I have tried several masks at this point and I have to admit i am discouraged. So far I have tried mostly masks with nasal pillows because I keep thinking this is what I really want. HOWEVER the mask I keep going back to when nothing else is working for me is the Fisher and Paykel 406 Nasal Mask. Even though that is my go to mask it is not perfect for me either and I am asking for suggestions again.
I have pretty much decided that even though pillows look more comfortable they really aren't in my case, so now I am trying to get input on a great nasal mask. Not full face. I have a fat face but small features (great visual huh? ) In fact I am changing my avatar to show the real me so you have a better idea. The bridge of my nose is narrow and the space between nose and upper lip is narrow. I also have small lips so it must be something that might work for me.
HELP!!!! I keep trying to find something that works for me and I have just about broken the bank. I can't get another one on insurance for 6 weeks ! WAH WAH BOO HOO... I don't want to rush my husband to the poor house (may be to late) but I want a comfortable mask!
So far I have tried: The Swift, Comfort Curve, Comfortlite 2, Tiara SnappX, & the Optilite.
Also the Fisher & Paykel 406.
I put this post on both sites I belong to because I am hoping for some feedback.
About to give up on finding the right mask : HELP ME!
About to give up on finding the right mask : HELP ME!
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pastorgilbert
- Posts: 81
- Joined: Fri Feb 23, 2007 8:48 pm
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
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Hi Dieselgal-- Remind me to tell you the joke about the Diesel Fitter sometime...but anyway... You might consider the Hybrid mask... It's not without its problems (such as higher than average exhaust rate), but it is has a reasonably sleek profile (important if you are a side sleeper) and has the benefit of both full-face and nasal pillows.
It comes with three different sizes of mouthpiece and 3 different sizes of nasal pillows so it's very adjustable. If you get it, make sure you get the newer model, not the 2006 model.
Do a Search here and see what others say and see if it might not work for you. You can sometimes pick them up on Ebay for as little as $50 or so. The two I've bought cost me a bit over $100 on Ebay.
Pastorgilbert
It comes with three different sizes of mouthpiece and 3 different sizes of nasal pillows so it's very adjustable. If you get it, make sure you get the newer model, not the 2006 model.
Do a Search here and see what others say and see if it might not work for you. You can sometimes pick them up on Ebay for as little as $50 or so. The two I've bought cost me a bit over $100 on Ebay.
Pastorgilbert
"May you breathe forever!"
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girlsaylor
- Posts: 140
- Joined: Tue Dec 19, 2006 12:00 pm
Can you describe the problems with the masks?
Hi Dieselgal,
Can you tell us what's not working? Are you having leak problems? Do you have dental pain? Maybe there's some clues to help figure out the right mask, if you can figure out what features are problematic.
I know for me headgear slippage is a very big issue. Leaks plague us all while trying to find the best mask and get the best fit. I also have some crowns in front and bone loss around my front bottom teeth. Anything that even rests there hurts like the dickens. I can't even use a chinstrap, as where it wraps around the lower jaw it presses on the gums.
Tell us more about the problems, why certain masks are difficult. Maybe someone will have an idea.
girlsaylor
Can you tell us what's not working? Are you having leak problems? Do you have dental pain? Maybe there's some clues to help figure out the right mask, if you can figure out what features are problematic.
I know for me headgear slippage is a very big issue. Leaks plague us all while trying to find the best mask and get the best fit. I also have some crowns in front and bone loss around my front bottom teeth. Anything that even rests there hurts like the dickens. I can't even use a chinstrap, as where it wraps around the lower jaw it presses on the gums.
Tell us more about the problems, why certain masks are difficult. Maybe someone will have an idea.
girlsaylor
When I hear you yodel "WAH BOO HOO" , I yodel back "I WAH BOOed TOO"
but then a kind DME sent me a
Comfort Full 2
which worked.
Its not only the face front that counts, apparently the shape of the back of the head counts too according to a Stanford sleep tech.
So keep trying new masks. Maybe some-one will invent a way to try masks cheaply.
Then you can yodel
I "WAH BOO HOO WOOed" Too
John M
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP
but then a kind DME sent me a
Comfort Full 2
which worked.
Its not only the face front that counts, apparently the shape of the back of the head counts too according to a Stanford sleep tech.
So keep trying new masks. Maybe some-one will invent a way to try masks cheaply.
Then you can yodel
I "WAH BOO HOO WOOed" Too
John M
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP
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| Additional Comments: Getting tired of feeling exhausted so often during the day and having to nap | ||||
Coming back to learn some more
It's funny that masks can drive me so crazy and yet when I sit and try to explain it's hard to explain how and why. Let me try.
