Yet another mask question for the forum

[Scuba_Steve]

How many of you have more than one mask? I started with a Swift nasal pillow and when the doctor switched me to a Resmed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask he let me keep the Swift mask. I only have two nights on my new mask but already I am thinking about buying a hybrid mask and possibly even a Resmed Mirage Activa Mask. Anyone else have an arsenal of masks that switch around with? If so, which ones and why?

[Julie]

Most of us have tried various ones to find the best fit, and/or to switch to a FF from nasal, or pillows to prongs, etc., and either have them still hanging around or have managed to sell/donate them to others. Of course many people don't want a mask that's been used at all, and the DME's count on that too to keep their prices high (with no refund or exchange possible once the pkge has been opened), tho' Cpap.com has $50.00 insurance that you can pay to try out a mask and return it (though I'm not sure it's good for all, or only some).

[nosbig-nosbig]

Soon after starting therapy I changed masks every night, even though they were the same model (Healthdyne "torture mask"). A month or so later later I was introduced to the ADAM nasal pillows system, which helped a great deal. However, I soon found that I was better off rotating my three interfaces.

And that is how my therapy went for a number of years. Occasionaly I will use the same mask for several nights in a row but find that after about the third night I'm ready for a change, and go back to using a different interface every night.

[bookwrm63]

Steve,

I too liked the Swift but had too many sinus issues with it so I just went to a full face mask. Most on here also have a FF mask for when they have a cold or congestion and they need to mouth breathe. I also have the Comfort Gel nasal mask as my back up. It was my original mask but always left lovely indents and a sore nose bridge. Last night I managed to sleep all night with the FF mask but I had it tightened so much to prevent leaks, that I have a very sore lump under my chin. UGH...more adjustments to be made...lol
Good luck!

[snoregirl]

I have an ultra mirage in two sizes (small and med) and multiple swifts, and a hybrid.

I like the swift best but when congested the full face type is nice to have.

I am curious about your statement that the "doctor let you keep the swift"

Did you pay for it or the insurance pay for it? It is yours. He didn't let you keep it.

Now if the DME gave you another mask no charge, they are being nice and letting you keep something.

You can buy whatever mask you desire for case online, no doctor needed.

[Scuba_Steve]

Snoregirl,

My original setup that was paid for by my insurance included the Swift. After using it for 30 days I told my doctor I didn't like the Swift. He said to keep it and he issued me a full face mask to use. I am guessing that he either had the insurance on the Swift, or claimed it as defective. To the best of my knowledge I don't believe that it cost me anything. In any case I'm glad that I was able to switch masks so easily and be able to keep the Swift as a backup.

[snoregirl]

Just curious,

You doc is "issuing masks?" Is he also part of the DME?

Great that you got another at no cost.

I actually got the same two from my sleep study. Tried the swift first and due to being really new (first time on a machine) and no tape etc for the mouth, I decided I needed a ff mask.

The tech at the sleep study sent me home with both.

[Sleepy Dog Lover]

I have an Aura which I love and is my main mask, and I have a hybrid. I use the hybrid when I am congested or have a cold. So far, they are the only masks I have, but the new masks coming out (opus and optilife) look interesting.

I think we are all looking for the "perfect mask".