Question about trying different masks

[hope2sleep]

Hello all ~

I read here about people trying different masks until they find one that works for them. Where does one go to do this? Do you have to buy each mask you try until you find the one that works. I use the Mirage Quatro full face mask. It was tolerable at first (have had it since maybe March) but now is uncomfortable. I don't know if I just need to replace the cushions or what.

The whole experience has been discouraging. I read on here how people feel so much better ~ I have been using the cpap since the first of the year (faithfully) and have yet to feel better. My sleep NP has worked with me ~ trying different medications and doses, uping the pressure of my machine. I pretty much follow the same routine all the time, but the sleep is not a consistent thing. I wake up less than I used to, but have never yet slept straight through the night. I have tried Lunesta and Sonata, but feel tired after I wake up. I felt like I slept a little better with one of those, but didn't like how I felt tired in the day time. Even when I don't take those, I still feel tired int he daytime ~ just less so.

Oh, I am a night shift worker (7p-7a) ~ I am kind of beginning to feel like there is no hope for me as long as I work this shift.

Can anybody offer any hope?

Thanks for reading/listening.

[rise&shiner]

I went through many masks within the first 30 days but what made it easier for me to deal withthis is that my dme told me up front that I if I had diffuculties finding a mask, I had 30 days to find one that would work. I only have to pay the co-pay on the mask I end up with. Howver, I still have all the other masks and I haven't seen the final bill. So asking a lot of questions is real important.

[OldLincoln]

At my titration sleep over, the tech tried the different categories of masks (pillows, nasal, full face) to help me decide that part. After the results meeting, I went to a B&M DME for my initial setup and they spent a lot of time with me trying different masks. Once I had a good fit (Quatro) I used it for about a year before I saw the new Forma. I tried it at my DME, liked it, and they provided the Forma with the next supply order.

My current DME has a doctor's office type padded table and machine to use for trying masks. She sets the CPAP on the highest setting you use and after you are set up will see another patient while you fiddle with it. She checks in and makes adjustments, changes masks, etc. as necessary.

I believe the secret is getting the initial fitting right. If they don't have a good setup like my DME, my advice is to use your machine and lay down for a while, turning as you might at home. This is one time where the shy person who agrees to get along looses out. If that's you take someone for support. Your treatment is only as good as your mask.

[sleepycarol]

At my sleep study I DIDN"T even know you had choices as they showed me one mask, put it on and that was end of story.

I had major problems with my first DME and so don't even know if they offered a mask refund offer.

I purchased all the masks I tried. Many were purchased from other forum members or from http://www.cpapauction.com. I did pick up one or two from eBay before the ban went into place.

[Scarlet834]

I sure wish I'd had the option OldLincoln described! My DME does not currently have the ability to sanitize and redeploy masks to meet California law, although I understand they are pursuing the ability to do this. I was allowed only a single trade-in within 30 days (I actually got to keep both masks since they couldn't give mask #1 to anybody else). If another change was truly needed before the stated replacement period we would have submitted a request to the insurance provider.

To add a bit of encouragement, I don't sleep through the night either, but my alertness during the day is "fixed" even so. You have a special challenge working an off-shift. I've done that, but long before sleep apnea and when I was younger and more resilient. I know I've run across tips for off-shift sleeping while researching insomnia--do search the internet for tips. If you have trouble getting your bedroom dark enough, try a sleep mask. I think you will feel better all around if you can eventually find a solution that does not involve medication to induce sleep. Good luck to you!