Which mask???

[MopTop]

So I have decided to buy a second hand machine and self diagnose (with the help of you lovely people!!) and also go down the UK NHS route as a back-up. So I'm going to need a mask but I have no idea which one. I realise that it is a matter of personal preference but I don't want to make too many expensive mistakes if I can avoid it!!

I'm a mouth breather (can't really breathe through my nose at all) so I assume I will need a full face mask? Are the ResMed for Her masks all that different to normal generic ones? I really have no idea where to begin except pluck a name out of a hat

All thoughts, ideas and opinions gratefully received

[Sheriff Buford]

Now you done it!!! You are gonna get every mask on the market suggested to you!! I guess I'll start. I have tried a handful of full face masks, and finally settled on the Resmed F20. I like the way the mask is constructed around the area of the nose bridge. With previous masks, that was the area that gave me the most trouble. I also like the magnetic clips and the way the mask cushion snaps on/off.

I have recently successfully coached my son through a self diagnosed treatment. He lives in Boston, and was visiting for a few weeks. You never really know what severity you have, without a sleep study. My son's treated AHI is between .9 and a 2. With treated results like that, I know he has apnea, so I didn't need a sleep study to tell me what I already knew. Be patient with your results and don't knee jerk changing your settings. The goal is to feel better and be healthier.

And yes... we are here to help you thru this journey!

Best wishes, Sheriff

[bombayone]

I agree with either Airfit or Airtouch F20. Make sure you get the correct size. Good luck.

[rick blaine]

Hello again MopTop,

Of the five masks I've used, the one that suited me best was (and still is) the ResMed Mirage Quattro. And from what I've gathered from other users on this forum, it is very 'forgiving' – that is, it seems to have built into its design enough flexibility of fit a fair number of people.

One downside is: it comes apart to 10 pieces – which is a fiddle when washing. And ResMed have moved on to several 'much-fewer-pieces' designs in their newer range (the Mirage Quattro dates from about eight or nine years ago). In the full-face category (which means 'covers your nose and your mouth'), they now offer both the ResMed Air and the ResMed F20, and both of these are composed of only three or four pieces.

It may help you to know that ResMedUK have regular open days – either in Abingdon or Bristol – where you can go along and try their masks, with no obligation to buy. Obvs, they only set out their own range, but at least you do get to try them on with a machine running (which is also something which should happen at the NHS sleep clinic).

Do note that currently ResMedUK is pushing the F20 with 'memory foam' cushion. It's a very nice idea – but it needs replacing every two months (at £36 a pop). I have tried it – at my own expense - because I was curious, and the seal is very good. But six cushions a year? Bit of a luxury item.

And there is the alternative – the ResMed F20 with silicon cushion. It lasts a lot longer.

The NHS in my area used to give me a new cushion for the Mirage Quattro once a year (when they had annual follow-up) but users on this forum might tell you that a two-year life before loss of elasticity is common.

And do note that, even if you rock up at an NHS sleep-medicine department with your own machine – as I did – they should quite happily try you out on a range of masks, including masks from Philips Respironics and from manufacturers other than ResMed (as well as ResMed). And then the one you go home with is 'on prescription' – ie, free.

The thing you need to know most about masks from any manufacturer is that they come in different sizes – eg, small, medium, and large. The manufacturers often have a downloadable sizing guide. Philips Respironics even had a plastic guide for a time, which they would surface mail to you.

Any reputable supplier should ask you about size before they sell to you. So obvs, it helps to find out which size you are.

[Jas_williams]

I got a Resmed F10 from my trust in medium, as a full face mask, I also managed to get an N10 nasal mask, but I finally moved to a Resmed P10 pillow mask and a bleep no mask thingy at my own expense.


If you mouth breath I suggest a Resmed F20 with the silicone cushion.

[MopTop]

Now you done it!!! You are gonna get every mask on the market suggested to you!!

Yes, I did wonder about that!!

Thanks for all the replies - I have decided on the ResMed F10 as it is smaller than the others and I am very concerned that I am going to feel claustrophobic - I hate things on my face, probably because I can't breathe through my nose but because of that I have to have a full face mask!

Will let you know how I get on once I'm all set up (it's kind of scary and exciting all at the same time!!)

[Jas_williams]

Now you done it!!! You are gonna get every mask on the market suggested to you!!

Yes, I did wonder about that!!

Thanks for all the replies - I have decided on the ResMed F10 as it is smaller than the others and I am very concerned that I am going to feel claustrophobic - I hate things on my face, probably because I can't breathe through my nose but because of that I have to have a full face mask!

Will let you know how I get on once I'm all set up (it's kind of scary and exciting all at the same time!!)

When your ready to go I suggest a min pressure of 7 EPR of 3 max pressure of 20 and make sure you have the mask type set to full face, set the humidifier and hose temp to auto..


Then sleep with it and we can tweek from there.

[MopTop]

When your ready to go I suggest a min pressure of 7 EPR of 3 max pressure of 20 and make sure you have the mask type set to full face, set the humidifier and hose temp to auto..


Then sleep with it and we can tweek from there.

OK - will do -thanks very much

[chunkyfrog]

Nasal pillow masks are easier to fit, and less confining.
If full face masks are too difficult to tolerate, do consider nasal pillows.

[Spot123]

I had trouble full face mask that didn't leak horribly (I think full face masks were made for a certain schnoz shape). Switched to a pillow mask, which is more neutral on nose shape and facial structure. I liked the Dreamwear but switched recently to Resmed P30i. Whatever you think will work, see if you can possibly try them on first. If you mouth-breathe with any of them, you will get dry mouth. It's just that the full face mask will not reduce the amount of therapy.

[babydinosnoreless]

I had trouble full face mask that didn't leak horribly (I think full face masks were made for a certain schnoz shape). Switched to a pillow mask, which is more neutral on nose shape and facial structure. I liked the Dreamwear but switched recently to Resmed P30i. Whatever you think will work, see if you can possibly try them on first. If you mouth-breathe with any of them, you will get dry mouth. It's just that the full face mask will not reduce the amount of therapy.

I thought I was a mouth breather and I am during the day. Surprisingly with a nasal mask the amount of air I get through my nose must be enough because with a nasal mask at night I do keep my mouth closed as verified by both the sleephead software and hubbyhead. I like the fit of the "N-20 for her" mask the best but I use the dreamwear as a backup. I can sleep with both which sure beats the sleepless nights I spent with the various full face masks and the anxiety I felt having my face covered up. I am super thankful for pugsy talking me into trying nasal masks.

[Spot123]

I had trouble full face mask that didn't leak horribly (I think full face masks were made for a certain schnoz shape). Switched to a pillow mask, which is more neutral on nose shape and facial structure. I liked the Dreamwear but switched recently to Resmed P30i. Whatever you think will work, see if you can possibly try them on first. If you mouth-breathe with any of them, you will get dry mouth. It's just that the full face mask will not reduce the amount of therapy.

I thought I was a mouth breather and I am during the day. Surprisingly with a nasal mask the amount of air I get through my nose must be enough because with a nasal mask at night I do keep my mouth closed as verified by both the sleephead software and hubbyhead. I like the fit of the "N-20 for her" mask the best but I use the dreamwear as a backup. I can sleep with both which sure beats the sleepless nights I spent with the various full face masks and the anxiety I felt having my face covered up.

Similar -- I found myself having to mouth tape with the nasal mask but not with the pillows. It's all trial and error.