How accurate is the sizing guide?

jerryinpa · Post by **jerryinpa** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 8:18 pm

OK, OK, OK! I'm only on my third post so I know that I don't know much.

On my first post, I asked for recommendations for a mask that might fit my narrow, and deep nasal bridge. I received a couple of suggestions.

When I plug my measurements into the "Sizing guide", I am told that these are not the best choices for me.

So who do I believe? How accurate or inaccurate is the system?

I appreciate everyone, and I mean everyone who is trying to help me, so I sure don't wish to offend....

Thanks in advance,

Jerry.

WNJ · Post by **WNJ** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 5:34 am

Both my wife and I have had very good success with the sizing guide.

I was having trouble with my original mask. I went to the sizing guide to see if I had been the right size. It told me this mask was not suitable for me!

In the meantime, the DME set me up with a UMFF medium, shallow cushion. Sizing guide said I needed medium, standard cushion. After about 6 months, I bought that size from cpap.com. Much better results!

My wife recently began using VPAP Adapt SV. Before picking up the machine and mask, I went to the sizing guide to see what size Quattro she needed. It said Extra Small. When we picked up the machine, the DME had only size Small (which I could tell was too big.) My wife had to use that for a few nights until they could get an XS. Sure enough, XS works much better.

It’s kinda curious that she would need an XS. At 5’ 11” she is not a petite woman.

Also, really curious IMO that her DME did not stock XS. I would expect that many women would need an XS.

Wayne

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rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 7:40 am

Jerry, I think the Mask Guide does a good job at picking "size" to use, as WNJ said has been the experience for him and his wife.

I think it can miss the boat, though, on mask recommendations...or, more to the point, masks it says are "not recommended" for the sizing specs you put in.

For example, the Guide will always rule out "nasal pillows" for anyone who clicks "slotted" nares. With some tweaking (think "homemade strap" to cradle and steady the nasal pillows throughout the night) most nasal pillows interfaces can work fine with any shape nares.

Which masks were you interested in trying that the Guide said were not recommended for you?

eljay · Post by **eljay** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 10:41 am

For example, the Guide will always rule out "nasal pillows" for anyone who clicks "slotted" nares. With some tweaking (think "homemade strap" to cradle and steady the nasal pillows throughout the night) most nasal pillows interfaces can work fine with any shape nares.

I'm glad to hear that, RG. I've been wanting to try a nasal pillow type mask, but have been discouraged because the sizing guide always says they are not suitable for me. Seeing your post gives me the encouragement to give them a try! Thanks for your insight.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 11:01 am

eljay, when you give a nasal pillows interface a try, have the leg cut off a pair of tights at the ready. I'd suggest that even if nasal pillows were recommended for a person, btw.

One or two "legs" make excellent homemade straps to cradle the nasal pillows and steady them during toss n' turn sleeping. Like so:

http://www.tnlc.com/Lara/laura/osa/aura-strap6ways.jpg

With that handy-dandy homemade strap, nasal pillows can also be used just fine at even the highest pressures.

Here's how to tie the homemade strap behind your head for a nice, flat, easy to undo "knot" that stays secure, yet is easy to adjust during the night"

http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/doublestartknot.htm

Use nasal pillows that are larger than you think you need. They'll seal better on the outside of the nostril rims, instead of having to be shoved up into the nostrils.

One last tip, which you already may be doing.... hang the main air hose up overhead. Much like being a fish on the end of a slack line, so you can turn over and over freely underneath.

LINKS to Hose hangers and methods of managing the air hose
viewtopic.php?t=10640

Good luck!

jerryinpa · Post by **jerryinpa** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 3:13 pm

rested gal wrote:Jerry, I think the Mask Guide does a good job at picking "size" to use, as WNJ said has been the experience for him and his wife.

I think it can miss the boat, though, on mask recommendations...or, more to the point, masks it says are "not recommended" for the sizing specs you put in.

For example, the Guide will always rule out "nasal pillows" for anyone who clicks "slotted" nares. With some tweaking (think "homemade strap" to cradle and steady the nasal pillows throughout the night) most nasal pillows interfaces can work fine with any shape nares.

Which masks were you interested in trying that the Guide said were not recommended for you?

Hi Rested Gal,

I have a narrow, deep bridge to my nose and I had asked about a page below as to which masks might be good choices for me. Slinky said Quattro and Wulfman said either Ultra Mirage Full Face or Quattro.

I was surprised when the sizing guide said that both these would be a poor choice for me. (And now, even if I did want to go against the sizing guide's recommendation, I wouldn't know how to choose a size.)

Do you have any best guesses?

THanks in advance,

Jerry.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 5:47 pm

Den or Slinky would have better ideas for you, Jerry, than I'd have. Masks (and mask sizes) are a gamble, no matter what. You might want to keep a lookout on cpapauction.com in case one of those is offered.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used mask. If you don't mind that either, you might find a pretty good deal buying a mask through the auction site.

If you bought one from an online store, and it didn't work out for you, you could always put it up for auction. Those are two very popular FF masks. I don't think you'd have any trouble selling either of those if they didn't suit you.