what cpap mask should i get next

[fordjx4000]

what cpap mask should i get next i have a mirage softgel nasal mask and a comfort gel nasal mask
i tend to wake up with drool all over me i have braces but i get them off at the end of march

i have never tried before what mask would be best for me
my mask size is Petite

[lovescuba]

Try the Quattro FX, I am a newbie but love this mask. I have no probe with leaks or anything. Just make sure fit is right, and you know how to put it on.......it is different to put on than most full mask.

[archangle]

Unless you have mouth leaks, don't get a full face mask.

You can check for leaks with your software, or with SleepyHead.

[sleepyb]

A full face mask will get you through a stuffy nose night where you can't use a nasal mask. You might want to consider one.
Since faces are so different it might be good to go to a couple DME's and try various masks. (Try them lying down at your pressure).
DME's have one benefit, you can try a bunch of masks at one time. Ask them ahead of time about their return policy though.

[archangle]

A full face mask will get you through a stuffy nose night where you can't use a nasal mask. You might want to consider one.

A FFM is definitely good to have as a backup for nights when you are clogged up and can't do a nasal mask.

[josh73]

I don't think a FFM is just for mouth breathers, it's also for people like me that can't stand the pressure only going up my nose. I like having the option to open my mouth during sleep.

[49er]

Try the Quattro FX, I am a newbie but love this mask. I have no probe with leaks or anything. Just make sure fit is right, and you know how to put it on.......it is different to put on than most full mask.

Just to show that we're all different, I am having a horrible time with leaks with this mask.

Another thing to consider is if you are the type of person who has trouble taking things apart and putting them back together to do an adequate thorough cleaning, this mask is not for you in my opinion. This isn't a problem for most people but unfortunately, when you have problems like I do such as manual dexterity and visual perceptual issues, this is a big factor.

49er

[Corkster52]

I like my Quattro FX FFM, but it is the only one I have used, in the sleep studies and the week that I have been on the CPAP. I do have some leakage, according to ResMed and Sleepyhead softwares, but it varies from night to night.

[archangle]

I don't think a FFM is just for mouth breathers, it's also for people like me that can't stand the pressure only going up my nose. I like having the option to open my mouth during sleep.

Nasal masks usually give better treatment unless there are problems with it. FFMs may increase pressure requirements. They tend to leak more. I like to be able to talk, sip water, take a pill, etc. without unmasking.

I just don't think they should be recommended to anyone unless they have problems with nasal masks. I think a lot of DMEs and sleep labs unnecessarily inflict an inferior FFM on people because they don't want to take the time to try out the superior nasal mask choice. Slap the lousy FFM on the patient and tell them to tough it out.

Some people have problems with mouth breathing, nasal congestion, psychological reasons, etc. FFM may be the best solution for those people.

If FFM works better for YOU, go for it. It should never be the first choice, though.