Another Newbie--which mask to start with

[Moondance]

Picking up equipment from DME tomorrow. I'm scheduled to receive a "ResMed AirSense 10 w/Heated humidified" and a "ResMed Mirage FX Nasal mask for her".

My biggest concern is the mask. I'd prefer to start with nasal pillows, but am concerned that with my deviated septum that a nasal mask/pillow of any kind is not going to be adequate.

In interested in your opinion on any of what I've been prescribed and for suggestions on which mask to try.

BTW, I've been reading all over this site for the last couple of weeks. Thanks to you ALL for coming here and sharing your knowledge and opinions. Its so helpful to us who are new to this.

[Julie]

Hi, if I were you... I would get a FF mask first because you can a) always use it if you get a cold and are stuffed up, b) use it fulltime if you're comfortable and not have to worry about mouth breathing/losing air that way, and c) you'll at least have something on hand should you need it in a pinch. You can always get a pillow or other nasal mask anyhow, but why not have the FF too (always try those on lying down when your face changes a lot).

[Cardsfan]

Ask the DME what their exchange policy is for masks. You may not be stuck with a mask you don't like if you exchange it within the time allowed. Lincare gives me 30 days. A mask is such a personal thing, what one person like, another person can not use. It is just trial and error.
Tell the DME you want to try pillows first and see how they work for you.

[Cardsfan]

Another option, the Resmed Swift FX headgear works with the nasal pillows and the Nano nose mask. Sort of 2 masks for the price of one headgear. It comes in a For Her size.

[Mudrock63]

I started with nasal pillow, sent home from sleep study. Didn't work well for me. Would not stay in place no matter what I tried. Still have it and may fiddle with it more on my next vacation. I just don't want to give up a single good night's sleep right now.

Went to FFM from the nasal pillows. Took a little getting used to, but worked very well and didn't have leak issues.

When I went back to the DME for my quarterly order, I was fitted with a nasal mask. That is the one I am using at the moment, with mostly good results. The leaks are a little more challenging, as I am at a relatively high pressure, but it is not as bulky as a FFM.

As in everything else, it is mostly personal preference if you can get a mask of any variety that works for you. My DME also allows an exchange within 30 days, so ask about your DME's policy in that regard.

Best of luck!

[Hopeful50]

I'm a brand new CPAP user too (three weeks). My doc prescribed the F&P Simplus mask "or patient's choice." I ended up choosing the Mirage FX for Her. It was working OK, but seemed a little large. I found out it also came in a smaller size, so went back to the DME and asked to try that. The smaller mask fits better and is more comfortable. So . . . Whatever you try and like, check out the different sizes before deciding for sure.

[Okie bipap]

You didn't say which model of AirSense 10 you were getting. If you can, get the auto for her model if you can. You do not want the CPAP model since it will not provide full data.