How many masks did you go through when you started?

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mozart
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How many masks did you go through when you started?

Post by mozart » Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:03 am

How many masks did you try when you first started? I'm worried my DME is getting frustrated with me. I'm on my 3rd mask. I started with nasal pillows and those blew too much air in my ears. I liked them, but after waking up dizzy and lightheaded for 2 weeks not matter what I switched to a nasal mask. I liked it better, but I was in between sizes on that mask and the strap in the back gave me a terrible headache. I'm now using the nano nasal mask and I like it but my DME ordered the "for her" version and I think I need I might need the next size cushion. I didn't realize it came with only one size. It took over 2 weeks for the DME to order and get that mask in, so I was without a mask for that entire time. Now I'm not sure if I should have the DME order the next size cushion for me or go directly to the airfit nasal mask. I'm trying to be thorough and find a mask that I can deal with, but I don't know how long I should give each mask before moving on to the next and how much patience my DME will have with me.

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englandsf
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Re: How many masks did you go through when you started?

Post by englandsf » Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:09 am

Six

My DME gave me two samples (F10 and Quattro air in two sizes) and sold me my current fave - P10 which came with all three pillow sizes. I also bought 3 from cpap.com, and kept them all (one hybrid, Breeze and my second fave - the Nuance)... Out of pocket about $250 but well worth it my opinion - got where I needed to be in about 3-4 weeks.

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BuddhaCat
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Re: How many masks did you go through when you started?

Post by BuddhaCat » Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:12 am

mozart --

This may not be relevant for you, but hopefully it will be useful. I was told by the original sleep tech that did my sleep study that if I had problems with the mask given me by the DME, and needed relief/support until the next mask replacement time, that I could call her. She seemed to suggest that I could use one of their masks until my DME/insurance-approved mask arrived.

I haven't tried this yet, but it's nice to know it's an option. Hope it is for you, too!

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library lady
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Re: How many masks did you go through when you started?

Post by library lady » Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:14 am

The biggest adjustment to cpap is finding the right mask, so you are not alone. Lots of people have to try many masks before they find THE one, and some are able to find the right mask right away. I was started on Quattro Air FF mask, which at first I thought would never work, but when I tried it with mask liners that was it, and I stayed with it until the AirFit F10 came out several months later. F10 uses the same cushion, but does not have the forehead arm and the strap around the top of the head, which I like much better. Some people start out with a nasal mask, then find they are better suited to a FF, and vice versa... or they start with wrong size, etc. Hang in there, and give It some time in between your exchanges. Mask use and fit is the hardest part of all this, but eventually you will have the mask that works for you.

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Tatooed Lady
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Re: How many masks did you go through when you started?

Post by Tatooed Lady » Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:20 am

My therapy started May 23 this year. I have a "stable" of 4 different masks. 2 full face and 2 nasal pillow. Gotta have a FFM for the times I can't breathe through my nose, and I wanted to have a couple options on fit and feel, because I have NO clue what to expect. The pillows I originally got from the DME with my machine, but I wanted to try another style that is getting rave reviews.
Don't let them bully you into settling for something that doesn't work for you. YOU are the one who needs to wear these things, and be comfortable enough to sleep with them on. Make them earn your business. If they can't/won't, better you find out earlier than later. CPAP.com can always use the business, and they've got a huge selection.

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Pugsy
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Re: How many masks did you go through when you started?

Post by Pugsy » Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:29 am

So you got the Small Nano cushion and think maybe the Standard would work better?
Check out EBay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Factory-Sea ... 27e71a80ae
Buy it now price $19 with free shipping

Oh...how many masks did I go through? One. I knew what I wanted to use going into the titration sleep study. I wanted the Swift LT nasal pillow mask (this was 5 years ago long before all the new and improved models) and the sleep lab only had the OptiLife which I used but it didn't fit so great but when DME became involved I got the Swift LT and used it for over a year until the Swift FX nasal pillow was released and then was newer improved models have been released I changed again but I got lucky with my first mask choice.

I have used the Nano though and it's a nice little mask. I did get the Small cushion and I can see where it could run small for some people. It isn't any too big on me and I don't have a big nose (at least to me ) It was close though.
If you have $19 you can try the Standard size and see if it works better. If it doesn't you can likely sell it here and get the bulk of your money back and move on to trying something else.

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chunkyfrog
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Re: How many masks did you go through when you started?

Post by chunkyfrog » Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:46 am

At least twenty. --Not everyone is blessed with frog-natomy.
I started out with a Mirage micro, which tore up my nose or pushed on my upper teeth.
Even though I got to pick which, I felt it was not a mask I wanted to keep.
Since then, I have tried several new masks a year, (cpap.com/with insurance) finding a handful I could "live with".
I thought Wisp was "the one", but now it is my back-up in case of a nose sore.
Do not give up. The right one is out there--but you may have to look/fight for it.

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M'ohms
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Re: How many masks did you go through when you started?

Post by M'ohms » Sun Jul 27, 2014 1:21 pm

6: I started with the Quattro FF (left a giant open sore on the bridge of my nose), moved to the Swift FX (mouth leaks galore), then the Comfortgel Blue FF (hurt my face), then the Quattro FX (yea--it's a keeper). i wanted a second mask for those times when my nose was sore, so I tried the Liberty Hybrid ( gave me TMJ) and the Hybrid (another winner). I'm due a new mask in a couple of weeks so I'm going to try the Airfit F10 to compare it to my QFX.

