Recomendations on Mask

[sleepwiggler]

Hi All,

As you see in my signature I use the Responics Cool Blue Comfort Gel mask. I am wanting to try something else the cushions on the mask get week and collapse too easy after about two weeks.I just don't feel like I can get that good seal. I use the Resmed S9 with humidifier. I have used the tool on CPAP.com but I wanted to get other peoples opinion. I also need to see if my insurance will cover if ordered from cpap.com as in network. I am not sure my DME can get order a certain mask or not but these things I will be checking on tomorrow.

[Sheriff Buford]

The Resmed Airfit F10 is a good light-weight mask with changeable cushions and has no forehead piece. It's new and very popular. Your question comes up all the time and it's like asking for a "good" pair of shoes. Everyone loves their mask and they often get insulted if so say anything bad about their mask of choice. It's as if you said something bad about their mamma!

Sheriff

[sleepwiggler]

I understand about a good pair of shoes.

[library lady]

I also use the AirFit F10 and love it. Prior to F10 I used Quattro Air which is actually the same cushion, but a different frame and headgear. Main difference is that unlike the Air, the F10 has no forehead strap. I think your Comfort Gel is a nasal mask, Air and F10 are full face masks. If getting a good seal is problematic for you, you might try using mask liners with the mask you have now before switching. I couldn't get a good seal until I tried liners, and they made a huge difference for me. Two sources: http://www.padacheek.com and https://www.cpap.com. I've been on CPAP since Feb. 2014, and have only purchased three masks in that time, the Air, then F10, and a replacement F10. The Air is still in good shape, and I am currently on my second F10, having worn the first one out.

As for insurance coverage with cpap.com, they do not take insurance, but you could find out from your insurance whether they will reimburse you on presentation of a receipt.

Your DME may or may not order the mask you want... it's not a question of whether they can, but whether they WILL order one for you. Any DME can order an item for you, but the bottom line is their profit, which comes from selling/carrying only the cheaper masks. The good DMEs will usually order what you request.

[Vermonter]

The bridge of my nose is very narrow and deep and I have a quite a bit of difficulty finding a FFM that works. The "best" mask for me is the ResMed Quattro FX Large with small headgear, however not without modifications using moleskins to get a "good enough" seal.

I just ordered a Fisher and Paykel Simplus FFM, I hope it works for me.

The quickest way to get the mask you want and not what the DME wants you to have is to ask your sleep doctor write a prescription that specifically states the mask you want. DME's are obligated to fill that prescription as written.

[Julie]

I think you mean they should write for "mask of patient's choice", so they're not limited to the first one that seems to fit at first (and then doesn't).

[sleepwiggler]

I guess what I am trying to say it seems that cushion becomes more pliable and uncomfortable because it seems to fall. I keep my straps just right enough to keep it from leaking but I find that as the nights pass I have to make changes because of the cushion feeling like it pushing in or out which then causes a leak. As for my prescription it actually reads mask of patients choice and doctor told if I want a different mask just tell the DME what I wanted and they should be able to get it but my DME sucks.

[Sheriff Buford]

Heck yea... the prescription should say, "mask of patient's choice". The dme should oblige your choice. If not, you may have to take them "out-back" for an attitude re-adjustment.
Also, your face muscles relax as the night goes on, so that will explain the late night leaks.

Sheriff

[bwexler]

Gee, you must have an unusual DME. Most of them are just like helpful little angels, once you go through 2 or 3 months of whipping them into shape for each order.
Mine can often deliver an order with 6 items on it, in less then 9 shipments. Some of the items are even delivered correctly the first time I get them. You know like ordering a heated hose for a PRS 1 and getting a heated hose for a Resmed H5i or a standard non heated hose.