Need Suggestions on Head Gear Fit/Sizing?

[fumbling34]

So, I'm about 30 days into my CPAP treatment. I use the True Blue Mask that I also used at the study. I'm doing better, but I've never slept more than 4.5 hours with it on. Most nights, I'll wake up a couple of times with air shooting my eye or elsewhere or with the headgear shifting up.

I have an appt with the DME to exchange this for a new mask. I'm having second thoughts that maybe it's just the head gear that's the problem or maybe I don't have the right size mask. Looking at pics on CPAP.com, I see that the headgear always sits nicely right below the ear. My headgear barely fits below my ear and when it does my ear kind of has to curl up. Does this mean that maybe my mask is the wrong size or that I need headgear larger than my mask? Wouldn't it not move around as much if my ears kind of held it into place?

[gasp]

Finding the perfect mask can, for many, take time and multiple masks. Also, you may find the perfect mask and later when you become more familiar with masks and XPAP may decide to tray a different one. If you have insurance or can afford it be sure to get a new mask every time it becomes possible (probably a new one every 6 months at least). A new mask versus one that is over worn can make the difference in good therapy. Also, don't forget to ask your DME about which masks come with a return guarantee (probably 30 day return for another mask).

I eventually opted for a nasal mask because it was so popular with so many and happily it worked well for me too. However, I don't think it would have worked for me when I first began therapy as my nasal passages were still swollen. I had to learn to use the Neti Pot to rinse saline through my nasal passages to reduce swelling.

Anyway, what I'm saying, finding the perfect mask fit and performance is an individual journey and may take some time to learn what works for you. Keep at it : )

[fumbling34]

Also, don't forget to ask your DME about which masks come with a return guarantee (probably 30 day return for another mask).

Thanks for the advice! Interesting? All masks don't come with the 30-day return guarantee?
I'm actually really looking forward to when I have at least an alternate mask. An alternate mask will make the trying new masks process less scarey. The True Blue mask that I'm trading in tomrrow isn't too bad-- except for some leaks and the headgear that doesn't seem to fit right. I definitely think that I will use the 6 month replacement schedule to try out new masks.. or at least end up with an alternate mask.

The Respiratory Therapist, an ex-CPAP user, though, seemed pretty knowledgeable on the phone about what masks work better for what face shapes. He thought I would probably end up with the Mirage Activa LT.. which according to CPAP.com is supposed to be good for active sleepers. When you try out a mask at your DME, can you normally tell right away (leaks aside) if it isn't going to work for you?

[Janknitz]

I use the Quattro and the headgear never fits. It took me 2years to convince Crapria to provide the small size headgear )even though they charge separately for headgear they didn't want to be bothered to open the package to swap out the medium headgear for small. And . . .

It's still too big. I have to modify the headgear with my sewing machine every time. GRRR!

[fumbling34]

I use the Quattro and the headgear never fits. It took me 2years to convince Crapria to provide the small size headgear )even though they charge separately for headgear they didn't want to be bothered to open the package to swap out the medium headgear for small. And . . .

It's still too big. I have to modify the headgear with my sewing machine every time. GRRR!

Wow, that sounds really frustrating. I don't think that I have sewing skills or even CPAP mask fit knowledge to be able to make my headgear fit better.

Hoping RT will let me separate the headgear from the mask, too. My True Blue mask is small and honestly I'm pretty sure that my head is not "small-sized". I assume though that the True Blue small mask still came with standard headgear and not the "reduced size" headgear that they sell.

Do most DME stock masks and headgear separately-- even if they won't let you select it that way? Otherwise, they could just be billing insurance that way to collect extra money.

[smurfyabs]

Is your hair long enough for a ponytail? Keeping mine in a ponytail and pulled through the headgear helps to keep it from riding up.

Good luck!

[jen4700]

If the air is blowing in your eyes the mask (not headgear) might be too big. I use a small TrueBlue. I have the straps WAY loose and there are no leaks. I admit the headgear is a bit weird. If the bottom strap is riding up on your ears too much then loosen the strap that goes over the top of your head. Adjusting the very top strap should do nothing to create leaks, it "should" just raise and lower the entire head gear. Where mine fits funny is the forehead bar. But once I have it on at night, it's SO comfortable!!! I've tried some other nasal masks and love the TB because of the gel pad.

