Nothing Fits - Mask Advice

[beedix]

Could anybody provide some advice on masks that I might want to try that would fit me? I've had my CPAP for about 30 days, but I'm really loosing hope that I will find a mask that fits my nasal anatomy. Specifically, I have a very long nose with long nostrils. Not very CPAP friendly.

I'm confident at this point that nasal pillows won't work and so far nasal masks seem like they might be the best bet, but nothing so far has worked for me.

Even with the leak issues, my sleep quality is noticeably better overall. My AHI's vary between low 1's to 6's depending on the mask and my unintential leaks do indicate problems nightly. Almost every night results in many fidget seasons and most nights I eventually have to give up when my wife tells me enough is enough.

So here is what I have tried so far:

1) F&P Opus 360 Large - leaks and pillow does not fill the full length of nostril.
2) Swift FX Large - Seals better than Opus 360, but still major leaks from time to time that I can't seem to solve. Irritates tip of inside of nostrils by about 4AM.
3) F&P Zest Q Plus - Seals semi-ok, tip of nose scrapes against inside of mask.
4) Respironics ComfortGel Blue Large - Leaks lots
5) SleepWeaver elan Soft Cloth Nasal CPAP Mask - Starter Kit Large - Leaks lots

Any help appreciated!

[sleepstar]

Try the fisher and paykel eson.
I have not had one patient where it doesn't seal. Even with moustaches

[jweeks]

Hi,

A few avenues to investigate:

* Nasal prongs - there are nasal pillow masks that have an option for the pillows to have an extension on them that is like a tube. It fits up into your nares. They seal along the inside of your nose rather than the bottom of your nose.

* Rather than a mask, look for something that fits in your mouth. I tried on that was a boil & bite, and it had a connector that connected to the CPAP hose. You have to plug your nose to make this work. The advantage is that it doesn't depend on a seal against your skin, and it doesn't depend on your nose having to fit right. I got the one I tried from my dentist.

* Have you tried any full face masks?

-john-

[GaryG]

I've had the best luck with minimal leaks with the Mirage Activa LT. But don't get discouraged after 30 days. It can take a while to find your perfect mask.

[LSAT]

Could anybody provide some advice on masks that I might want to try that would fit me? I've had my CPAP for about 30 days, but I'm really loosing hope that I will find a mask that fits my nasal anatomy. Specifically, I have a very long nose with long nostrils. Not very CPAP friendly.

I'm confident at this point that nasal pillows won't work and so far nasal masks seem like they might be the best bet, but nothing so far has worked for me.

Even with the leak issues, my sleep quality is noticeably better overall. My AHI's vary between low 1's to 6's depending on the mask and my unintential leaks do indicate problems nightly. Almost every night results in many fidget seasons and most nights I eventually have to give up when my wife tells me enough is enough.

So here is what I have tried so far:

1) F&P Opus 360 Large - leaks and pillow does not fill the full length of nostril.
2) Swift FX Large - Seals better than Opus 360, but still major leaks from time to time that I can't seem to solve. Irritates tip of inside of nostrils by about 4AM.
3) F&P Zest Q Plus - Seals semi-ok, tip of nose scrapes against inside of mask.
4) Respironics ComfortGel Blue Large - Leaks lots
5) SleepWeaver elan Soft Cloth Nasal CPAP Mask - Starter Kit Large - Leaks lots

Any help appreciated!

Just a comment...You say you have been on CPAP for 30 days and you have already tried 5 masks. In some instances you may not have given them enough of a trial. Often it takes more than a few days to get them adjusted to the way you sleep.
If the mask is comfortable and leaks are the problem there may be a mask liner or some other solution to the problem.

[snuginarug]

I went the rounds of the masks, for quite a while. I finally found a comfy one that almost fit except for some small but persistent leaks. I tried out a mask liner and anti-leak strap from padacheek. Problem solved. If you can find something close to right, definitely give some accessories a try, see if you can turn almost right into perfect.

The way you can tell if a padacheek anti-leak strap will help you, gently press against the elbow that connects mask to hose. If gentle pressure ends your leaks, the strap is worth a try.

One tip I picked up here is about adjusting straps... When you put on your mask, do so lying down. Turn your machine on. Then relax your face as much as possible. It is instinct to try to stiffen your face up to try to stop leaks, but you can't hold your face like that all night. You will inevitably relax and leaks will start. If possible, adjust your straps lying down in your usual sleeping position. I adjust mine lying on my side.

Good luck! I know you'll find the right mask, just keep trying!

