How many masks did you try when you first started?

[ewl]

Thanks for all the input. Wish I had the same success as you (LSAT) with the Comfort Gel. As a last resort I tried boiling it yesterday to "fit" it to my face, and while it might be a bit better, I still have the same problem that I have to crank it tight to get rid of the leaks that spring up every time I move/roll over/etc. I talked to the DME again and they suggest a nasal pillow mask next, and then if that doesn't work, a different nasal mask.

For those who've tried a nasal mask and gone to pillows, is it a hugely different sensation? Do they leak as much? Do they stretch your nose permanently into some kind of "piggy nose"?!

Also just saw someone mention RemZzzs face liners...?

[Pugsy]

For those who've tried a nasal mask and gone to pillows, is it a hugely different sensation? Do they leak as much? Do they stretch your nose permanently into some kind of "piggy nose

I have had many "zero" or near zero leak nights with my Swift LT. Less surface to expose to potential leaks.

I don't think I have a piggy nose..... very little of the pillow, which is quite thin, actually goes up inside the nostril. The mask system that offers the "cradle cushion" doesn't have anything that goes inside.

You are never going to know till you try. Different strokes for different folks.

[ricochetv1]

For those who've tried a nasal mask and gone to pillows, is it a hugely different sensation? Do they leak as much? Do they stretch your nose permanently into some kind of "piggy nose

I have had many "zero" or near zero leak nights with my Swift LT. Less surface to expose to potential leaks.

I don't think I have a piggy nose..... very little of the pillow, which is quite thin, actually goes up inside the nostril. The mask system that offers the "cradle cushion" doesn't have anything that goes inside.

You are never going to know till you try. Different strokes for different folks.

The pillows don't go in very far... But I have noticed my nostrils inflate when I turn the air on. Strange sensation, like the ultimate flaring. Whether that will lead to bigger nostrils over time I have no idea.
Then again, my nose is already big, so it's not like it'll make that much difference to me.

[raylo]

Let's see, since March, when I started CPAP:

Flexifit 407 nasal mask during titration and first week - it rubbed a raw spot on my nose between the nostrils and I returned it and got...
A Mirage Micro and an Activa LT, both of which were a vast improvement, but still were a little bit leaky with my style of side-sleeping - I paid for one out of my pocket
A Mirage Swift LT came next, the big switch to nasal pillows. This has become my standard. I have gotten to a good balance of comfort and utility. Pretty low leaks rates and I can read, etc.
An Opus 360 to try another brand of pillows. I like it and it would probably be my standard if not for the Swift LT.
A Comfort Curve, just as a stab. Have yet to figure out how to use it effectively. No matter what I've done, it doesn't seem to feel like it fits and leaks easily. Pilot error or equipment failure? Either way it is on the shelf.
An Innomed Nasal Aire II to try out the prong thing. This has possibilites but I haven't completely figured out how I would wear it yet. I may need to buy a different sized prong. I probably haven't given it a fair shot, choosing the simplicity of just slapping on my LT.
A Mirage Quattro for colds. I got it, and then a week later my nose was plugged up for a couple of days. Good timing.

Next up will probably be a Headrest to try that configuration and to get the different venting arrangement. I'll definitely need to go to the lab rat links when I get it. I'll need to be ready to perform surgery on it.

So that is 8 styles bought, and one comtemplated. I have three LTs. That makes 11 masks owned and only 2 were covered by insurance so far. No wonder my fiance looks at me that way when I talk about trying another one (of course, I have the same reaction when I see a new shoe store bag in her hands). If I could afford it, I would probably have five or six machines. I knda like to try new stuff.

Even if this has all seemed excessive, I believe that I owed it to myself to try and find the right mask. I am very lucky to be able to afford to do this trial and error process so quickly (my purchases are with pretax dollars - FSA, HSA) instead of waiting for three months in between. Trials at the DME help for size, but it seems like the only way to really try a mask out is to sleep on it. I have settled on the Swift LT, and like it, but obviously I feel like it could be improved upon. Maybe some day that cloth one will be worth trying or there will be cheap custom masks.

Sorry for the long overly detailed post.

[rjm46]

Were you wondering about the RemZzzs mask liners? They do work, and are very comfortable. I tried 4 different kinds of masks b/c of the leaking air problem, before I found RemZzzs. They work b/c they stop my mask from slipping (when I roll over), and soak up any sweat. RemZzzs has also helped my nose not to have that red mark & no deep groves beside my nose. You can find them on their website.

[sagesteve]

I started with ONE and added the No Mask. Switch between the two so I don't "screw up" my face! The Quattro full face mask works perfect for me as well does the No Mask. I use the No Mask mostly.

[Juliebove]

They put some kind of nasal mask on me during the sleep study. It was waaaay too tight, caused extreme pain and I complained about it.

When I got the machine, the guy asked me if I breathed through my mouth. I said "probably". Was given a full face mask. End of story.