Need mask recommendations

[N3omoto]

Well I am trying to find a mask for the first time. I started with the Mirage Quattro in a Medium and then a Large. I experienced some leakage and I couldn't get the mask to settle right. I fought with it several times a night, till I eventually had to take it off all together. I was wondering what full face masks y'all have had luck with. It has to be full face because I am a mouth breather.

[caffeinatedcfo]

I too have been struggling with the Quattro. My DME is baffled as its the "best" mask out there. They obviously are NOT connected to their clients at all. I am finding CPAP has helped me breathe through my nose better and am looking into nasal pillows.

[chunkyfrog]

With my profile, no Resmed mask fit; but I had excellent results with the P/R Comfortgel full face
(now the Comfortgel Blue full face) The Fisher-Paykel line have a chin cup if you think it will help.
Forehead braces help with stability, but a few models do not have them, and may work for the right face.
There are also total face masks, like the P/R fitlife.
You can also consider a hybrid mask ("Hybrid" or Liberty) browse the pictures and features if you like:
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks/full-face-cpap-mask.php

[Stormynights]

It is kinda like buying a pair of shoes. You first need to find the right size. The next is to decide on something between work boots and sandals. What is comfortable for one person isn't for the next. It is too bad you can't go into a mask store and just try them on till you find out what fits like you can in a shoe store. Shoes are not one size fits all and neither are masks. I know this post isn't helping you one bit toward answering your question but this is what I have found to be true.

I like just wearing socks. I guess you can tell by my mask choice.

[tqpannie]

I have had tremendous luck with my FlexiFit HC431 Full Face CPAP Mask. You can find the link in my signature.

I had severe leaks with every other mask that I tried and they all hurt this is much better for me.

[pandatx]

where do you guys find the "other" brands of masks? My DME in the doctor's office only carry the ResMed ones and so does a different DME on my insurance plan (I called and asked them)...

[jencat824]

where do you guys find the "other" brands of masks? My DME in the doctor's office only carry the ResMed ones and so does a different DME on my insurance plan (I called and asked them)...

Best place for 'other' brands is cpap.com, our hosts. They have a great selection, but don't bill the insurance. If you want to use insurance, you may be able to turn in the bill yourself? Not sure how that works, maybe someone else does. Also, you can you FSA or HSA if you have one to purchase a mask from cpap.com.

Jen

[pandatx]

Jen, what is FSA or HSA? I'll check about filing insurance with my cpap.com receipt. When I bought my Aloha I just bought it outright from cpap.com (and didn't even look into the insurance thing for that one time), but if its stuff that my insurance covers I hate to not use it, you know?

[Pugsy]

FSA is Flexible spending account...I assume HSA something similar.
Money that some companies let employees set aside for medical expenses of some sort.
Not all companies offer it. Amounts that can be contributed vary between companies.

If you had such a fund set aside you could take the bill from cpap.com for the Aloha and get reimbursed.

[hyperlexis]

I too have been struggling with the Quattro. My DME is baffled as its the "best" mask out there. They obviously are NOT connected to their clients at all. I am finding CPAP has helped me breathe through my nose better and am looking into nasal pillows.

--Yes but your DME mis-sized you with a small, which caused those leaks. Bad DME but not a bad product. The Quattro is one of the best if not the best FFMs now on the market. Bulk and ugly, but generally excellent, comfortable, easily adjustable mask that fits a wide variety of users. -- Far better than the FF relics still being sold by PR.

[hyperlexis]

where do you guys find the "other" brands of masks? My DME in the doctor's office only carry the ResMed ones and so does a different DME on my insurance plan (I called and asked them)...

You need to call around -- chances are another DME on your insurance will carry more brands, or will special order one for you. Or your current one will do it for you. They want to keep your business. If you know you want X-brand mask and get no where with your local DME, call the insurer, or call the mask manufacturer, ask for the name of the local distributor, and talk with the local sales rep. He will likely be able to point you to someone local who can get you the mask. Or, even, the distributor may even get you a sample for free. (Just to get you hooked, lol).

[hyperlexis]

Well I am trying to find a mask for the first time. I started with the Mirage Quattro in a Medium and then a Large. I experienced some leakage and I couldn't get the mask to settle right. I fought with it several times a night, till I eventually had to take it off all together. I was wondering what full face masks y'all have had luck with. It has to be full face because I am a mouth breather.

1.) Are you absolutely positive a Large is the right size for you? Mis-sizing is so common, unfortunately. Did you re-check with the sizing template on your face?

2.) Did you watch the ResMed fitting video(s) and read the instructions? You need to learn exactly how to assemble, clean, and fit the mask correctly or else you will have leaks.

3.) Some small leakage is ok. Annoying, but not harmful to therapy.

4.) There are a few good FFMs out there you can try. Alas, there are also several less good ones.... It's often trial and error. Have you ever watched the reviews at cpaphelpdesk on Youtube? Where is your leakage at? That can help re picking a FF mask. If leaking near the mouth because you open your mouth at night, consider a FF mask that cups under the chin, like the Fisher Paykel Forma or the DeVilbiss/Hans Rudolph V2. Those designs can help keep your mouth shut while deep asleep, and stop leaks. Or consider a chin strap.....

Good luck!

[SethW]

I used to have a Quattro FX. I like it better than my Ultra Mirage because it is less bulky, but the clips that hold the top of the mask would push into my eyes because I sleep on my side. If I could fix that I'd switch back (over the Mirage). I'm using a SleepWeaver Elan right now, but that won't work for you because you breathe through your mouth.

A common suggestion to improve the seal on Resmed masks is to be sure not to overtighten them.

[racprops]

I found this deal:

Respironics Respironics FitLife Total Full Face CPAP Mask With Headgear-Each-Large
Sears Item# SPM5886604809 | Model# RESP-1060802
0 Reviews | | Write a review
Reg Price: $194.00
Savings: $104.00
$90.00

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... xMPHLWx015

And note 90 days trial.

It is what I am using...seems good so far, I hate masks that sit on my nose so went with this.

Rich

[jencat824]

Jen, what is FSA or HSA? I'll check about filing insurance with my cpap.com receipt. When I bought my Aloha I just bought it outright from cpap.com (and didn't even look into the insurance thing for that one time), but if its stuff that my insurance covers I hate to not use it, you know?

FSA stands for Flexible Spending Account & is money deducted from an employee's paycheck before taxes & put into a fund for medical use. Cap for 2013 is $2,500.

HSA stands for Healthcare Spending Account & is similar to the FSA in that money from employees paycheck is before tax. Cap if $6,450 for 2013.

FSA has the entire amt (up to the $2,500) available at beginning of year. HSA has money available only after amt deducted from employees paycheck,.

These are only available to working employees with participating employers. In 2013 the FSA has been reduced from $5,000 to $2,500 to encourage the usage of the HSA. In theory the HSA is to encourage people to think about healthcare purchases as you would any other purchase.

Need more info - PM me, I've become the expert on this subject in my family
Jen