Which Mask Is Best?

Mpf555 · Post by **Mpf555** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 5:16 pm

I have been using CPAP for a couple of years now and have been through two different types of masks. The one that covered my nose completely was ok but leaked easily. I now have nasal pillows but I feel like they leak pretty easily too. I am sure there answer to my question is somewhere on this thread but I don't have the patience to read through them all.

MrRandom · Post by **MrRandom** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 5:21 pm

I don't think anyone can tell you that. I mean, everyone's face is different. For any given mask there will probably be people swearing by it and others swearing at it. I've gone thru two masks now, they both suck rocks. I'm starting to think finding a good comfortable mask that doesn't leak is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 6:23 pm

MrRandom wrote:I'm starting to think finding a good comfortable mask that doesn't leak is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Oh it absolutely is! The only way I've been able to tolerate any masks has been to use some of the incredibly good tweaks described on this forum. Not all work for me but there are so many that IMHO you are likely to be able to find some that help.

Even if you don't find any that help, the process of trying different things has taken my mind off the challenges and I think I adjusted better by focusing on tweaks rather than how miserable I felt

I now have about 3 masks I swap around that work well for me (with tweaks).

Mindy

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 6:33 pm

For many of us, we have went through lots of masks before finding a couple that work for us.

Due to the high costs of new masks, I found many on cpapauction.com way below retail prices, from eBay (although they have pretty well eliminated the sell of masks), the mask roulette thread, and others. These keep the costs more affordable.

At first I was aghast about using a mask that someone else had used and couldn't bring myself to consider purchasing or trading for a used mask. Then I started thinking that I use eating utensils that others have used prior to myself when I go to restraurants to eat. Granted those utensils have been sterilized between uses, but why not give a used mask a thorough cleaning and they are as good as new!!

My favorite mask was used and I now use it nightly!!

What works for one person and they absolutely love it will be the next person's worst nightmare.

Many DME's (although not all) will let you try a mask prior to purchasing it. Many will also let you try it for several days and if it doesn't work will trade it for another. Some sleep labs have masks fitting sessions where you can go get help with mask fitting.

Good luck in finding your "favorite" mask!! Eventually you will find it and you will wonder how you got along without it.

MrRandom · Post by **MrRandom** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 8:15 pm

What is the mask roulette thread and others? Are there other sources for lower cost/used masks than the auction site?

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 7:17 am

Here's the mask roulette thread:

viewtopic.php?t=19546&highlight=mask+roulette

Mindy

MrRandom · Post by **MrRandom** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 7:30 am

Thanks mindy that looks like a great idea. Would be kinda hard for me to use now since I only have the one mask, but I'm bookmarking it for later, I'm sure at some point I'll have more than one mask

MrGrumpy · Post by **MrGrumpy** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:15 am

[quote="Mpf555"]I have been using CPAP for a couple of years now and have been through two different types of masks. The one that covered my nose completely was ok but leaked easily. I now have nasal pillows but I feel like they leak pretty easily too. I am sure there answer to my question is somewhere on this thread but I don't have the patience to read through them all.

Which Mask Is Best?

Which Mask Is Best?

Re: Which Mask Is Best?