Do mask choices matter?

[CyberSpiff]

First post from a new CPAP user here. Technically I’ve been stalking for a while to learn from everyone but only recently created an account.

I have a question on mask choices that I’ve been reading up on and decided to ask those more experienced for opinions. I’ve been using a full-face mask (Resmed F20) for about 6 months since I started and found it works well for me as my AHI is typically < 1 (was 17 in the sleep study) and my sleep is much improved from BC (Before CPAP). It can at times be a bit uncomfortable as I am a side-sleeper, but nothing I can’t deal with so far.

My question is does mask choice really matter as long as the apneas are being treated and sleep is improved? I noticed my F20 is showing signs of wear and needs to be replaced, but before replacing the parts was curious if it was worthwhile considering switching to a different mask. I’m not a mouth-breather when asleep so it seems there are many options available. I’m not looking for a mask recommendation, just wondering if there is a better delivery vehicle for CPAP therapy than a full-face mask. My pressure is 10-20 with a 95% of 14 and max of 16 if that helps.

Thanks!

[zonker]

My question is does mask choice really matter as long as the apneas are being treated and sleep is improved? I noticed my F20 is showing signs of wear and needs to be replaced, but before replacing the parts was curious if it was worthwhile considering switching to a different mask. I’m not a mouth-breather when asleep so it seems there are many options available. I’m not looking for a mask recommendation, just wondering if there is a better delivery vehicle for CPAP therapy than a full-face mask. My pressure is 10-20 with a 95% of 14 and max of 16 if that helps.

Thanks!

welcome to the zoo!

nope, doesn't matter a heck of a lot, really. it looks like you've found THE mask for you. for many of us, that is a long and arduous journey. some folk can try as many as 10-20 before they find what is right for them. me, i got lucky on my fourth try and haven't looked back.

that said, pugsy is of the opinion that she will try a mask just to see if it works if it looks interesting to her. but she's far more adventurous than me.

i've heard (but have no citation) that a nasal pillow mask is better for you in that your breathing through your nose. the down side of this is that you have to keep your mouth closed. i've conquered that but some folks can't.

good luck in whatever you decide!

[Miss Emerita]

What he said!

[zonker]

What he said!

[chunkyfrog]

Mask CHOICE is often essential for successful therapy.
That choice should belong to the patient only.

[ChicagoGranny]

I’m not looking for a mask recommendation, just wondering if there is a better delivery vehicle for CPAP therapy than a full-face mask.

How did you end up with an FFM? Is it because your mouth opens at times during the night? If you were to use a nasal mask, you would need to keep your mouth closed. Otherwise, when your mouth opens, the pressure would be lost, and you might still have breathing events.

I noticed my F20 is showing signs of wear and needs to be replaced, but before replacing the parts was curious if it was worthwhile considering switching to a different mask.

If you try a different mask and it doesn't work out, what will you do? Go back to the worn mask, or shell out money to replace your old mask?

In my experience, it is good to try a variety of masks. But one should also make sure to have a tried-and-true mask on hand at all times.

[CyberSpiff]

How did you end up with an FFM? Is it because your mouth opens at times during the night? If you were to use a nasal mask, you would need to keep your mouth closed. Otherwise, when your mouth opens, the pressure would be lost, and you might still have breathing events.

If you try a different mask and it doesn't work out, what will you do? Go back to the worn mask, or shell out money to replace your old mask?

In my experience, it is good to try a variety of masks. But one should also make sure to have a tried-and-true mask on hand at all times.

When they gave me the CPAP machine I also got 2 masks, the Resmed P10 and Resmed F20. I used the P10 for a while, then tried the F20. I’m a nose breather when I sleep so even though it’s a full-face I keep my mouth closed, at least I think I do when asleep as I get no big leaks with either mask. No real issues with either once I learned how to fit them thanks to reading this forum and looking at YouTube videos, but the numbers on the F20 are a little bit better than the P10.

I plan on buying the parts for the F20 regardless, but was curious if I should consider a different mask for comfort. Based on what I’ve seen I’ll consider trying another mask at some point.

Thanks everyone!

[chunkyfrog]

How many tried?
Some have tried more than I. (10)
My face looks normal . . .

[Okie bipap]

I have lost track of how many different masks I have tried, but it is around 20. Every time I see a mask that looks interesting, I purchase one and try it. I have returned some for refunds, and have passed others on to people who wanted to try them or people who could not afford new masks. I keep coming back to my F20 full face mask I have used for the last three years.

[clownbell]

As has been said above, finding the right mask FOR YOU is probably the biggest PAP challenge for most users.

Without disagreeing with any of the comments above, I would add one thing for context. There have been various studies done on the subject. The National Institute of Health website has an article at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4301251/ that says full face masks require more pressure (vs nasal and pillows) and are associated with less effective therapy and less compliance. It is an interesting article to wade through but takes some time (for me, at least). Some studies say that pillows are better than nasal mask, and other studies say there is no real difference between the nasal and pillow.

Bottom line - do what is comfortable and works FOR YOU. What works for other folks may not work for you.

[ChicagoGranny]

It is an interesting article to wade through

The article was uninteresting to me because the authors ignored a major variable. When the mouth opens, the hinging movement of the lower jaw moves the tongue backward, resulting in a slightly narrower airway. While the authors are struggling to make some conclusions about FFMs causing higher pressure needs, they did not examine the different pressure needs with mouth-open versus mouth-closed.

[D.H.]

The choice of mask is more important than the choice of machine! The best mask is the best mask for you. It is a very personal choice; there is no best mask or best mask style in general.

[tlohse]

You know its all about the mask about the the mask about the mask.

[Susurrus1964]

Since without the mask, you'd basically just have a fan blowing air in your face, the mask is everything.

Maybe I'm harping on this too much, being as I only joined this site an hour ago, but from personal experience: don't get too tied into the mask you eventually find, because somewhere along the line, the manufacturer will discontinue the one that works best for you. My personal mask of choice is a Resmed Swift II. It's the style mask I received when I first got my CPAP, and over the years I've given a try to a few others, but have always come back to the Swift II. I don't know how many years that particular mask has been discontinued (probably a lot). I'm now in the long, uncomfortable process of attempting to find a modern mask that will work for me. It isn't proving to be very successful so far.

I can't do full-face, as I have facial hair, and the modern, center-hose nasal pillow models pull on my nose uncomfortably. I haven't gone long enough to develop sores, and I don't intend on going that far just to make a point, because in the long run, one person isn't going to make that big a difference.

So absolutely, go to the trouble to find a mask that works for you, but just be aware that eventually, you'll have to go through the process all over again...