Next choice -- mask?

[AHI15]

Hi:

I'll probably be called to come to the DME (Apria, which seems to be beloved around here) hopefully Monday or Tuesday for the first consultation with a respiratory therapist.

Since we have established that I will be getting an S9 Autoset with pressure range set to 6-11, and I mostly breathe through my nose, are there any likely candidates for masks I should steer towards?

Thanks.

[lazer]

Hi:

I'll probably be called to come to the DME (Apria, which seems to be beloved around here) hopefully Monday or Tuesday for the first consultation with a respiratory therapist.

Since we have established that I will be getting an S9 Autoset with pressure range set to 6-11, and I mostly breathe through my nose, are there any likely candidates for masks I should steer towards?

Thanks.

The nasal pillows masks are known to be one of the best masks to adapt to comfort wise (as I've been told, and my general experience holds this to be true.) I'm sure you will get all sorts of opinions but the mention that you breathe mostly through your nose would indicate to me that you would likely do well with a nasal pillows mask.

[DavidCarolina]

If you "mostly" breathe through nose you might wanna look at full face masks. make sure you get the right size!

If you get nasal, you could mouth breathe and end up having to tape shut--big pain.

The best mask Ive seen is the quattro mirage (newest gel model) the gives you a really good instant seal. Its somewhat noisier
than my previous F&P flexifit gel, but the seal is worth it.

[chunkyfrog]

Quattro Mirage Gel?
The only Resmed gel I can find is this:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... dgear.html
A full face gel would be awesome!
My ComfortGel is the only full face mask that I am able to wear without hideous leakage.

[AHI15]

Oh, I forgot to mention--I usually sleep on my right side. Which in this case, would be facing the edge of the bed, and where the machine will live.

Re. nose breathing, I think I mean that I only breath through my nose. Unless I'm sick. But normally, I seem to deflate my mouth and have my tongue stuck tight in there by the vacuum. So there's a good chance a nose mask will work.

[Sheriff Buford]

If you think you could be a candidate for a nasal mask, then you should try it. It is less intrusive. Make sure the DME will allow you to exchange your mask within 30 days. That's long enough to see if you are compatible with a mask. I recommed to you (in order):
- nasal
-hybrid
-Full face
-total face

Again, nasal masks are less intrusive and total masks are freakish and the most intrusive. The hybrid mask is a combination of a nasal mask and a section that covers the mouth. The industry classifies it as a full face mask, but it is less intrusive than a full face mask. Finding a comfortable mask that doesn't leak is the key to a sucessful cpap journey. Be prepared to go thru many masks until you find yours.

Sheriff

[ubitsa]

Hi:

I'll probably be called to come to the DME (Apria, which seems to be beloved around here) hopefully Monday or Tuesday for the first consultation with a respiratory therapist.

Since we have established that I will be getting an S9 Autoset with pressure range set to 6-11, and I mostly breathe through my nose, are there any likely candidates for masks I should steer towards?

Thanks.

You can easy use the pillows mask, very good pressure for this mask.

[AHI15]

If you think you could be a candidate for a nasal mask, then you should try it. It is less intrusive. Make sure the DME will allow you to exchange your mask within 30 days. That's long enough to see if you are compatible with a mask. I recommed to you (in order):
- nasal
-hybrid
-Full face
-total face
Again, nasal masks are less intrusive and total masks are freakish and the most intrusive.
Sheriff

Just for kicks, can one go to "spacesuit" for the next item on the list, and maximally intrusive?

[portiemom]

If you decide to use a pillow mask I would say the ALOHA is a great choice. Soft, lightweight, and kind of self adjusts to the way you sleep. You can also add a chin strap if you do some mouth breathing.

[Tino2You]

Here in Delaware, Apria does not carry the Aloha (was my first choice). Nor would they order it. They did have others and I selected the Swift FX (my second choice going in).

Go to CPAP.COM, look at the masks, look at the reviews for the ones you are interested in. AND REMEMBER...a mask is a very personal choice. What fits one person could make another bleed.

-tino

[Starlette]

What ChunkyFrog said on the website has been an alltime favorite nasal mask for me. However, I'll only use it when I have a runny nose now and can't use a pillow mask. My dream mask has always been the FFM since I'm a mouth breather. If you feel comfortable having the skin on your face being blown with air, go for a FFM. You'll definite get some good ideas here. Because of the air touching so much of my skin, I couldn't do it. I still wanted a FFM to be my main. Someone had suggested a Hybrid which has both pillows and a mouthpiece hooked together. Only air that is touching my skin now is just a little bit around my mouth, I can definity handle that. I'm very happy with it.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/RespCa ... -Mask.html

As for pillow masks, I believe on this forum the most popular used is Swift FX and second runner up is the Aloha. If you have a tongue that is pretty disciplined on staying on the top of your mouth throughout the night, then there is no need to check into a cheek strap to keep your mouth closed. Recently, I've seen to new pillows masks that have come on board on the forum. They've had some good reviews also. Just do a search on pillow masks and you'll see the different variety out there. I have two pillow masks: Swift FX for Her and the Aloha. I interchange these when I feel I need a change from the Hybrid. Again, folks here on the forum will give you a great selection to choose from.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... dgear.html
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/devilb ... -mask.html

I don't know what you're into, let's say computers and a guitar. Finding the right mask for you is like finding the right computer or guitar. You have to feel it, touch it, work with it, spend a couple of nights with it, tweak it. You know what I mean. What may work for one person may not work for the other. For most of us (including me), we have a collection of masks till we finally find the mask that works for us. Some have been lucky enough to love the first mask they used, most of us are not that lucky. Cpap.com has an insurance plan that you can purchase that allows you to trial use a mask for 30 days. Within that 30 day window, if you find that you just can't tolerate that mask you can choose another. This is part of xpap journey that we ALL go through, finding what works for us. Best wishes on your xpap journey.

Starlette