I hate my mask!!

NyNurse33 · Post by **NyNurse33** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 9:35 am

I can't wait until tomorrow when the DMEs is open, I'm going there right after work. The ultra mirage II isn't sealing right anymore, used the mirage swift 1 1/2 nights and I'm not completely happy with it. I ripped it off of me this morning @ 3:30 am, it felt so moist in my nose. Hate my cheap machine too, but I will have to call my MD for a new script on that one too. First I'm going to try and get somewhere with the DMEs with both issues. Wish I was as happy as I was 3 weeks ago, when everything was feeling fine, including me! Oh well, just venting!

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 9:47 am

Members around here generally agree that it is a good idea to have more than one good fitting mask and rotate their use. I have been pretty lucky and already found 2 (Swift and Hybrid) that I can sleep with.

I have a third on order (Breeze) that I tried during rental period for first night and left me with painful nares for a few days ... but had the best sleep with it since going on PAP treatment. I think I was wearing it incorrectly, so I really want ot give it another try. I even have some ideas for modifying it for better stability so it won't rub my nares raw again.

Hang in there and don't let those DME people push you around.

- roberto

dllfo · Post by **dllfo** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 10:28 am

I did like you. I wore it part of a night and tossed it off. Next night I had a Mirage Swift and it was pretty much love at first whiff. My wife likes hers too.
We have bought some used masks and with the ones the DME provided, we like the Swift the best.

Good luck with it. I don't really "love" to wear the mask, but I like how it makes me feel in the morning.

The thing I love about the Auto BiPAP is its flexibility. Other machines have the same features, but my insurance got one for me and I pushed to get one for my wife. They will tell you machines like this are overkill, but ...to me ...it has a lot of options I think are worth paying for. I bought my wifes and we are dickering with our insurance on it. Long story...

Good luck with whatever machine you wind up with.....

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 10:39 am

the swift is cold, noisy and uncomfortable for me. You should try the UltraMirage Full Face, more comfortable than any of the interfaces you've tried to date.

don't overtighten the straps on the UMII, if you do it can crush the cushion leaving a crease where it will leak even more. Also when leaks are problem try cleaning the mask, skin oils make leaks worse, fastest way I found to clean was pivoting off the forehead piece leaving headgear attached, removing the clips from lower straps removing the headgear leaving the mask assembled, fill a sink with hot tap water squirt in some Dawn citrus antibacterial liquid hand soap and giving the mask the bar glass agitation action and rinse.

you have to be careful with any facial creams as those can make leaks worse.

Jimm · Post by **Jimm** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 10:43 am

I recommend that you ask the DME if they have an Activa mask that you can try. For those who don't like pillows, the Activa really does seem to seal the best. Just don't let the DME fit it too tightly, the Activa works best when it is loose and the CPAP pressure blows out the bellows section to mold to your face. Can't tell for sure but looking at your avatar, I'd guess you would be standard/shallow size in the Activa.

WillCunningham · Post by **WillCunningham** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 10:57 am

The moistness in the mask issue might be more related to the humidifier than anything. I recently had lots of problems with that where the lowest setting wasn't low enough to avoid excessive moisture. I am running with the humidifier filled with water but not heated right now and enjoying much better results. It might be worth a shot while you are in the process of finding a replacement.

Good Luck!

kavanaugh1950 · Post by **kavanaugh1950** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 10:59 am

I don't think you need another script for the elite- I didn't. I just gve the dme a hard time but I wasn't happy with the escape. i wear an ultra mirage ffmask and believe me it made blisters on my face but now its very comfortable, i think i had it too tight or else it was because i hadn't washed it before i wore it. hang in there and be firm with the dme pat

sleepyone · Post by **sleepyone** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 11:53 am

I started CPAP with a Mirage Swift and it was too cold - even with warmed humidifier - and really made my nose and sinus' hurt. Now I am using a Respironics ComfortSelect and I like it MUCH more - it feels soft and the headgear is comfortable. Of course, nothing is as comfortable as NO mask, but some sleep is so much better than not encough sleep. I am still hoping for sleep through the night. I have been using this for about 6 weeks. Best Luck!

wabmorgan · Post by **wabmorgan** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:14 pm

I hated my cheap CPAP too. I would up buying an Respironics AutoCPAP.

But the one thing I did luck out on from the start and didn't realize it until I had went through several others was my mask. I started and went back to the Active!!!!!!!! I think it is the most comfortable nasal mask.

It was also the only mask I trusted to go back to after my septorhinoplasty!!!!!! Mainly due to it fitting loosely!!!!!!!!

The only thing I wish... was that it was not as nosiey:( But it is much quiter than the swift.

It is somewhat quiter if you turn the hose up over your head.

I hate my mask!!

I hate my mask!!

My wife and I love our Respironic Auto BiPAPs...