Good luck in your journey!

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Goofproof
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Re: How many masks did you go through when you started?

Post by Goofproof » Sun Jul 27, 2014 1:55 pm

Only 3 in 8 years, a ComfortFull full face mask, a F & P 431 full face mask, and a ComfortGel Nasal Mask.

The only one I couldn't tame was the F & P, I liked it a lot it was the coolest, but leaks and mataining position on my face was impossible.

Adjustment is everything, many have to jump around and try everything out there. I find that if you are willing to keep at it, most things can be made to work, as least close enough. I have also found the the mask over times changes the structure of your face, under the skin, helping the sealing ability.

That being said, overtight isn't the answer either, "moderation in all things".Jim
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englandsf
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Re: How many masks did you go through when you started?

Post by englandsf » Sun Jul 27, 2014 2:33 pm

M'ohms - I have the F10 and the new Quattro Air which use the same cushions - the F10 is very comfortable but can leak at the nose bridge if your nose is narrow like mine.

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HoseCrusher
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Re: How many masks did you go through when you started?

Post by HoseCrusher » Sun Jul 27, 2014 3:39 pm

I was fortunate to have an excellent RT that also was an xPAP user. He sized me up and suggested the mask that I continued to use until recently. The problems I ran into were with the small hose of the Swift FX but the mask has never been an issue. I recently switched to the Nuance and am pleased to find that its small hose is much more robust.

I have tried several other masks just out of curiosity but keep coming back to the original choice.

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MINItron
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Re: How many masks did you go through when you started?

Post by MINItron » Sun Jul 27, 2014 5:56 pm

I have gone through three so far. I started with the Amara FF, but it was too narrow at the top, and the forehead bar left marks on my forehead. Then I tried the Nuance nasal pillows. I just couldn't get comfortable with the Nuance at first. So I went back and got the Quattro FX. I like the Quattro FX. It fits right, makes a good seal, and never leaves any marks on my nose or face, but I am constantly fighting leaks.

When I got back from vacation where I only took the Quattro FX with me I looked at the data on my card, and gave the Nuance another try. I have been using the Nuance for a week now, and have not had any of the problems that I had when I tried it the first time around. I don't even use the chinstrap they gave me. Other than a couple yawns when first going to sleep it doesn't seem that I have any real mouth leaks one way or the other. I will stick with this one for now. Though I may try something different when I am due for a new mask. Only time will tell.

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Krelvin
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Re: How many masks did you go through when you started?

Post by Krelvin » Sun Jul 27, 2014 6:08 pm

Two masks were used during the sleep study, the first leaked really bad and was used for only about 15 mins. The second was a Comfortful 2 and was used to the end of the study. It was listed on the Sleep study report.

When I got the machine, they gave me another mask (don't recall what it was) but told them I wanted the same that was in the study. They had to "special order" it... and I started with it.

My biggest problem at first was the hose would come off, which eventually was fixed by replacing the hose.

I used the Comfortful 2 for several years before I switched to the F&P 431 and eventually to the F&P 432.

Never even tried nasal masks only FFM.
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Jeff241
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Re: How many masks did you go through when you started?

Post by Jeff241 » Sun Jul 27, 2014 7:26 pm

mozart wrote:How many masks did you try when you first started? I'm worried my DME is getting frustrated with me. I'm on my 3rd mask. I started with nasal pillows and those blew too much air in my ears. I liked them, but after waking up dizzy and lightheaded for 2 weeks not matter what I switched to a nasal mask. I liked it better, but I was in between sizes on that mask and the strap in the back gave me a terrible headache. I'm now using the nano nasal mask and I like it but my DME ordered the "for her" version and I think I need I might need the next size cushion. I didn't realize it came with only one size. It took over 2 weeks for the DME to order and get that mask in, so I was without a mask for that entire time. Now I'm not sure if I should have the DME order the next size cushion for me or go directly to the airfit nasal mask. I'm trying to be thorough and find a mask that I can deal with, but I don't know how long I should give each mask before moving on to the next and how much patience my DME will have with me.
I got lucky and the lady doing my sleep study has a cpap so she suggested the mask I'm using because I tend to breath through my nose. She liked the mask and it worked for me so I'm sticking with it.

Your DME might not like it but you need to get a mask that works for you. That's why there are so many different mask, people have different preferences.
You will know right away when a mask isn't going to work for you. Seems like your close to one that might work for you, you might need to give it a little time to get used to it. Too bad your DME takes so long to get different masks in. Maybe someone will be able to suggest a mask that will work for you.

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M'ohms
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Re: How many masks did you go through when you started?

Post by M'ohms » Sun Jul 27, 2014 8:02 pm

englandsf wrote

M'ohms - I have the F10 and the new Quattro Air which use the same cushions - the F10 is very comfortable but can leak at the nose bridge if your nose is narrow like mine.
Thanks for the heads-up! I do have a narrow nose, and it took me a long time to figure out how to keep my QFX from leaking around my nose. I am attracted to the idea of a lighter mask so I will try the Airfit F10. Hopefully, I can apply my lessons learned about fitting my QFX to the F10.

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