?

Post by Julie » Mon Apr 27, 2015 6:20 pm

I suggest going to Cpap.com (best variety and prices) and looking at their stuff because they use lots of different angle pix, reviews, ratings, descriptions etc. and will let you try masks x 30 days for a little insurance fee.

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palerider
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Re: Think I need a different mask - how to find the 'right' one?

Post by palerider » Mon Apr 27, 2015 6:30 pm

Festerann wrote:Total newbie, I admit it. I've been trying tho. Two weeks now, and I have used my machine every night. However, the longest I have been able to sleep with it is 3:44. I am having issues with the mask, and I think I need a different one - but how the heck to choose?

The issues I have with my Airfit P10:
1. the straps do not stay in place (I have long hair, and the straps slide back up and over my crown)
2. it hurts my nostrils (placing one/both straps lower on the back of my head seems to make the mask too tight)
3. it leaks air (whenever I shift position in my sleep, the hose drags and starts leaking air around the nose)
4. I can't keep my mouth shut all night (resting position seems to be with my jaw a little slack. I have an underbite and to keep my mouth completely closed with the air pressure, it feels like I have to clamp my jaws shut which I cannot hold while sleeping)

My local provider only carries 3 masks: one pillow, one nasal and one full face mask. I think I need to go mail-order and so the options open up and I'm drowning in choices. I'd prefer not to have anything resting on my forehead.

Thanks in advance for any help.
my partner splits the straps on the p10, one in back, one on top, and they stay pretty well, have you tried that, but then pulling your hair up over the bottom strap? there's a video on youtube showing various adjustment methods.

have you tried lansinoh lanolin for your nose? I used that for a couple weeks till my nostrils got used to it, (after using a full face mask for several years.

one of our members makes a little clip that she's offered to send to people, it's one of those double sided velcro strips, and a badge clip, wrap the velcro around the hose, and clip it to your nightshirt, or pillow, etc, to help keep it close to where you need it.

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Accounts to put on the foe list: dataq1, clownbell, gearchange, lynninnj, mper!?, DreamDiver, Geer1, almostadoctor, sleepgeek, ajack, stom, mogy, D.H., They often post misleading, timewasting stuff.

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chunkyfrog
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Re: Think I need a different mask - how to find the 'right' one?

Post by chunkyfrog » Mon Apr 27, 2015 6:32 pm

I put my hair over the lower back strap, which holds it down where it belongs.
The straps tend to stretch out, but to speed it up, wrap the headgear tightly around a towel or teddy bear for an hour.
To prevent the hose from dragging, hang it up with a hose boss or something similar.
I put a 1" strip of tape vertically from below my nose to my chin, with the lower end turned under to make a little handle,
while pressing my lips together. (A moment of silence while tape-haters cringe)

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SleepDisturbed
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Re: Think I need a different mask - how to find the 'right' one?

Post by SleepDisturbed » Mon Apr 27, 2015 8:01 pm

Sadly, the real answer is trial and error.

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Festerann
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Re: Think I need a different mask - how to find the 'right' one?

Post by Festerann » Tue Apr 28, 2015 3:39 pm

Thanks for all the advice!
I'm willing to try new masks, just overwhelmed at all the options. But, I decided to be a big girl and I called my therapist and have an appointment for mask fitting tomorrow, maybe that will help. Or at least, narrow the choices some.

palerider wrote:my partner splits the straps on the p10, one in back, one on top, and they stay pretty well, have you tried that, but then pulling your hair up over the bottom strap? there's a video on youtube showing various adjustment methods.

have you tried lansinoh lanolin for your nose? I used that for a couple weeks till my nostrils got used to it, (after using a full face mask for several years.

one of our members makes a little clip that she's offered to send to people, it's one of those double sided velcro strips, and a badge clip, wrap the velcro around the hose, and clip it to your nightshirt, or pillow, etc, to help keep it close to where you need it.
I have tried splitting the straps on the back of the P10, that's when it pulls the pillows into my nose - and it still doesn't stay put. I didn't trying pulling my hair over the bottom strap, definitely worth a try.

Could you send me the member info for the person who makes the clip? Sounds helpful.

I appreciate the advice all - thanks again.

kit15
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Re: Think I need a different mask - how to find the 'right' one?

Post by kit15 » Tue Apr 28, 2015 3:48 pm

Hi! I am also new here (tonight is my 31st night), so definitely not an expert. But I do have the same mask and many of the same issues. For me, hiding the bottom strap under a section of hair was a miracle cure. Lanolin was also a lifesaver for nose soreness. Also I went up a size in pillows (from XS to S) and although they feel bulkier, they don't seem to slip around as much when I move at night. Good luck finding something that works for you

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palerider
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Re: Think I need a different mask - how to find the 'right' one?

Post by palerider » Tue Apr 28, 2015 4:03 pm

Festerann wrote:Could you send me the member info for the person who makes the clip? Sounds helpful.
I PMd her with your request. if she's still doing it, hopefully she'll get in touch

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Accounts to put on the foe list: dataq1, clownbell, gearchange, lynninnj, mper!?, DreamDiver, Geer1, almostadoctor, sleepgeek, ajack, stom, mogy, D.H., They often post misleading, timewasting stuff.

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Festerann
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Re: Think I need a different mask - how to find the 'right' one?

Post by Festerann » Wed Apr 29, 2015 6:42 pm

chunkyfrog wrote:I put my hair over the lower back strap, which holds it down where it belongs.
OMG! Such a simple fix ... I put my hair over the lower back strap last night and slept 5 hrs! I can't believe I didn't think to do that on my own, must be the sleep deprivation.

Thank you!

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Elle
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Re: Think I need a different mask - how to find the 'right' one?

Post by Elle » Wed Apr 29, 2015 6:50 pm

I second the larger pillow. It made a huge difference for me. I also think it's almost impossible to find an ideal mask. I settle on least shitty.

I hope you find something that works.