My first post--what is best type of mask??

[mipookiebear]

I have been reading posts for a few days. Glad that I found this site. I've learned more from this site than anywhere. I started using my cpap machine 14 days ago. Everyday is actually getting better. I hate wearing this gel nasal mask and all the gear--the chin strap. It's about to drive me nuts. I learned the other day that I can changed the type of mask to a different mask from this site. So called my DME and plan to change. The DME never told me that. Do you turn in the old mask & then they give you new one? What type works best for most people? Hopefully I start to feel more rested.

[Julie]

Hi, welcome to the forum! When you get a new mask, you get a new mask (for keeps, unless some individual arrangement has been made for you, or unless you've bought mask return insurance allowing to return a mask to Cpap.com (don't know if any other dealers do that). Go to their website and look at 'full face masks' (the Quattro, and UltraMirage are very popular). You won't need a strap (they're not supposed to be very effective anyhow) or tape, but be as sure as you can about sizing (maybe your local dealer will let you try some).

[twokatmew]

My DME is Airway Oxygen, and they told me they offer a one-time mask exchange within 30 days. Otherwise, the mask is yours. My insurance covers one mask every six months.

[hjjsnell]

I'm lucky my DME lets me change my mask as often as I need to until I find just the right one. They have a very lenient policy. I think it's something as long as I've had it less than 30 days I can exchange it for another no questions asked. So just ask your DME what their policy is on mask returns/exchanges they might surprise you. In regards to what is the best type of mask, well the question is why do you hate the gel mask? What is it about that mask that you hate? I couldn't wear it because it caused sores on the bridge of my nose (as do any of the other nasal masks I tried) so I went with nasal pillows (the Swift LT for Her w/ XS pillows) and they have been wonderful but I have had to use a chin strap recently. So that's something new to me. But anyways, what about your mask don't you like?

[dcryandc]

Welcome and good luck!

I use the Mirage Activa LT nasal mask, which works great! It "floats" over the nose, so no pressure points on the nose or cheeks. I switched from the Comfort Gel and have been very glad that I did. I also have to tape my mouth shut, as I am a mouth-breather at night, but this arrangement works fine for me.

[mipookiebear]

I keep having panic attacts with this nasal mask over my nose. The bridge of my nose also hirts. I know that I open my mouth when I sleep & I spend half my time putting on or taking off my chin strap. All this headgear is either too loose or too tight. The tubing either gets tangled or blows cold air on you. Maybe this is how it feels when everyone learns to adjust to their CPAP machine & mask. Maybe it's just the process of learning to adjust to all this new stuff. I just don't know.

[roster]

I keep having panic attacts with this nasal mask over my nose. The bridge of my nose also hirts. I know that I open my mouth when I sleep & I spend half my time putting on or taking off my chin strap. All this headgear is either too loose or too tight. The tubing either gets tangled or blows cold air on you. Maybe this is how it feels when everyone learns to adjust to their CPAP machine & mask. Maybe it's just the process of learning to adjust to all this new stuff. I just don't know.

Welcome Pookie,

Chin straps are not a popular way to deal with mouthbreathing. The best way is to use a full face mask (FFM). Have a look at the different models, https://www.cpap.com/simple-find-cpap-p ... -face.html . Click on "Learn More" in this link and read the manufacturers' comments about their different models.

When you see some masks you think you might like, post questions in the forum. You are likely to get responses from people who have used the masks you are interested in.

Good luck,

[vipertec]

My Dme has a thirty day exchange policy ,otherwise i get a new mask every three months ,I wasn't too happy with my first mask ,but I stuck it out for thirty days I just got my new mask this past tuesday (see sig) ,I'm extremely happy with it ,the only reason I didn't get this one from the get go is because when I went for my second sleep test the tech had the mask way too tight the it hurt my nose , in the middle of the night ,instead of adjusting it she switched it out and thats the one i took home . I liked the nasal pillow masks better ,the nasal mask seemed harder to breath to me.

[roster]

.......I just got my new mask this past tuesday (see sig) ......

If you check "Text" instead of "Icons" in your equipment profile, we will be able to see what equipment you have without leaving the forum.

[SleepyNoMore]

Welcome,

I have tried several masks from nasal to full face and my favorites are:

1. Swift 11
2. Headrest
3. Comfort lite

These are all nasal pillow masks, for me, they are the best!
Goodluck

[cajun]

Interesting...seems like whenever I read a comment here about the mask I'm using (ComfortGel Nasal), it' a complaint. Is anybody happy with it?

I've had to adjust mine a few times, but it seems reasonably comfortable. Of course, this is the only one I've used, so I have nothing to compare it with. My only problem with is it that I can't seem to keep my leaks down.

[Pugsy]

My DME told me that I could exchange masks within a 60 day window. I love my initial choice and haven't needed to.

The best type of mask is one that you can comfortably adjust so that it doesn't leak much and gives you good therapy AND most importantly, you find comfortable and will use consistently. Everyone's face is different and we all have different needs and preferences. There is no way I would use a mask that caused me pain. How much sleep will I get with that? Kind of negates any chance of effective therapy. Also greatly would increase the chance of my giving up.

For the newbies that maybe need full face masks because of serious mouth breathing issues and the traditional full face mask isn't very appealing for whatever reason, the Innomed Hybrid or the ResMed Liberty might be a viable alternative. I tried the Hybrid. It is actually very comfortable. I am waiting to get a different size of nasal pillow to see if I can reduce the minor leakage that I had.

[Komodo]

Interesting...seems like whenever I read a comment here about the mask I'm using (ComfortGel Nasal), it' a complaint. Is anybody happy with it?

I've had to adjust mine a few times, but it seems reasonably comfortable. Of course, this is the only one I've used, so I have nothing to compare it with. My only problem with is it that I can't seem to keep my leaks down.

I'm happy with mine.

It's comfortable, no red marks in the morning, stays in place with all my moving around, and very FEW leaks.

Like you, it did take me quite a few adjustments to get it to fit this well, but in the end it was worth it. There were two things that helped me getting it to fit. First, I lowered where the headgear sits on my head, second, I loosened up on all the straps.

I also have the full face gel mask, that is more comfortable for me since I'm a mouth breather, but it leaks bad, and my overall results are much better with the nasal.

[Komodo]

WHAT'S THE BEST TYPE MASK?
Is the wrong question to ask.
The question you should be asking is: "What's the best type mask for me?"

I'm new to all this apnea stuff, but I've already found out that what may be good for one person, may not be good for another. There's a reason there's SO many different masks out there, everybody is different, and you've got to try different masks until you find one you're comfortable with. Even within the same style masks. You may hate the nasal mask from "company A" but fall in L-O-V-E with the one made by "company B"

[cajun]

Komodo,

Since you are using the nasal mask and you're a mouth breather, are you taping or using a chin strap?