Masks

How do you choose a mask when you are totally ignorant of the types and styles. When I did my sleep study they tried 3 different masks. 2 just covered my nose and one just touched the end of my nose with 2 fat prongs. The last one caused my nose to burn on the left side. I ordered a full face mask just because the others didn't work. I do get a lot of leaking with it though. How do you figure out which to buy without going completely broke?

The mask is the hardest part to get right. You could try used masks offered here on the forum or on cpapauction.com or check cpap.com to look for masks that might work for you. Be sure to read the reviews of masks on cpap.com, but keep in mind that everyones face is different. When you see a mask that interests you, do a search here on the forum and see what comments are about it.

Brenda

Have you ever try the Activa or the Activa LT(not the gel cushion)?

If you are not a mouth breather those masks are good nose masks (cover only the nose). The way they are made allow you to wear it with the straps not very tight to the face. The leaks are less than with a full face (I have hear full face are hard to control leaks).

I have the two masks and I find the one who gives less leaks for me is the Activa but this one has less adjustment for the forehead support. The LT has a micro-metric adjustment for the angle of the forehead support (good for me with my very low nose bridge) but I don't know why that mask produce more leaks to me even if the cushions are quite similar.

It takes a couple of days to get used to the mask, to be able to adjust the straps to the good tension, etc. At the beginning it can take some time to find the position but after that you don't need to ever think at that. No matter which mask you try it takes days or for some cases weeks to find the position, get used to it. For some persons the nose pillows (the ones which goes inside the nostrils) are not tolerated for different reasons.

I think Activa is a good choice to start. I also try the Respironics comfort gel and I found it's not as comfortable as the Activa.

I agree the mask is the key number one for the success of the treatment. Once you have find one mask that you are able to stand you can after that try other models if you want.

Hi,

I had the same reaction to the nasal pillow mask during my sleep study that you describe above. As a result, I suffered through a number of other masks, none of which worked out for me. I tired the Swift LT on a whim, expecting it to fail, and it turned out to be the answer that I was looking for. I'd suggest that you consider the nasal pillow mask again. Make sure that you have the humidity turned up, and use a product called Lansinoh to help avoid any skin issues around your nose. The light weight and simplicity of a nasal pillow mask is worth the time that it takes to make the adjustment.

-john-

Dear Stormynights,

I love your avitar! Well, as others have said a mask is a very personal thing because something that I find works wonderfully for me, you may feel is totally uncomfortable for you. As Bdp522 said, I would start looking at https://www.cpap.com. Read up on the different types of masks. Take a good look at them and read the reviews on the ones you may be interested in. Then, once you've narrowed it down, feel free to ask questions about them here on the forum.

I went through 4 masks before I found my perfect mask for me - the fourth one was a charm! I enjoy the Swift FX nasal pillow mask. I found it really comfortable. That said, I also have a Respironics Comfort Gel Nasal Mask and a Mirage Softgel nasal mask, and a Swift LT for her nasal pillow mask. I tried them all. When I was using the nasal masks, I purchased a Contour Living memory foam cpap pillow. It had cutouts on the bottom of each corner for my mask. That really helped me, since I am a side sleeper. Then, someone on the forum recommended a Regenesis buckwheat hull cpap pillow from http://www.pursleep.com. I purchased it and it has been wonderful. It kind of conforms to your body - like a beanbag chair did when we were kids. I am able to place less fill on the left side of the pillow where my nasal pillows are and so my exhale vent is out there in the air, instead of stuck into my pillow. I am not saying that you need to purchase these items, but just that they made my life much easier while I was using a nasal mask.

I also woke up one night to the sound of a rumbling in my hose. It was what many here call "rain out", condensation from my humidifier. I only had my humidifier on 2, but still I had condensation. So, I purchased a fleece hose cover from http://www.padacheek.com and that made my hose more insulated and no more condensation in my hose or my mask.

Remember to be patient with yourself. None of us were born with a mask and hose attached. It takes a little time and a little patience. We are all here to help. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Wishing you peaceful, restorative sleep,

Jersey Girl

Thank you to all my new friends. Previously I would never have considered buying a used mask but I am sure the mask I used at the sleep center was used before. Now I would feel fine buying one used. I can see where I might buy one that I can't use and not want to just throw it out. How do you go about sterilizing a used mask? I got my machine here so does anyone have any masks for sale?

Stormynights wrote: How do you go about sterilizing a used mask? I got my machine here so does anyone have any masks for sale?

There is a guide at the manufacturers site - probably ResMed? - that lists ways to stearilize. One is to use a chemeical solution. The other is to heat to specific temperatures for specific times. They give you a list of choices, lower to higher. Sorry, no time to search right now.

I went with the full face mask that worked for me during the sleep study when I started. I began the study with an Activa-type nasal mask, but had to switch after two hours because I was congested. So I figured I'd better be safe and get what worked ...

Plain old soap and water (warm to hot) has been known to sterilize all sorts of things. Just ask any mother. "Have you washed your hands yet?" Masks are no exception. No need to be real fancy about it.

http://www.resmed.com/us/assets/documen ... er_eng.pdf

ResMed validated disinfection or sterilization procedures

High level thermal disinfection

158°F (70°C)-100 min
167°F (75°C)-30 min
176°F (80°C)-10 min
194°F (90°C)-1 min

I think the full face mask will be too hot to wear this summer. I would like to be able to wear the nasal with the hose that goes over your head. I just don't want to shell out that much money when I had problems with the one during the sleep test. I am just afraid it will make my nose burn and not be able to adjust to it.

You may wanht to get something to get you through the first couple of weeks. Then try a nasal or something else. It can be tough getting going.

If you had trouble with the nasal during that one night after a few hours, I'd be leery of relying on it as your primary mask to start. About 1/2 the people that start CPAP don't stay with it amyway.

Maybe you can find samples of all 3 main kinds. They should not cost you that much used, maybe $100 total? Then try out, switch, and settle on what finally works best. Then try out multiple new versions of "best" type of mask after 3-4 montsh or so?

Well Stormy,
Welcome to the board. I use the activa and find it is "hot" in the warmer weather. I have never been able to stop the leaks on a full face mask, the liberty included. I use Swift LT for her and Activa as my two masks and switch between them.
If you have a good DME they will let you switch for 30 days after you get a mask. With nasal pillows it takes time to toughen your "nares" and people use different creams to help them. I love the Swift LT for feeling like I am not wearing a mask.
If you buy from CPAP.com you can also buy "insurance" so you can return mask if it does work for you. Keep at it and keep asking questions here. A lot of people will try and help.

m

Go to the sizing page at cpap.com and it will save you tons of grief. It will even recommend masks to fit your face profile.