Mask measuring guide

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cpapguru38
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Mask measuring guide

Post by cpapguru38 » Wed Apr 08, 2009 10:39 am

I recently ordered a new full mask using the measuring guide on this site. I followed the instructions to perfection, using a partner. The mask is the Ultra Mirage FFM. The size it gave me is a standard medium. Well, I believe it to be too small.

When I place th mask on, as shown with the base in the center is my chin, it is too tight aroud my nose and actually pinches my sinuses. This restricts the air flow as my sinuses are already an issue. If I pulle the base of the mask up, to the bottom of my lower lip, or just below it, then it seems to be fine, but when my mouth drops open, air begin to leak as the bottom is positioned too high.

I guess I own a worthless mask. Cpap does not take them back once opened. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

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TheDreamer
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Re: Mask measuring guide

Post by TheDreamer » Wed Apr 08, 2009 10:43 am

I think johnny has mentioned that its not perfect, but it avoids the way off size purchases.

I've had mixed results using it as well. Though my experience is that it tends to be err'ng on the big side....

There's still return insurance....though I saw an announcement that another online site is offering 30 day returns on all their masks now (though I can't find it, it was probably an email I had gotten.)

Otherwise, I guess there's CPAPauction, or here....

The Dreamer.

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Last edited by TheDreamer on Wed Apr 08, 2009 10:47 am, edited 1 time in total.
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sepool
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Re: Mask measuring guide

Post by sepool » Wed Apr 08, 2009 10:44 am

I know it is too late now, but when buying the first one of a model of mask, I'd buy the return insurance as well. I wouldn't trust the sizing guide that much. It's good for a first guess, I suppose.

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TheDreamer
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Re: Mask measuring guide

Post by TheDreamer » Wed Apr 08, 2009 10:50 am

TheDreamer wrote:There's still return insurance....though I saw an announcement that another online site is offering 30 day returns on all their masks now (though I can't find it, it was probably an email I had gotten.)
Correction....the other site also offers a 30-day return program for an additional charge.

The Dreamer.

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Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier With Hose, 2 Chambers and Stand
Additional Comments: 95% Pressure=7.5cm - Max Pressure 15cm - HoZer/Hose Cover/Repti-Cord - M Series APAP/AFLEX w/Humidifier & Hose Lift for travel
You may be a dreamer, but I'm The Dreamer, the definite article you might say!

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rested gal
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Re: Mask measuring guide

Post by rested gal » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:00 am

As much as I like cpap.com for purchasing equipment, I've never thought the "sizing guide" recommendations were good at all. Wish they'd drop the "recommended" for you bit, and just keep the sizing guide as a tool for letting people see how to measure their face for a mask. Even that...measuring...is rather hit and miss, but is better than nothing to give a person a rough idea of a size that might work for them.

viewtopic.php?p=35790#p35790

viewtopic.php?p=65357#p65357

viewtopic.php?p=341034#p341034


If I went by its recommendations for me, I'd not have been using the nasal pillows masks that do such a good job for me. And I'd have had wrong sizes in several nasal (covers the nose) masks.

Perhaps it nails the size perfectly for some people/some masks. Sure hasn't for me.
ResMed S9 VPAP Auto (ASV)
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3M painters tape over mouth
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Wulfman
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Re: Mask measuring guide

Post by Wulfman » Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:11 pm

cpapguru38 wrote:I recently ordered a new full mask using the measuring guide on this site. I followed the instructions to perfection, using a partner. The mask is the Ultra Mirage FFM. The size it gave me is a standard medium. Well, I believe it to be too small.

When I place th mask on, as shown with the base in the center is my chin, it is too tight aroud my nose and actually pinches my sinuses. This restricts the air flow as my sinuses are already an issue. If I pulle the base of the mask up, to the bottom of my lower lip, or just below it, then it seems to be fine, but when my mouth drops open, air begin to leak as the bottom is positioned too high.

