FFM fit experts?

[recipefordisaster]

I finally went 6 months and could go back to the DME to get another FFM that would be somewhat covered by insurance. I've been using the S Simplus that a kind forum member sent to me. It's the best mask I've tried BUT it requires remzzzz (homemade liners do not help for some reason) and an Allevyn wound pad on my nose under it, plus a lot of tweaking to avoid leaks. It takes me a long time to get set up for a night of rest and is still sometimes uncomfortable.

I know there is a mask out there that will work for me with less fuss!! At first, the DME avoided trying me on anything with a forehead support for no apparent reason (it doesn't bother me). They never gave me the Simplus to try so I'm lucky I got one. I love that it's so quiet... But I can't see while it's on because the liner, while it barely extends past the mask, blocks my eyes. I have not tried many masks with the Allevyn but it allows me to wear masks that put pressure on my nose... Which opens up a lot of options I previously did not have. They are expensive but last a few days. I would really appreciate not also having to buy and use the remzzzz and they also crumple up and hurt my under eye tissue.

I have tried XS and S F10 (somewhat noisy but more importantly hurts my facial bones no matter what I do), FitLife (pressure points on my cheeks and tooth pain), Amara View (bony pain and bad leaks)... Today I tried on the S FlexFit432 and took home the S Forma as they didn't have the 431. These all seemed to fit fairly well but I find them quite loud. I tried a Mirage in XS but it did not want to seal as well. I would consider it in the future. I am very sensitive to leaks which wake me up. Noise, especially cyclic breathing noise, keeps me awake despite white noise, too. I am pretty small which I know is part of the problem.

The problem is that the DME has given up on me ever finding the right mask and does not want to exchange any more since I have taken about 10 home on trial over 4 outright purchases (so I've paid for a mask, on average, then swapped it 2-3x before settling). My copay comes out to about $46 for the mask and headgear so I really don't want any more masks I can't use!! I still have the F10, Amara View, and I think something else They are pretty much the only game in town and my doctor just retired so another Rx would not be that easy to come by.

If anyone has tips on what to try next or, even better, any FFMs I could try, I'd really appreciate it.

[LSAT]

Have you reviewed the fitting videos ?
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/v ... k&fr=yfp-t

[recipefordisaster]

Thanks, yes, i always watch the video for whatever mask I'm trying. I feel like there must be someone who knows "if this mask fits your face well here are some others that might" or even look at my facial structure to guide them...

[LSAT]

Thanks, yes, i always watch the video for whatever mask I'm trying. I feel like there must be someone who knows "if this mask fits your face well here are some others that might" or even look at my facial structure to guide them...

That's the job of your DME...If they can't help you, go to another DME. Quit giving them your $$$$$$

[recipefordisaster]

As I said, there is no other DME, that isn't worse, within driving distance. I have tried to get them to do this for me since I started therapy. They did make an attempt at first....

[Gasper62]

Forget the tee shirt/Remzzz liners. Get some heavy-dense microfiber material to cut some liners out of. They'll be nice and soft, cushiony and will muffle the leaks, too. I've been using some that I made up over a year ago for less than $2.00 Have you tried a Mirage Quattro FFM yet ? The dial adj. might work well for you, or not. Good luck.

[recipefordisaster]

Thanks. I actually had good luck with micro fleece with another mask (it helped leaks and discomfort) but for the Simplus I cannot get a seal. It's as if this mask fits so closely that it can't handle the extra thickness. I made liners, using the remzzzz as a template, from 6 or 7 different materials and for some reason I could not get good results with anything but the real thing for the Simplus! I don't know how that can be.

I did try a Quattro today but I found it difficult to seal compared to the Forma and 432. I will consider it in the future... My husband loves his but we have veerrryy different faces

[DoninOrlando]

I second the Quattro but with a Pad A Cheek liner. Far different than Remzzzz. They are more comfortable, and don't fall off when you remove the mask. I could not use the Quattro without the PadACheek liner. I get at least 3 months out of one so I don't mind paying the extra money. Still cheaper than Remzz in the long run.

[LSAT]

I have used the Quattro for 6 years w/o a liner.....be sure you follow the fitting instructions.
https://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/tamin ... e-quattro/

[recipefordisaster]

Good to know, and I have reviewed Taming the Quattro and already use some of the tricks (headband over the mask on my forehead....). But, I didn't take that particular mask home as of course I can only try one. I don't believe I can even swap this one at all and would potentially have to suffer through the next 6 months until I'm eligible to buy another.

My first night with Forma had mixed results. It was fairly comfortable and quiet (trying it without Allevyn cushion or any liner, just to see its true fit) but I had repeated persistent leaks below my chin. I'd adjust and fall asleep again and they would return, over and over again. I have my mouth taped and my jaw is not dropping, there's a pillow below my chin as well. Tonight I will start trying various thicknesses of liners...

Pad a Cheek would not have worked with Simplus for me as I don't have room for that thicker fabric at my nasal bridge. It might work for Forma, but I am not ready to invest in anything for this mask which may work for me at all... I do prefer something more reusable!