Need Mask suggestions for a petite nose...please

[hjjsnell]

So I've tried the Respironics Comfortgel Nasal mask in size small and it was way to long and wide for my face, just too big. So they gave me the Fisher & Paykel Flexifit 406 which is for petite noses. It hits the bridge of my nose at entirely the wrong spot and leaves a MAJOR indent and now after several days my nose is red, sore, bruised and did I mention SORE!!! I have always had a slight bump to my nose right where the F&P 406 hits my nose. I even had a septoplasty a couple years ago to correct a deviated septum and it didn't even correct the bump, just a natural part of me I guess. But I digress, I need suggestions please. I'd like a nasal mask, not nasal cushions if at all possible though I might be willing to try them they just didn't seem to suit me at all during my titration study and I had the hardest time breathing with them on. A full face mask is just too much for my face, too much plastic, too much air, just too much too much and I don't believe I really need it. But only time will tell once I get a properly fitting mask if I have a need for a full face mask or not. I don't seem to have a problem keeping my mouth shut, I don't think. My leak rate stays within the normal for the chart in my mask owners manual, so I assume that's good. So please any suggestions before tomorrow would be greatly appreciated. I am calling first thing in the morning and hopefully they (my DME) can get me in tomorrow to switch out my mask (they said I can switch it out as many times as necessary), it's rubbing me entirely the wrong way...literally!

BTW, I'm only 1 week into having my Cpap and already fixing to be on my third mask, thankfully my DME is so understanding and wonderful!!!

[robertmarilyn]

I have petite features. Even the Quattro extra small full face mask didn't work for me. I have a new sleep doctor now and her partner questioned my assumption that I had small features...apparently I don't LOOK like I do. She spent two solid hours working hard to find a mask that would fit me. She realized I do have tiny features when it comes to fitting me with a mask.

I do not know how the F&P 406 and 407 differ but finally she tried the 407 on me (I have no idea if I tried on the 406...we went through so many masks that I lost track of what was what) and the 407 fits me very well. With all the masks, we tried them under pressure so we were able to quickly figure out that most of them would never work for me.

I've now been using the 407 at home for a couple of weeks. So far so good. So MAYBE you could look into that one and see if it might work for you.

mar

[Hawthorne]

What about something like Respironics Comfort Curve? It's not the most popular mask out there but I like it. It has just a small cushion that sits just under the nose. The cheek pads have to be set just right. It comes with 3 sizes of cushions (I think- it's a while since I bought one). You would probalby do best with the small.

The other one might be the Optilife with the Small Cradle Cushion (not the pillows). It's like the cushion on the Comfort Curve and sits just under the nose.

You could check them out on cpap.com and read reviews.

[hjjsnell]

Thanks so much!!! I'll check all of those out and see what I think. I'm going to take all suggestions to my DME and have them fit me with all that are suggested to me, under pressure of course, and while I'm laying down, to see what works best. So keep 'em coming!! Thank you!!

[rosiefrosie]

I know you said you don't want nasal cushions, but how about trying on the "swift nasal cushions for her". It comes with smaller nasal cushions. Just a thought.

Rosie

[luckylinda]

Have you tried the Comfort Gel in Petite? That is the only mask I can wear. The 406 leaked during my last sleep study and I didn't think it was as comfortable as the Comfort Gel.

I would call ahead and make sure they have the petite in stock. Maybe they don't if they didn't put it on you before.

Good luck and let us know what you end up with. This has been my trial since I started.

[hjjsnell]

Well we thought about the Comfortgel in Petite but I wear a partial and where it hits below the nose is not comfortable when I'm asleep with my partial out (and I always sleep with my partial out). So the DME wants to find one that makes it the most comfortable for me all the way around without me having to adjust anything in terms of wearing my partial or anything like that, only having to "adjust" the straps of the headgear. I'm thinking the 407 might be the way to go if it hits just below the nose and at a different position on the bridge of my nose. I really like how well it seals and how much I can roll around at night from side to side sleeping (I'm definitely a side sleeper) without leaks. I've got it adjusted as loose as possible without it leaking and it's still leaving indents with the 406, so maybe the 407 is the way to go, but I'm going to take all the suggestions and try them ALL!! Even if I'm there for a couple hours just trying on masks LOL!! Thanks!!