I guess I own a worthless mask. Cpap does not take them back once opened. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
OK. What was the measurement and was that measurement exactly halfway in between the Medium and Large sizes?
When I did my own measurements 4 years ago, it measured exactly halfway between the two sizes. I went for the Large and it was just right.

I wear mine up as close as possible to my bottom lip......helps keep my mouth closed. You WANT your mouth to stay closed during the night......and breathe through your nose.
Try loosening the top straps and putting the forehead support in the most upright position. My forehead support doesn't even touch my forehead.....that's how loose it is. I can't breathe if the mask is too snug to the bridge of my nose. Don't make the headgear too tight.....you want the seals to be able to inflate to seal to your face.

Den
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05

cpapguru38
Posts: 25
Joined: Sat Apr 04, 2009 9:07 am

Re: Mask measuring guide

Post by cpapguru38 » Wed Apr 08, 2009 2:42 pm

Wulfman wrote:
cpapguru38 wrote:I recently ordered a new full mask using the measuring guide on this site. I followed the instructions to perfection, using a partner. The mask is the Ultra Mirage FFM. The size it gave me is a standard medium. Well, I believe it to be too small.

When I place th mask on, as shown with the base in the center is my chin, it is too tight aroud my nose and actually pinches my sinuses. This restricts the air flow as my sinuses are already an issue. If I pulle the base of the mask up, to the bottom of my lower lip, or just below it, then it seems to be fine, but when my mouth drops open, air begin to leak as the bottom is positioned too high.

I guess I own a worthless mask. Cpap does not take them back once opened. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
OK. What was the measurement and was that measurement exactly halfway in between the Medium and Large sizes?
When I did my own measurements 4 years ago, it measured exactly halfway between the two sizes. I went for the Large and it was just right.

I wear mine up as close as possible to my bottom lip......helps keep my mouth closed. You WANT your mouth to stay closed during the night......and breathe through your nose.
Try loosening the top straps and putting the forehead support in the most upright position. My forehead support doesn't even touch my forehead.....that's how loose it is. I can't breathe if the mask is too snug to the bridge of my nose. Don't make the headgear too tight.....you want the seals to be able to inflate to seal to your face.

Den
Wulfman, Thanks so much for this post. I followed your advise and to test it, just woke up for a healthy nap. I love the new mask, it worked beautifully. First I loosened it, then positioned it up higher, just under my lower lip. It lifted the pressure from the frame of the mask that had been against my sinuses, to the side. I slept for an hour like a baby. I think I have found my mask.

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Wulfman
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Re: Mask measuring guide

Post by Wulfman » Wed Apr 08, 2009 5:11 pm

Glad to hear that.
I love mine, too. It's the one I started with and the one I use almost exclusively. In fact, it seems to get more comfortable as time goes on. Same one, same seals and headgear.

Den
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
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Catnap
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Re: Mask measuring guide

Post by Catnap » Thu Apr 09, 2009 1:28 pm

rested gal wrote:As much as I like cpap.com for purchasing equipment, I've never thought the "sizing guide" recommendations were good at all. Wish they'd drop the "recommended" for you bit, and just keep the sizing guide as a tool for letting people see how to measure their face for a mask. Even that...measuring...is rather hit and miss, but is better than nothing to give a person a rough idea of a size that might work for them.

viewtopic.php?p=35790#p35790

viewtopic.php?p=65357#p65357

viewtopic.php?p=341034#p341034


If I went by its recommendations for me, I'd not have been using the nasal pillows masks that do such a good job for me. And I'd have had wrong sizes in several nasal (covers the nose) masks.

Perhaps it nails the size perfectly for some people/some masks. Sure hasn't for me.
Hmmm...I may need to eat crow. I recently tried the Probasics Zzz, using the sizing tool, and felt I got a good fit (even though the mask turned out not to work for me). As a result, I highly recommended the tool. Sounds like I may have had more of a beginner's luck experience with it. Thanks for this good info.

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