How do you Choose a New Mask? Still a sort of newbie...

[TiredMomNY]

So I am 6 months in using a CPAP. My PCP had me tested in a sleep lab, I was tested a second time in the lab with titration and received a CPAP machine a few months later. It has worked. I a not nearly as tired.

I get new equipment every three months. In early Feb I will be eligible for a new mask. I get to choose one and return it if I hate it (within 30 days). Do any of you ever just buy your own so that you can try more out? It seems like such a hassle going through the home health care company I use.

I don't see a regular sleep specialist but have an appointment next week to see one. I guess I am finally figuring this all out.

Any thoughts or advice for me? I'd love to hear anything.

Thanks!

[Islandwoman]

I November I was only a week into cpap when I knew the wisp would not work for me. I had not yet discovered Cpaptalk which would have helped. I searched YouTube and found many video reviews of masks. Most are very good I especially like the ones by Lankylefty27. I decided on a Sleepweaver Advanced(with latest improvements) mask because I sleep on my side and need a lower pressure. Most of LLs' reviews discuss the best pressure range for particular masks and fitting suggestions. I bought one for Christmas for myself and love it. Sleepweaver now has a full face mask.

[ufo13]

Dear Tired Mom:

I am glad you are doing better on cpap! Please do not let things overwhelm you. You have found this forum----read as much as you can, especially about reviews for masks etc, which you seem to need guidance with for your Feb purchase! I have been on cpcp for almost 19 years, tried and used many masks over the years, but as the pillows masks got better I have used them only-----Resmed Swift line for years, the Aloha pillows mask the last couple of years, and a few days ago I received the Resmed AirFit P10 pillows mask, which for me is now the "State Of The Art" mask----almost silent mask, just about NO exhaust to bother my wife, and most of all, a very simple, very light, no-leak, quality mask, and most of all has a simple to adjust, comfortable headgear which is the FIRST pillows mask in over 9 years that I did not have to do my Velcro Fix on the back strap to keep it from riding up at night and losing the seal!
So you might want to check that out for your next mask you get--They have an AirFit P10 pillows mask for "HER" also! Yes I believe we all have purchased masks on our own to try! If you go that route----CPAP.COM our host that provides this valuable forum for us, has just about any mask you would be interested in, thier web-site has a ton of reviews and information to help you and they provide great customer service! I personally have been doing business with them many years---they are about the best! They also provide mask insurance for a small fee so you can retun a mask if it does not work for you!
Many people buy from CPAP.COM sometimes---even if you have a DME with your insurance, if the DME is such a hassle---just check your insurance to see if you can submit the bill from CPAP.COM for reimbursment, they provide a detailed bill with all the insurance codes etc, and I have done that quite a few times!
Lastly, don't be afraid to ask questions on this forum----they are all great people here, and someone will jump in to give you the best possible answer to your questions!
All the best,
Steve
ufo13

[TiredMomNY]

Hi All - thanks so much for the info.

UFO13, I love the ResMed products. They are definitely worth a try. Not too much headgear (a serious problem with the WISP as it's breaking my hair off). And I think it's time to try a pillow - hopefully one that fits.

Maybe with one of these, my husband won't joke where I am blasting off to tonight!!

[surf_rower]

Yes, I did buy my own (Tap Pap) so I would have three masks available just in case. My insurance only pays half anyway. My general advice to everybody is, try a nasal pillows type even if someone told you it wouldn't work for you, because they may be full of it! Many of us can learn to be nose-only breathers, and some masks actually force you to do that because of the weird pressure. Try it!

[jencat824]

I get new equipment every three months. In early Feb I will be eligible for a new mask. I get to choose one and return it if I hate it (within 30 days). Do any of you ever just buy your own so that you can try more out? It seems like such a hassle going through the home health care company I use.

I do buy my own when I'm in between 'time' for a new mask and want to try a new mask. I've just ordered the P10 and should get it by the end of the week. I'm looking forward to trying this 'state-of-the-art' mask, hoping I will love it. I've tried several new masks lately.

Example: The Wisp was great for me when I had pneumonia, I was able to tolerate more humidity. When I use nasal pillow masks I get more comfort but much less tolerance to humidity.

The Wisp was given to me but I do buy some of the masks I want to try if I'm in between insurance limitations, I do buy from my HSA account.

Bottom line, we all do what works for us. Not everyone has access to FSA or HSA accounts. Not everyone has insurance. Many people buy all supplies out-of-pocket. You will find what works for you.

As a newbie, you are probably still searching for the type of mask that works best for you. Once you establish that, you will want to find 'the mask' that works for you. Hang in there, for many people its the first, second or third. For me initially it was #3. I found later on that I wanted to keep up with new technology, because I found increasingly better fit in the newer masks.

Hang in there,
Jen