Can you post a pic of the part you're having trouble with?

[jen4700]

Here's another thread about headgear viewtopic.php?f=1&t=77679&p=707552#p707552

[Janknitz]

Otherwise, they could just be billing insurance that way to collect extra money.

Yup, that would be the general idea.

[Guest]

Is your hair long enough for a ponytail? Keeping mine in a ponytail and pulled through the headgear helps to keep it from riding up.

Good luck!

A ponytail through the headgear sounds like a good idea. I normally just do a low ponytail below the headgear, but I'll try pulling it through the headgear. Thanks!

[fumbling34]

If the air is blowing in your eyes the mask (not headgear) might be too big. I use a small TrueBlue. I have the straps WAY loose and there are no leaks. I admit the headgear is a bit weird. If the bottom strap is riding up on your ears too much then loosen the strap that goes over the top of your head. Adjusting the very top strap should do nothing to create leaks, it "should" just raise and lower the entire head gear. Where mine fits funny is the forehead bar. But once I have it on at night, it's SO comfortable!!! I've tried some other nasal masks and love the TB because of the gel pad.

Jen--

Have you tried the Mirage Activa LT? That was the mask that I am probably going to try tomorrow. I agree that this mask is pretty comfortable-- I never end up with any type of marks and it seems to seal withough having to be too tight. I have a small mask now and I normally end up with the eye leaks after I fall asleep and move around some.

I have the mask on now, and loosening the top straps does help it fit better around my ears. It feels super loose up top now.. like i can easily fit my hand between the forehead swivel bar and my forehead. I'll see how that works tonight. I also pulled my ponytail through the headgear.. which honestly I'm pretty hopeful about it helping my headgear stay in place.

I'm going to look again at some pics on CPAP.com of how the True Blue fits to see if maybe mine is too big. I do kind of feel like the bottom part of the mask is almost on my lip... which may or may not be normal.

Thanks again!

[jen4700]

Good morning - how did it go last night?

My nostrils are not the right shape for nose pillows (long and narrow). I couldn't get a good seal. So far I'm really happy with the TB. BTW, there is a petite size cushion for the TB which is smaller than "small". They tried a medium on me and I almost skipped the whole mask because of the leaks but then they tried the small and it worked great.

Good luck with your new mask!!!

[fumbling34]

Good morning - how did it go last night?

My nostrils are not the right shape for nose pillows (long and narrow). I couldn't get a good seal. So far I'm really happy with the TB. BTW, there is a petite size cushion for the TB which is smaller than "small". They tried a medium on me and I almost skipped the whole mask because of the leaks but then they tried the small and it worked great.

Good luck with your new mask!!!

Hi Jen--

Thanks for the follow up and good luck wishes! The TB headgear seemed to fit me better after some adjustments, but my AHI was 10... at least a good 7 points higher than usual. I decided to trade in, but I might try it again later. RT did say that he thought maybe my True Blue wasn't the right size for me.. it was actually prescribed for me for a specific size because that's what I ended up using my sleep study.

After 2 hours at the DME, I actually walked away with a mask that I didn't do any research on.. the Zest Nasal Mask. One of the RTs is an ex-CPAP user and he said this was the mask he really liked. It's light and the headgear actually fit my head perfectly with little adjustment. I tried the Mirage Active LT, but it was really big (it came down almost to my lip) and seemed kind of hot.. which is a problem with summer rapidly approaching.

I'm actually really excited to try it out my new mask tonight. Hoping it will get me past my 4.5 hours consecutive use of CPAP.

[chunkyfrog]

RT is an EX-cpap user?
--yet another dropout?
Blind leading the blind. . .

[fumbling34]

RT is an EX-cpap user?
--yet another dropout?
Blind leading the blind. . .

Nope, not a dropout. He said that losing weight (about 25 pounds) caused him not to need his CPAP anymore. He said that he still keeps it case his weight fluctuates and he has to go back.

This is going to sound kind of sacrilegious here, but I really like my DME. By default, they give out data-capable machines and I didn't have to fight with them about it. The Respiratory Therapists are really nice... especially the EX-CPAP user one. I told him about SleepyHead and he thought it was really cool that there was free software to use.