Diagnosed by Lofta: How to choose first mask to try?

[Shnoozer]

Hello,

Today I received my Lofta sleep report which shows:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (G47.33) - Moderate, based on (REM-predominant) pAHI= 18.3 and pRDI= 25.4, and O2 nadir of 85%.

Tomorrow morning I have a call with someone and my expectation is that I'll be ordering a CPAP & mask. I understand that mask fitting requires some trial and error, but I'm hoping to maximize my chances of finding one that works early on. Are there any thoughts on how to choose that first mask? Some info:

- Im a side sleeper
- I usually have a little bit of stubble/beard but not much
- I used to mouth breathe, but now i use mouth tape and only nose breathe
- I'm not particularly claustrophobic or picky about stuff on my face
- I can be a little picky about noise, but just a little

I am not sure what to expect in this meeting, but it's a bit daunting to choose a mask based on a single online call

thanks in advance

[Pugsy]

Look at the ResMed AirFit P10 nasal pillow mask and the ResMed AirFit N30 under the nose cushion mask.
Good starting point if you don't need a full face mask.
Both are silent in terms of vent noise and fairly comfortable as well.

[Shnoozer]

I had a call with the Lofta person this morning. I was pretty unimpressed.

She skipped right to the ordering process, not surprisingly, and when I started asking questions about masks she really just said it was personal preference and offered almost zero advice. The only thing she said if you breathe through you nose during the day, go for a nasal mask. If not, full face.

I asked about different nasal masks and cushions vs pillows and whether the p30i might be a good option. I asked because my cousin uses it and loves it. She said it couldn't be used for side sleeping because the straps are also the hose and on the side it would block the airflow. Even I know that's not true.

She sounded like a new college grad at a first job.

I want to keep moving forward, so i sort of panic ordered a p30i - mostly because 2 people i know like it. But, I'm not sure if that was a good choice for first mask. We'll see

[LSAT]

I had a call with the Lofta person this morning. I was pretty unimpressed.

She skipped right to the ordering process, not surprisingly, and when I started asking questions about masks she really just said it was personal preference and offered almost zero advice. The only thing she said if you breathe through you nose during the day, go for a nasal mask. If not, full face.

I asked about different nasal masks and cushions vs pillows and whether the p30i might be a good option. I asked because my cousin uses it and loves it. She said it couldn't be used for side sleeping because the straps are also the hose and on the side it would block the airflow. Even I know that's not true.

She sounded like a new college grad at a first job.

I want to keep moving forward, so i sort of panic ordered a p30i - mostly because 2 people i know like it. But, I'm not sure if that was a good choice for first mask. We'll see

No one can recommend a mask...they are personal. You have to sit down and try various types. What is perfect for me may be terrible for you. Go tp cpap.com and look at the various masks. Pick out the one that you think would fit your face the best.

[bwexler]

My wife was new to PAP last Christmas.
Against the persistent advice of the RT at Crapria, my wife started with the N30i. by her second night she has done well with it. Her AHI is usually below 1, sometimes 0.1.
I think you made a wise choice.
I on the other hand can NOT wear any pillows mask. My nostrils are far to sensitive.
So, I agree a mask is a very personal choice.

[Shnoozer]

My wife was new to PAP last Christmas.
Against the persistent advice of the RT at Crapria, my wife started with the N30i. by her second night she has done well with it. Her AHI is usually below 1, sometimes 0.1.
I think you made a wise choice.
I on the other hand can NOT wear any pillows mask. My nostrils are far to sensitive.
So, I agree a mask is a very personal choice.

After two nights with the p30i, it's gone pretty well. That said, my left nostril is a little irritated. Just a little, but it's not great. So, I learned that the pillows that fit the p30i are interchangable with the cushion on the N30i, and available on Amazon for $28. In 2 days I'll have it and will try out the cushions.

I guess I'm off to a good start, but I figure it's worth spending a little time and money trying some different masks just to find what's best for me.

I paid for the Lofta $200 'care' package for this reason, mostly. They allow returns on masks under that program plus you have the 60-day mask exchange. I don't want to rush too much, but over then next few months I hope to try a nasal pillow ( trying that now with some success), nasal cushions, full nasal mask, and also would like to try the hose in front vs hose on top if possible.

Also CPAP.com appears to allow returns on used masks, somehow.

[Pugsy]

Also CPAP.com appears to allow returns on used masks, somehow.

Cpap.com does allow for mask returns with some restrictions.
If you end up giving them a try be sure and read up on their mask return policy.
Main thing to remember is that the time frame for the return is that the mask must be returned back to cpap.com before 30 days from the time the mask was shipped. So you have to allow for the return trip to cpap.com when returning a mask.
Don't wait until you have had the mask in your possession for 30 days and then return it and expect a refund.

[Shnoozer]

Also CPAP.com appears to allow returns on used masks, somehow.

Cpap.com does allow for mask returns with some restrictions.
If you end up giving them a try be sure and read up on their mask return policy.
Main thing to remember is that the time frame for the return is that the mask must be returned back to cpap.com before 30 days from the time the mask was shipped. So you have to allow for the return trip to cpap.com when returning a mask.
Don't wait until you have had the mask in your possession for 30 days and then return it and expect a refund.

Thanks for that tip. I'll move quickly!

[Shnoozer]

Also CPAP.com appears to allow returns on used masks, somehow.

Cpap.com does allow for mask returns with some restrictions.
If you end up giving them a try be sure and read up on their mask return policy.
Main thing to remember is that the time frame for the return is that the mask must be returned back to cpap.com before 30 days from the time the mask was shipped. So you have to allow for the return trip to cpap.com when returning a mask.
Don't wait until you have had the mask in your possession for 30 days and then return it and expect a refund.

FYI I requested a return on that mask from cpap.com, and they refunded me without question and said that I didn't need to return it at all. They are may by inconsistent in their policy.

[Pugsy]

Also CPAP.com appears to allow returns on used masks, somehow.

Cpap.com does allow for mask returns with some restrictions.
If you end up giving them a try be sure and read up on their mask return policy.
Main thing to remember is that the time frame for the return is that the mask must be returned back to cpap.com before 30 days from the time the mask was shipped. So you have to allow for the return trip to cpap.com when returning a mask.
Don't wait until you have had the mask in your possession for 30 days and then return it and expect a refund.

FYI I requested a return on that mask from cpap.com, and they refunded me without question and said that I didn't need to return it at all. They are may by inconsistent in their policy.

Looks like they changed the return policy slightly. They used to send a prepaid label to return the mask and it was noted that it had to be returned to cpap.com within the 30 days of their shipping it to you. It has been a bit of time since I actually read their return policy. Couple of years ago they had the requirements in place that I mentioned earlier and they emailed me a pre paid return label to be printed off and used when returning the mask.

So they made it easier to return a mask...that's great.

https://support.cpap.com/en-US/30-day-m ... ial-761137

With every mask purchase, we offer free returns within 30 days! We will refund you the full price of your purchase minus shipping. We understand that finding the perfect mask fit is a journey, and want to assist you each step of the way.

To get the process started, please visit this link https://app.corso.com/cpapcom, call us at 1-800-356-5221 or email us at support@cpap.com. Our CPAP guides are standing by to assist you with getting the right product you need!