The swift for me has a lot of leaks I tried differenct sizes different tweeks but can't seem to stop leaks unless I stay on my back. Also the straps are very forward on my face and that bothers me.
The Comfortlite 2 also doesn't seal well for me unless I pull it tight enough to pug my nose! However once in a while I get lucky and get it to feel good for a few hours. The heavy crown piece also drags at my already thin hair and causes me problems. Also on this mask the connector is at the top and even though I like that, it seems to get bumped somehow when I side sleep and cause me leaks.
With the comfort curve I just couldn't get a seal at all unles I used my hands to hold it and it was just to much work with those darn cheek pads falling off all the time!
The F&P 406 is pretty good except for the space between the nose and lip. It seems to press a touch to hard there and I get very sore just at the base of the nose.
Another problem I have with almost any mask is that my head is small and I don't have a big skull. It seems like when I turn my head on the pillow they all want to ride up the back of my head. I know I could further tie things down but darn it I already feel suffocated enough I hate to add another scarf or headband because I get hot very easy.
Lastly I have a small distance between nose and lip and if things are to big and bulky there they either sit or my mouth or crowd my nose.
I know i am b*&+*%ing but I am trying to explain and get some suggestions. For those of you that use a nasal mask, what do you use and why do you like it.
The swift for me has a lot of leaks I tried differenct sizes different tweeks but can't seem to stop leaks unless I stay on my back. Also the straps are very forward on my face and that bothers me.
The Comfortlite 2 also doesn't seal well for me unless I pull it tight enough to pug my nose! However once in a while I get lucky and get it to feel good for a few hours. The heavy crown piece also drags at my already thin hair and causes me problems. Also on this mask the connector is at the top and even though I like that, it seems to get bumped somehow when I side sleep and cause me leaks.
With the comfort curve I just couldn't get a seal at all unles I used my hands to hold it and it was just to much work with those darn cheek pads falling off all the time!
The F&P 406 is pretty good except for the space between the nose and lip. It seems to press a touch to hard there and I get very sore just at the base of the nose.
Another problem I have with almost any mask is that my head is small and I don't have a big skull. It seems like when I turn my head on the pillow they all want to ride up the back of my head. I know I could further tie things down but darn it I already feel suffocated enough I hate to add another scarf or headband because I get hot very easy.
Lastly I have a small distance between nose and lip and if things are to big and bulky there they either sit or my mouth or crowd my nose.
I know i am b*&+*%ing but I am trying to explain and get some suggestions. For those of you that use a nasal mask, what do you use and why do you like it.
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Mask Selection
I use a CPAP-Pro mask. It uses a mouthguard-type (Boil and bite) dental tray that molds to your upper teeth. A thin plastic piece protrudes between your lips, and attaches to a U-shaped plastic bracket. A nasal pillow is attached to each end of the U shaped bracket. The dental tray holds the whole thing in place. The distance between the nasal pillows and the end of the bracket is completely adjustable.
I've been using this for 4 months, and I really like it. I thought that I wouldn't like somehting in my mouth all of the time, but considering that this replaces all of he headgear and pressure points that other masks have, I think that its a much better trade-off.
You can see it at http://www.cpappro.com
Good luck.
I've been using this for 4 months, and I really like it. I thought that I wouldn't like somehting in my mouth all of the time, but considering that this replaces all of he headgear and pressure points that other masks have, I think that its a much better trade-off.
You can see it at http://www.cpappro.com
Good luck.
Have you thought about the resmed Mirage Activa? I have tried so many masks, and this is the one I keep going back to. Some don't like it because it is bulky on your face, but I find I can go from back to side without any leakage problem. I change the cushion every 3-4 months, but once I got the headgear set - I have not had to adjust it in 1 1/2 years!
The main reason I love this mask is that, IMHO, unlike other masks I've tried, the key to this mask is not having it too tight. I've heard it called "the octopus" when you wear it .... it just makes a seal and stays on my face. It kinda like floats on your face. I can't wait to try the new resmed full face mask, as I have wear a chin strap with any non-full face mask. Even with a humidity setting of 3 and an aussie heated hose to prevent rain-out, and a sweaty face, it does not lose it's seal over night - which I have had problems with other non-nasal pillow masks.
Hope you find a good mask which works for you!
Sleepyred
The main reason I love this mask is that, IMHO, unlike other masks I've tried, the key to this mask is not having it too tight. I've heard it called "the octopus" when you wear it .... it just makes a seal and stays on my face. It kinda like floats on your face. I can't wait to try the new resmed full face mask, as I have wear a chin strap with any non-full face mask. Even with a humidity setting of 3 and an aussie heated hose to prevent rain-out, and a sweaty face, it does not lose it's seal over night - which I have had problems with other non-nasal pillow masks.
