FF Mask?????

[claudann]

I'm supposed to go to my DME to try a full face mask tomorrow. I keep mouth breathing. But I think I just got taping down pat. The last several nights I haven't had any leaks through the mouth. I'm really not looking forward to a FF mask. But I also think about what will happen when my nose is congested and the nasal pillows just won't work. (I'm probably going to have to put down one of my sweet dogs soon, so I expect many nights of crying myself to sleep, with the accompanying stuffed up nose.) I really can't afford to buy a second mask, so I'll have to give up my nasal pillow mask and switch to FF.

I'm just really torn. I guess, though, its best to try it and just see what I think. Although my DME acted like I had kicked him in the gut when I asked to come try a FF mask. Who knows what he'll say if I want to go back to nasal pillows after trying FF. His head might explode. But who cares what he thinks!

I guess I'll go tomorrow and just see.

[LinkC]

Ask about a hybrid mask. The RespCare Hybrid and the ResMed Liberty are the two I know of.

They use nasal pillows and a mouth cushion, so you can breathe thru either. The advantage is they won't put a sore on your nosebridge like FFs tend to do. They are also lighter and less bulky than a FF.

[pollyanna40]

my mask is good!! didnt take me long to get used to it,im a few mths into treatment,but No aonea's and No leaks..Even though im still mega tired but thats another story...Good luck tomoz,hope u get wot u want and wot is good for u x x

[Pugsy]

Why do you have to give up the nasal pillow mask? Does your DME require you to return it to try something else?
They don't do anything with it except throw it in the trash and some paperwork. At least that is what my DME says. They can't sell them. If they require a return "forget" part of it or all of it. I see you are using the Swift FX. You can check Ebay because sellers list each replacement part separately to avoid the RX requirement. I have seen Buy it Now prices for each piece totaling around $50-60. At least keep the nasal pillows and maybe get the other 2 parts on Ebay.

Regarding possible upcoming nasal congestion. I know how painful it is to lose a pet and especially have to make the choice we are faced with. I have done it myself. It hurts and it sucks. I will offer that sometimes the added air and moisture going directly up the nose reduces the swelling and congestion. Even when I have had regular cold symptoms I have been able to use my nasal pillows. Sleep about as well as one can expect with a nasty cold. Decongestants and a bit of nasal spray work wonders. I don't even own a FF mask. Can't stand them. Never missed a night of therapy due to nasal congestion.

[chunkyfrog]

If insurance will only cover one mask now, get one at the DME's,
and the other one somewhere else (after you've tested it on their dime.)
--They gotta earn their keep somehow.
When you swap, ask them to hang onto the nasal pillow mask--in case you like it better.--or not.
Just make sure they charge you for the one you KEEP.
Full face usually cost more than nasal--best to stick insurance for the expensive one.

[DaveL]

Ask about a hybrid mask. The RespCare Hybrid and the ResMed Liberty are the two I know of.

They use nasal pillows and a mouth cushion, so you can breathe thru either. The advantage is they won't put a sore on your nosebridge like FFs tend to do. They are also lighter and less bulky than a FF.

Thanks LinkC. Solving mouth breathing issues too.
DaveL

[LSAT]

I'm just really torn. I guess, though, its best to try it and just see what I think. Although my DME acted like I had kicked him in the gut when I asked to come try a FF mask. Who knows what he'll say if I want to go back to nasal pillows after trying FF. His head might explode. But who cares what he thinks!

I guess I'll go tomorrow and just see.

Why would the DME care what mask you use? They get paid when you buy a mask. If they exchange it for a different mask they get credit for the used mask from the manufacturer. If they do give you a hard time...GO TO ANOTHER DME. I for one would certainly try a FF mask before taping my mouth shut every night.

[Alshain]

I'm loving my Quattro FX. It's just so small and simple, and I hate the forehead braces.