Need mask help

[Nyx]

I'm a newbie who could really use some help selecting a new mask. I know it's difficult to recommend a mask to someone else since we all have our own unique face shapes, but I thought maybe you could help a bit if I explain what I'm looking for.

I'm currently using the Resmed Mirage FX for her -- selected because it was by far the most comfortable of the options offered during my titration study. This mask felt OK at first, but now, after almost two weeks, it's just not working out. The problem is related to the size of the cushion -- like many nasal masks I've seen, it comes down to (and at times slips over) the upper lip area. I have a problem with nerve pain in my lip and the added pressure (even when adjusted as loosely as possible) has become too much for me. I barely got any sleep last night.

During my titration study, I found that full face masks leaked a lot on me (not helped by the fact that I'm a side sleeper). I'm sure a nasal pillow mask would be ideal, if I could ever get used to that type, but when I tried them during the study, the pressure from my BiPap seemed uncomfortably intense compared to when I tried the other masks.

So, if possible, I'd like to find a nasal mask that doesn't extend as far down as my upper lip. The new Respironics Wisp looks perfect -- or potentially perfect -- and I really want to try it, but I can't find a single dme in person or online that has it in stock.

Do you know of any other masks with a similarly compact nasal cushion?

If I have to, I suppose I'll give a nasal pillow mask another shot, but I'm not sure I can get used to it.

Thanks for the help!

[jdm2857]

I've been using nasal pillows for years (Swift LT, Opus 360, Swift FX) , and have recently acquired a Mirage FX nasal mask for use when my nares are irritated.
I have my APAP set for 18 - 20, and at this range find that the "loose strap" advice doesn't apply.

The Mirage FX should rest against the skin just below the nares, and should not touch the upper lip proper at all.

I'm thinking that you should try tightening the upper straps of the Mirage FX. Reducing the size of the circle that the upper straps form around the top of
your head should cause the mask to shift upwards.

Of course, one this adjustment is made, you probably will have to adjust the lower straps as well to accommodate the mask's new position.

Good luck.

[Nyx]

Thanks for your suggestion, Jeff.

I've tried just about every possible arrangement with this mask over the last couple of days, and it's just no use. When I try to adjust it upwards and tighten the top, it brings the bottom of the cushion up to what might me a tolerable area above my upper lip (the nerve pain is a bit like hot needles poking my lip on one side and extends a bit above the true lip line). But in order to get it that much higher, the top of the cushion pushes into the corners of my eyes and leaks into my eyes. No amount of tweaking seems to produce a workable solution.

It occurs to me that maybe this cushion is just too big. It's a standard size. Maybe one option I should consider would be getting the same mask in a size small. Though I'm certainly still open to trying other masks.

[zoocrewphoto]

What size nasal mask do you have? Perhaps you need a smaller size.

[Terresac]

I'm in the same boat as Nyx. After using the Mirage FX for her I have decided it is just too big. When I asked my therapist about whether or not Apria (my provider) carries the size small, she was told that it has only been out 6 mos. but that they would try to get me one.

As I am still a newbie (1 month), I am still on a high learning curve. It seems to me that on the manufacturer's web sites there would be some type of sizing chart, or at the least measurements of the mask itself. At least we could get closer to getting the right one from the get go. Any ideas on sites that give measurements for masks?

[Pugsy]

It seems to me that on the manufacturer's web sites there would be some type of sizing chart

They have downloadable templates available.

http://www.resmed.com/us/assets/html/ma ... lates.html

[Terresac]

It occurs to me that maybe this cushion is just too big. It's a standard size. Maybe one option I should consider would be getting the same mask in a size small.

I finally got the size small from my therapist. It came in a bag that stated it was a "demo" and not for resale. I tried it right away and it is definitely smaller. The length of the nose piece is shorter and the mask is slightly smaller, but shorter also.

It fill well, but then I had trouble with rain out and whistling. No matter what I wiped out, I couldn't get it to stop, so switched out in the middle of the night. I have a photo, but not sure how to get it up here in the forum.

[Julie]

If your machine (and humidifier) are on a table higher than your head, you may well get rainout, so a lower table could be the answer. But if it's cold in the room and your humidifier doesn't heat up well, or the hose is cold, a 'Hose Buddy' or Climateline hose would help.