How many masks??????

[bjdare]

I've been on CPAP since 12/18 and am about to try another mask - this will be my 4th! Is this normal?? I keep having "leak" problems. I tried 2 sizes ofthe Mirage Quattro, went to the Mirage Swift II nasas pillows and am now about to give up the Opus 360 - it's killing my nose and I've been experiencing leak problems + difficulty exhaling thru it even tho' I'm using C-Flex on a 3 setting (I've adjusted the headset more times than I can count & went to the medium pillows to no avail). I went to the nasal pillows because they are less claustrophobic...but now I'm wondering if I need to try another brand/style FF mask. I don't know if all this is normal or if I'm expecting too much from a mask and just need to learn to "deal with it". I appreciate any comments / help you can throw my way! Thank you.

[JeffH]

If you are male, go to large pillows. That's typical for most men. Don't over tighten the mask, either. You can get used to it...it just takes some time.

JeffH

[GumbyCT]

http://www.aeiomed.com/products/headrest.php

The Movie - http://www.aeiomed.com/video_product_in ... adrest.php

https://www.cpap.com/productpage.php?PNum=1717&PAID=215

Your search is over

[Guest]

I think I've tried just about every mask ever made and I'm still not happy. I don't think there's any perfect mask.

[Wulfman]

My first mask was and still is the "best". Nothing else has been better. (I did a lot of research before I selected it.)

Den

[Billy6]

You may not be patient enough. It took about a 20-30 day break-in period for my quattro to work perfectly.

[john_dozer]

I'd consider the Liberty or Hybrid. Much less in your visual field (almost none). Headgear/tactile is between a FFM and Pillow Mask which aren't really that much different from each other. Decent for rolling on you side without the pillow trying to push the mask off to the side.

[TheDreamer]

I started 12/29, and I'm looking forward to trying masks 4 and 5. (4 is a different nasal mask, and 5 is a full face mask).

1st was an optilife, tried it for 2 weeks....2nd was HC407, which I couldn't get to not leak once I laid down (the RT had only showed how to wear it while sitting at the DME). 3rd was Profile Lite....RT just held it to my face and said that looks like the right size. I got the strong impression that she didn't want to hear from me again about mask issues until 6 months when insurance would pay for my next mask.

But, mask 3 caused a sore on my nose, which then got infected and now I'm not allowed to use my CPAP until it clears up.

According to cpap.com's sizing tool, neither the HC407 nor the Profile Lite were considered good fits for my measurements. So, I bid on some masks on CPAPauction that the tool had suggested. I won a Mirage Vista and a Ultra Mirage Full Face mask.

The Dreamer

[roster]

...but now I'm wondering if I need to try another brand/style FF mask. .......

A few questions before answering:

Why would you be considering an FF mask?

What is your prescribed pressure and what pressure are you using?

Do you have capability to monitor apneas, hypopneas and leak?

Please fill out your equipment profile.

[Lee Lee]

Hi!
Yeah, it's normal.
I'm on number 12! I'm still kind of looking for another one. I'm always trying to achive perfection.
Lee Lee

[BeanMeScot]

What issues did you have the the Swift II?

[sleeplessinaz]

Hi there---yes, we all are on the quest for the PERFECT MASK!! I do have a bunch of masks in my closet. I do have great insurance!!! Right now I found the the Swift LT mask, --it is so nice, and it is quieter, lighter, and better for side sleepers (which I am)---my pressure is at a "7" so if you have a higher pressure I am not sure which mask would be ideal for you but keep on trying them out!! DON'T SETTLE!! Like the previous posted said ---you want to try them for at least 30 days to be sure you have really given it a chance. Some masks, I slept with one night and tossed it--I knew that would NOT be the one for me!! LOL! You are normal!!!

Carrie

[RipVW]

Hello & Welcome, bjdare! Glad you found this forum--SO much useful info and everyone here is so willing to help!

Yes, sounds like your a "normal" CPAP'er. I must have about 10 masks altogether now! And, like Den, I finally went back to my first masd, my Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask. Hang in there! The search for the "holy grail" of CPAP masks is never ending.

"You are getting sleepy . . ."

[bjdare]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions.....I'm feeling a little more "normal" and a little less frustrated in my search for a mask. I figure at the rate I'm going, I'll soon be able to just step into my closet and pick a mask - I'm getting quite a selection!!

This site has been a God send for me and it so nice to know there is a support group out there with such great knowledge and compasssion.

Again, my sincere thanks.

[roster]

Why would you be considering an FF mask? Simply out of desperation.

What is your prescribed pressure and what pressure are you using? 13

Do you have capability to monitor apneas, hypopneas and leak? Unfortunately, NO

Please fill out your equipment profile. RemStar Plus M Series with C-Flex (no slot for card) w/ heated humidifier. Equipment is thru Apria Healthcare via my insurance Aetna. I am consider buying my own machine from cpapauction and getting a machine that can monitor apnea, etc.

Please keep in mind I'm new to all this - my sleep study indicated: 60 obstructive apneas, 106 partial obstructive apneas, 0 central apneas adn 0 mixed apneas. AHI = 80 events per hour. Longest respirator event was 31 seconds in duration.
Lowest oxygen level = 77% - I never entered stage 3 or 4 (REM) in my study.

1. FF masks are for people who breathe through their mouths or leak air out their mouths. Do you think you do either of these? It can be difficult to tell. Sometimes a bed partner can tell and sometimes it is not so obvious. A dry mouth would be a symptom of mouth leaking/breathing. If you do not mouth breathe/leak, then the preference would be a nasal mask because they are smaller, can be more comfortable, and are less confining.

2. I always recommend that people get a machine that can be used to monitor apneas, hypopneas and leaks. This is often the only way to really know what is going on with your therapy. You can get the data off the machine's screen but having the software is a big advantage, IMO. Use member's knowlege to guide your purchase. Some of them are very experienced and can advise you on machine, software, card reader and pricing.

3. IMO, the results of your sleep study are typical of a basic obstructive apnea patient. No central or mixed apneas helps to keep it simple. I assume no restless leg syndrome (RLS). The study is now behind you so forget about it and concentrate on getting the therapy right.

4. "I don't know if all this is normal or if I'm expecting too much from a mask and just need to learn to "deal with it"." The answer is "Yes" and "Yes". Yes, resolve to make one work and, yes, in the meantime you can still keep looking for one that you can make work nearly perfectly. The mask is the most difficult part for most of us.

5. The Mirage Activa is a popular nasal mask (if you are sure of no mouth breathing/leaking). https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... allow.html

6. You did not mention how tight you are adjusting the headgear. A common mistake of beginners is to adjust too tight and this can cause leaks. Here are some tips on using Rested Gal's "ladies tights" method of stabilizing a mask. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=36928&p=322402#p322402 It can be used on more than the mask shown in the illustration.

7. "Please keep in mind I'm new to all this"
You have a good attitude and have come to the right place for help. Keep working on the therapy and come back here frequently for help.

Good luck,