Hope you find a good mask which works for you!
Sleepyred
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Why not?dieselgal wrote:I have pretty much decided that even though pillows look more comfortable they really aren't in my case, so now I am trying to get input on a great nasal mask. Not full face. I have a fat face but small features (great visual huh? ) In fact I am changing my avatar to show the real me so you have a better idea. The bridge of my nose is narrow and the space between nose and upper lip is narrow. I also have small lips so it must be something that might work for me.
You sound (and look) like a prime candidate for the Ultra Mirage Full Face mask.
Don't knock it till you've tried it.
Best wishes,
Den
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05
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girlsaylor
- Posts: 140
- Joined: Tue Dec 19, 2006 12:00 pm
back strap riding up
Hi DG-
I also have that same problem with some masks. I read somewhere here in a post that you can cut a piece of velcro for the back strap, and staple the loopy side to your back strap. I think the poster used the self stick velcro, but said the staples are necessary. Don't peel off the sticky back and apply it to the back strap til you try it out with it stapled on the inside of the lower back strap, and find out if the size of velcro works for you. I guess it provides a bit of 'grip' to your head in back. I've not tried it yet, and intend to do so myself. First I have to find that post.
girlsaylor
I also have that same problem with some masks. I read somewhere here in a post that you can cut a piece of velcro for the back strap, and staple the loopy side to your back strap. I think the poster used the self stick velcro, but said the staples are necessary. Don't peel off the sticky back and apply it to the back strap til you try it out with it stapled on the inside of the lower back strap, and find out if the size of velcro works for you. I guess it provides a bit of 'grip' to your head in back. I've not tried it yet, and intend to do so myself. First I have to find that post.
girlsaylor
Wulfman wrote:Why not?dieselgal wrote:I have pretty much decided that even though pillows look more comfortable they really aren't in my case, so now I am trying to get input on a great nasal mask. Not full face. I have a fat face but small features (great visual huh? ) In fact I am changing my avatar to show the real me so you have a better idea. The bridge of my nose is narrow and the space between nose and upper lip is narrow. I also have small lips so it must be something that might work for me.
You sound (and look) like a prime candidate for the Ultra Mirage Full Face mask.
Don't knock it till you've tried it.
Best wishes,
Den
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whatrdreamsmadeof
- Posts: 421
- Joined: Sat Aug 19, 2006 2:12 pm
- Location: vA. BEACH, VA.
I love
I love the breeze dreamseal............good luck........ellen
Life is not about the amount of breaths you take;
It's about the moments that take your breath away.
It's about the moments that take your breath away.
I use the CL2 but have to use padacheeks with it. I use the headrest cover. I also removed the elbow at the top. Makes the whole mask sit a bit differently, and doesn't cuase a problem when turning anymore. Here's Rested Gals instructions for removing the elbow;
viewtopic.php?t=8493
I use the nasal pillows and tape my mouth shut. The nasal pillows just touch the nares.
Brenda
viewtopic.php?t=8493
I use the nasal pillows and tape my mouth shut. The nasal pillows just touch the nares.
Brenda
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| Additional Comments: Love my papillow, Aussie heated hose and PAD-A-CHEEKS! Also use Optilife, UMFF(with PADACHEEK gasket), and Headrest masks Pressure; 10.5 |
I am certainly not one to give advice as I've only been on CPAP for a few months but the first mask I ever tried was the ComfortGel in size small. I have a round face but small features just like yours and I know exactly what you mean about the small space between nose and upper lip. The DME who brought mine out insisted I should need the Medium size but I tried on both and loved the small size much to her surprise.
The only problem I've had with the Comfort Gel is that I've broken all four (and had to super glue them) small brackets that hold in the ball clasp. I ordered another Comfort Gel and read that the company realized the hard ball was breaking the brackets so they now sell a rubber mushroom shaped ball clasp so I ordered that as well. They should be here tomorrow, I'm very excited.
This is my two cents, like I said, I'm not a seasoned pro.
The only problem I've had with the Comfort Gel is that I've broken all four (and had to super glue them) small brackets that hold in the ball clasp. I ordered another Comfort Gel and read that the company realized the hard ball was breaking the brackets so they now sell a rubber mushroom shaped ball clasp so I ordered that as well. They should be here tomorrow, I'm very excited.
This is my two cents, like I said, I'm not a seasoned pro.