Using Masks in Rotation....

[Section1]

Maybe it's just me but I find I usually like a new mask for a few weeks then I start having trouble with them. Usually I start getting leaks or can't get a comfortable fit. If I switch to a different type of mask I'm good again. I now have 5 or 6 different masks now that I've collected and switch between them every week or so.

Does anyone else have a rotation they use with their masks?

[Slinky]

I don't rotate them. I've found changing masks affects my data so that the data is not consistent. I have found that depsite how well I might do w/a new style mask the first night or two it does take about 10 days to 2 weeks to know for sure if it really is going to work for me. Others I know w/in the first night or two that it is NOT going to work for me and its a waste of time to TRY to make it work for me.

[Velbor]

I regularly alternate masks, not so much for reasons of leak, but for comfort. I now use three different masks, in a regular sequence, one or two days with each mask.

Each mask presses on the face and nose bridge in slightly different amounts and places (cushions and straps). Some masks leave virtually no pressure marks; the best I have found is the ResMed Activa. Others, such as the ResMed UltraMirage Full Face, have to be worn a bit tighter, and leaves slight and transient nose-bridge redness. Others, such as the Fisher & Paykel 431 Full Face, have to be worn quite snugly, and leaves larger and longer lasting nose-bridge redness and strap marks (I never use this mask two days in row).

Each mask has a different "feel" to it, and as Slinky suggested and as I have previously documented, each has a different "profile" in terms of efficacy (both AHI, and the ratio of AI to HI), leak, vibratory snore (with Respironics machines), and pressure spectrum in Auto mode. I don't find this problematic, and I am able to appreciate the advantages of each mask, while understanding the trade-offs.

[GaryG]

Very interesting Velbor. I am now temporarily using the Activa LT while my chin recovers from the Fit Life FF. But yeah, now I remember why I dropped the Activa LT - nose bridge issues - but this nose irritation nowhere near as bad as Quattro or Comfort Gel FF masks. So, yeah, maybe its a good idea to trade off to give the face some alternate "discomforts." As long as leakage is low, and apneas under control.

[karessamom]

My dr. actually wants me to rotate masks for a while and wrote me an RX for an additional mask.( hoping that insurance will pay for it. if it doesn't I'll be ordering on CPAP.com --infact the dr. told me that if the insurance won't cover it that I should go online somewhere and order it! (that's straight from my dr.!) ) hopefull that will give the pressure sores on forehead and nose a chance to heal. I will be trying a liberty or hybrid of some type.

[Kiralynx]

I have two masks I use -- the Comfortlite 2, with direct seals, and the Headrest.

I started out with the CL2 nasal, switched to the pillows, and then to the direct seals, did some lab-ratting, then wore that for around 4-5 months. Then I switched over to the Headrest, and after some tinkering and lab-ratting, have worn it for almost six months.

I like both. I tried the Headrest because although the CL2 was quite comfortable, it was a bit bulky and hot for summer in New Orleans. Now that we're getting back to what passes for winter here, I may well switch back to the CL2.

Trouble is... I do like the fact that the Headrest vents towards the top instead of out in front. So do my dachshunds and my husband, not necessarily in that order.

[twokatmew]

I struggled for a while to find the right mask. After trying something like 12 (!), I find that my petite features and small head (I'm only 5' tall.) limit me to the F&P petite masks (406 and Zest Petite) and pillows masks. I thought the 406 would work for me all the time, and I added a PadACheek forehead pad to make the forehead piece on this mask less nasty to my forehead. The PadACheek solved my problem for a while, but I've had to raise pressure. Raising pressure caused leaks around the eyes, requiring me to tighten the mask. The silicone forehead pads "squish" a bit, but they're still awfully hard on the forehead (even with the PadACheek) considering that I have to wear the mask tighter now. (Oh how I wish for an adjustable forehead piece on this mask -- or at least different thickness/firmness forehead pads.) This mask also presses on my upper gums, though not as bad as other masks.

I've reverted back to the Swift LT which works very well for me most nights, and I just discovered I don't even have to wear the soft wraps. I get no marks with or without the wraps, and I believe the mask is a bit more stable without them. But some nights my nostrils would like a break from the pillows.... Once my forehead recovers from almost four months' daily use of the 406, I think I'll switch between these two masks every week or so. I suspect (hope!) without constant use, the F&P 406 will be a bit kinder to my forehead and my upper gums.

Even on a leaky night like last night, I do have much less leaking with the Swift LT than the 406. That is, as long as I wash the pillows with Ivory everyday.