[sleepygma]

I too am a new C-Paper with a petite nose (who knew???)
And I too went through 3 masks in the first week-including the petite Comfort Gel (which I found to be very "heavy" on my face and left a dent alongside my nose).
Despite my initial aversion and a DME who said my pressure was too high for pillows--I love the LT Swift for Her. I use the extra small pillows and it's working great and no more soreness or dents in my face.

Best of luck to you!
Mary

[robertmarilyn]

Well we thought about the Comfortgel in Petite but I wear a partial and where it hits below the nose is not comfortable when I'm asleep with my partial out (and I always sleep with my partial out). So the DME wants to find one that makes it the most comfortable for me all the way around without me having to adjust anything in terms of wearing my partial or anything like that, only having to "adjust" the straps of the headgear. I'm thinking the 407 might be the way to go if it hits just below the nose and at a different position on the bridge of my nose. I really like how well it seals and how much I can roll around at night from side to side sleeping (I'm definitely a side sleeper) without leaks. I've got it adjusted as loose as possible without it leaking and it's still leaving indents with the 406, so maybe the 407 is the way to go, but I'm going to take all the suggestions and try them ALL!! Even if I'm there for a couple hours just trying on masks LOL!! Thanks!!

Oh...I ONLY sleep on my sides and so far the 407 is handling that just fine so maybe it will be your 'dream' mask

mar

[Yoda]

How about asking about a child's size?

[elg5cats]

I need suggestions please. I'd like a nasal mask, not nasal cushions if at all possible though I might be willing to try them they just didn't seem to suit

I too have a smaller facial features.....I've been experimenting with masks recently. I started out with the Mirage Mirco which works well.......it came with a medium sized head gear which presented some problems in adjusting as it slighty too big. Afterwards I got a Mirage Quattro extra-small. I had trouble getting it adjusted just right...very slightly long for my face...but felt very comfortable. My leak rate was off the charts a few nights with it. After a couple of weeks tinkering with it, it suddenly started working with all leaks stopped and working well. I did notice my APAP pressure went to the max a few times with the Quattro and overall the pressure is higher with this masks......apnea index did not increase with this mask. I've been trying the Swift LT for Her most recently. I was totally opposed to direct air flow into my nose and not receptive anything into my noise....decided to change my mind and try the pillows. I thought I would need the XS pillows which fit well and did not have leaks. But it has difficult to exhale and felt somewhat suffocating. I tried the small pillow and it work very well. I have a Mirage Kidsta in my possession. I think exploring pediatric mask is an option as well. Keep at it you'll find something that works.....
elk5cats

[Sandy's mom]

Another petite nose here I'm sold on the Comfort Lite 2 with the nose cushions - works best for me. Can't use nose pillows at all...

[TXLadybug]

Mirage Micro is wonderful. It's the only mask out of 30 that fit me. I can sleep at last! Short frame from top to bottom

[sleeplessinaz]

Hello--I have been thru many masks myself and thought the F & P Flexifit 407 was my dream mask until I tried the Opti life---LOVED it--such freedom from the mask all over your face and nose. Thought that one was my dream mask---until I tried and love the LT Swift for Her. I use the extra small pillows and it's working great --been the only one I have used now in the last 6 months, You can keep the straps very loose and nothing is binding --it is so very comfortable. No marks on the nose or face at all. So as you can see---you will need to try out many different types and styles of mask until you find "your" dream mask. Happy hunting --it will get better!!!
Carrie

[hjjsnell]

Thank you all so much for all the wonderful suggestions!! I've written them all down. I put a call in to my DME and am awaiting a callback (my RT was with a customer). I'm sure she'll be able to get with me today though, she usually is able to get with me same day. So I'll be trying on TONS of new masks and hopefully I'll find a new one, I almost thought about trying out the kid sized ones just for fun to see if they might work. Never thought I'd have anything petite on me!! Kinda nice though LOL. Thanks again!!