New To CPAP - Need Help Finding Mask, Reliable Dealer

[CoreyCorey]

Hello. I am a 53 y/o man who had undiagnosed sleep apnea my entire life. Always sleepy, took an hour + shower + coffee to wake up, etc. Finally went for a sleep test and I was diagnosed.

I have been on CPAP therapy for the past 7 days and my life has changed for the best. I can name 10 things that have improved but that's not the point.

They started me on a nasal pillow mask - the ResMed Swift FX. It worked great except after a few days it started to irritate and hurt my nose. I called my doc to complain and they wrote a prescription for a full face mask and sent it to the respiratory supply company. They were supposed to send a tech to fit me for an alternate mask.

When I came home yesterday the respiratory company left a full face mask on my doorknob (Comfortgel Blue). No note, no anything. I took it out of the bag and tried it on but I don't think it fits right.

I am at a loss. Is there such a thing as a show room where you can go and get fitted for a mask that fits perfectly? Or is it just trial and error. I am in the NY Metro area but I would be willing to drive an hour to find a place where I could try on different masks to find one that fits.

In the meantime, I will go back to the nasal pillows and deal with the painful nose because I can't imagine living life as a sleepy-head any more.

Thanks - I appreciate any help you offer.

[Sheriff Buford]

Yes... most of your major DME's will have display masks that they will allow you to try on. You may be lucky enough to get a DME to help you adjust the mask so it fits properly. Call around and ask if they have a "showroom". Take a pillow to the DME and when they get you fitted, ask them to hook you up to a display cpap machine (set at your cpap setting). Lie on the floor, and roll around as you would in bed. See if the mask is comfortable and doesn't leak or move around alot as you move around.

Get your doctor to write a prescription that says, "mask of patient's choice". Keep a copy. Also, ask the DME if you can return a mask within 30 days (for exchange). Lots of them do it.

Finding a mask that is comfortable and doesn't leak is the key to successful cpap therapy. Go to our host (cpap.com) and write down the nasal, nasal pillow and full face masks that are the most popular and see if the DME has them. Then try them on. The Quattro Full face mask is popular, but many folks have complained about it. I have one as a back up, and after reading Jan's "Taming the Quattro" I was able to wear it all night leak-free. The cushion is air-inflated, so it is easy on the face, but I can see why many folks want to drop kick it into the next county. The nasal pillow mask is your best bet, because it is less intrusive. Buy some lanoish in the maternity section of the drug store. Use it around your nostrils to prevent sores and it will prevent small leaks.

Work all your issues here... we'll help you...

Sheriff

[avi123]

What does not fit you with the Comfortgel Blue mask? This mask is similar to my mask which is Nasal Mirage SoftGel by Resmed (not full face). The Comfortgel Blue is by Respironics and full face. IMO, they are very simple and you can't go wrong with them except for size. My mask is NOT full face and b/c of it I have mouth leaks issues. With my mask, I can use both Medium and Large sizes and achieve a good treatment. But by using a Chinstrap. Try the Comfortgel Blue while you're lying on your back and have the headgear almost lose. Set the CPAP at your max pressure and then press the mask on your face with your hand lightly. Does it leak? If yes, then tighten the straps a bit and check again for leaks. If your mask doesn't work then you have an option to try a traditional nasal mask like my, with a chinstrap, or go on long trial of many (dozens) other full face masks. Check this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=90222&p=829295#p829295


Your mask:



My mask:

[Pugsy]

Go to Walmart (or something similar) and in the baby section look for Lansinoh lanolin ointment. Nursing mom's use it for nipple soreness.
Put a little bit on your sore nostrils all day and a little at night.
When you put the Swift FX on look in the mirror to see if the end of your nose is pulled upwards at all...it should not be.
If you look in the mirror and think "piggy nose" you have the top strap too tight.
It's a very common mistake that people make and then that makes the nostrils very sore.
Remember the skin around the nostrils is pretty much virgin territory never having anything rub up against it and then we stick this mask on/in our nose. It gets tender.
You might also try a different size nasal pillow.

Sorry...I can't help with FFM ideas since I have never used one but thought I would offer something that helps with nasal pillow masks.
The nasal pillow masks shouldn't cause anything but very minor tenderness (virgin territory) and if they do then it is either from wrong size nasal pillow or the straps are too tight and the top strap is normally the greatest offender.

[CoreyCorey]

What does not fit you with the Comfortgel Blue mask? This mask is similar to my mask which is Nasal Mirage SoftGel by Resmed (not full face). The Comfortgel Blue is by Respironics and full face. IMO, they are very simple and you can't go wrong with them except for size. My mask is NOT full face and b/c of it I have mouth leaks issues. With my mask, I can use both Medium and Large sizes and achieve a good treatment. But by using a Chinstrap. Try the Comfortgel Blue while you're lying on your back and have the headgear almost lose. Set the CPAP at your max pressure and then press the mask on your face with your hand lightly. Does it leak? If yes, then tighten the straps a bit and check again for leaks. If your mask doesn't work then you have an option to try a traditional nasal mask like my, with a chinstrap, or go on long trial of many (dozens) other full face masks. Check this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=90222&p=829295#p829295


Your mask:



My mask:

They sent me the medium but i think maybe i need the large. i dont think the medium is wide enough to cover my mouth like in the diagram ... I have a large head.

[Janknitz]

To to my blog and see the fitting tips for the Swift FX. If it hurt, you had it too tight or you may do better with larger pillows that can be adjusted more loosely.

As for a DME leaving an unfitted mask at your door, that's inexcusable! You should have been properly fitted. Call the DME and return the mask and let your doctor know about the really poor service.