[LadyHypnos]

Fisher and Paykel has a new mask out called the pilaro. It's one size fits all and the concept behind it is it inflates to create a good seal, no matter what size nostril. The headgear is stretchy too so no pressure marks,

[VikingGnome]

Do you yet whether you mouth breathe or leak through mouth? Most of the "masks" you listed are nasal pillows. If you didn't get a good seal at the nose, you don't know what your mouth will do once the nose leak is solved.

I used the Mirage (precursor to Activa) for 12 years. Now I use the Mirage Activa LT nasal mask and have been very pleased with it. However, with high pressure settings I mouth breathe and exhale. So spent months trying to solve my mouth leak problems.

I have one more full face mask to try. If I can't get it to seal or fit, I'm stuck what I have (sports beanie over hair + Ruby Chin strap + Pad-a-Cheek strap cushions for the RUBY + Activa LT mask + Pad-a-Cheek mask liner). That'a a lot of stuff on my head/face.

[Wulfman...]

Consider the ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face.
Properly sized and adjusted, it's a very comfortable mask and seals well.

Den

.

[Stormynights]

Wufman. I got my first machine from you. I still remember how clean and fresh it was. My new one wasn't like that. Thanks again my friend.

[Wulfman...]

Wufman. I got my first machine from you. I still remember how clean and fresh it was. My new one wasn't like that. Thanks again my friend.

Hi Stormy,

I think you may have me confused with someone else.......I've never sold a machine.......I just keep accumulating them for my own future usage (I'm up to 10 now.....the old Legacy models).

But, I've always considered you a friend, too. Nice to see you posting.

Take care.

Den

.

[cosmo]

FitLife Total Face mask?

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... dgear.html

[Stormynights]

Woops! I had another Blonde Senior moment.

Wufman. I got my first machine from you. I still remember how clean and fresh it was. My new one wasn't like that. Thanks again my friend.

Hi Stormy,

I think you may have me confused with someone else.......I've never sold a machine.......I just keep accumulating them for my own future usage (I'm up to 10 now.....the old Legacy models).

But, I've always considered you a friend, too. Nice to see you posting.

Take care.

Den

.

[beedix]

Thanks for all the suggestions. You gave me a few options to try, although I'm holding off on going with a full face mask of any type for now.

So far, the F&P Zest Q remains my best option, although the inside of the mask scraping my nose isn't fun. I'll give the new mask suggestions a shot and see if I can find something that works out.

[jencat824]

Could anybody provide some advice on masks that I might want to try that would fit me? I've had my CPAP for about 30 days, but I'm really loosing hope that I will find a mask that fits my nasal anatomy. Specifically, I have a very long nose with long nostrils. Not very CPAP friendly.

I'm confident at this point that nasal pillows won't work and so far nasal masks seem like they might be the best bet, but nothing so far has worked for me.

Even with the leak issues, my sleep quality is noticeably better overall. My AHI's vary between low 1's to 6's depending on the mask and my unintential leaks do indicate problems nightly. Almost every night results in many fidget seasons and most nights I eventually have to give up when my wife tells me enough is enough.

So here is what I have tried so far:

1) F&P Opus 360 Large - leaks and pillow does not fill the full length of nostril.
2) Swift FX Large - Seals better than Opus 360, but still major leaks from time to time that I can't seem to solve. Irritates tip of inside of nostrils by about 4AM.
3) F&P Zest Q Plus - Seals semi-ok, tip of nose scrapes against inside of mask.
4) Respironics ComfortGel Blue Large - Leaks lots
5) SleepWeaver elan Soft Cloth Nasal CPAP Mask - Starter Kit Large - Leaks lots

Any help appreciated!

I used one nasal mask for years until they changed the headgear - SleepNet IQ. Current headgear may work for you.

I have rcently tried & LOVE the Swift LT - its different from the Swift FX, has a headgear that helps with positioning, comes with all size pillows so you can see which one may work for you. I always assumed my pillow size was small, but with this mask I'm a medium. I learned that nose size & pillow size can be very different. Also, many here like the Aloha, but it is nasal pillow as well.

Also, someone else suggested the Piliaro, which I loved, but I started having leak problmes with it. It is technically a nasal pillow mask - but I think its kind of in between a nasal pillow & nasal mask.

I've heard good things about the Eson - from my hubby's DME, not mine, so that might be one to try?

Overall, the fact that you are trying is good. You will find the right mask, just don't give up. Many of us here have tried a lot of masks to find the right one. Hang in there,
Jen