Mask why don't they make one for me

[Duckie]

I have a nasal mask Resmed Mirage. It is too long from the forehead to the bridge of the nose.
I call my DME (30 day return policy) and after much persuasion I have an appointment Friday.
My question is do I go to a full face mask. I can't tolerate nasal pillows. The RT I talked to said that there isn't any mask that the frame is smaller but fit a medium nose mask. My nasal mask now rest where my lips meet. That is irritating.
I another problem is my face feels like a sunburn in the morning after using the mask.

Any suggestion?

My DME is not allowd to let us try them on. If you open it it is yours. My RT said "Some regulation will not allow us to have you try them on since we are not allow to clean them?" I am in WI, Is this a run around or what?

[Janknitz]

Find another DME.

Well, you're probably stuck for this round of mask since your insurance has already paid this DME for your first mask. But next time, don't waste your time with them.

Mask manufacturers provide samples of their masks at low or no cost to DME's just for the purpose of allowing patients to try them on and see what works. These samples are considered "disposable" because even though they CAN be cleaned for others to try on, it's a time-consuming procedure to be done properly, and nobody wants to do it.

Some DME's do not make their samples available to their customers--instead they turn around and sell them on an auction site for additional profit to the DME (or the DME employees), one of the reasons ResMed is stepping in to stop sales of ResMed products on the auction site, IMHO.

If you go to our host, cpap.com. they have a bunch of resources to help you find the right mask. WHen you narrow down your choices, you can go to the manufacturer's website for the mask and many have a "fitting template" you can print, cut out, and try to see if it helps you narrow down the correct size. I would use these tools before going to your DME for a "fitting"--you are likely to have better luck this way, but it's still a crapshoot when you can't try the mask on in your sleeping position, with your pressure to make sure it will really work for you. Make sure the DME knows you will return the mask again if it isnt' working for you, so it's in their best interests to fit you properly in the first place.

[Janknitz]

The RT I talked to said that there isn't any mask that the frame is smaller but fit a medium nose mask. My nasal mask now rest where my lips meet. That is irritating.

.

One more thing, this is a bunch of ignorant hooey. There are lots of small framed masks that will fit a medium nose. It's not like you are Pinnochio or something.

Take a look at the various nasal masks on cpap.com. The Mirage Micro sounds like it might work for you, but you may see many others there. You can try a liner like Remzzz's (or your own, homemade version) as an interface between the mask and your skin in case your skin is having a reaction to the silicone. Your DME is a bozo!

[LSAT]

Duckie....I am also in Milwaukee...whoever told you that is lieing to you
I will send you a PM.

[Beachmeezer]

I never heart of not being allowed to try on masks.

You might try a Zest. I can't stand anything hanging down over my lip or way up near my eyes. The zest petite is small as was the regular sized zest.
Kim

[nosbig17]

If you are looking for a small mask, you might consider two SleepNet masks, i.e. the IQ or the MiniMe, they both worked well for me. However I had NO success with their Phantom mask.

http://www.sleep-net.com/

[chunkyfrog]

My advice: see if there are other DME's in your area--who are willing to WORK with you.
My DME only carries ResMed, but can order others--including Innomed Hybrid, but they 'diss' that mask so badly,
I dunno if they will let me even try it on.
They did let me take a Liberty home for a week or so,(pushing Resmed really hard) but it didn't work--wrong shape--
The arch in front of my chin was just too high; and didn't make good contact.
It is so frustrating--My mouth is so dry in the morning.
I really need either a ff or a hybrid that mates with my face.
The Quattro was pure torture.
I need to check the competition.

[newname]

get a new dme. my first one told me if I open it I have to keep it. my new dme will let me try as many as I have to. I think the larger dme companies don't mind losing money for returned masks. my first one was a small company.

[Goofproof]

The RT I talked to said that there isn't any mask that the frame is smaller but fit a medium nose mask. My nasal mask now rest where my lips meet. That is irritating.

.

One more thing, this is a bunch of ignorant hooey. There are lots of small framed masks that will fit a medium nose. It's not like you are Pinnochio or something.

Take a look at the various nasal masks on cpap.com. The Mirage Micro sounds like it might work for you, but you may see many others there. You can try a liner like Remzzz's (or your own, homemade version) as an interface between the mask and your skin in case your skin is having a reaction to the silicone. Your DME is a bozo!

It's not like you are Pinnochio or something. However the reason your DME may think that is because every time they talk to a patient, their nose grows. I imagine they are a scary sight at the end of their shift.... Jim

[Duckie]

I saw the DME today. He is ordering me a small in the mask I have. Some reason he thinks this will work. I did try it on and it seem okay. Will need to wait to get it and then see how it goes!