Do You Use More Than 1 Mask?

[SleepyT]

Millich,
I use the Swift LT for Her every night. I do have the Comfort Gel nasal mask and the Mirage Activa LT nasal mask as back ups...but the LT for Her nasal pillows works so well (as in few leaks) that it is the one I use most nights.

I am becoming more clear headed as therapy goes along...so I may eventually get organized enough to compile a list of things I should have in reserve...such as a back up battery for power outages, an extra hose, a full face mask for times when I have a cold...things like that. But the back up masks category is good to go!

Best wishes to you on your journey.

T.

[millich]

Millich, I'd prefer not to use a humidifer if I don't have to, so I started without it, but after an hour, I woke up and noticed I seemed "dried out", so I attached the humidifer and it worked fine for me. No bump on the nose.

Yes, I too noticed that I need the humidifer more with nasal pillows than I did with the full mask. It makes sense though. Hope you have another good (& bumpless!) night tonight.

[millich]

I am becoming more clear headed as therapy goes along...so I may eventually get organized enough to compile a list of things I should have in reserve...such as a back up battery for power outages, an extra hose, a full face mask for times when I have a cold...things like that...

Oh, I so hope to be able to say "I am becoming more clear headed" like you! Maybe it won't be too long. I hadn't thought of the other backup items on your list. What a great idea!

[katcw]

How do you get to try so many masks?!? My DME gave me one, and when it didn't work, gave me a FF. I don't know if I will get a third chance.

I'm wondering if any of you regularly use more than 1 mask. This is just my first week of therapy. I first used a Comfort Gel full face mask. It rubbed my nose raw so I switched to Swift nasal pillows. So far so good with that, but I'm thinking I might should have a back-up mask for when I have a cold. Any of you regularly use more than 1 mask? Any chance that insurance would pay for two?

Millich, its nice to hear I'm not the only one moving from mask to mask. I first started with a Quattro full face mask, irritated my nose, so went to Comfort Gel full face mask. Still had nose irritation so switched to Mirage Activa but that still irritated my nose. (See a pattern here?). So for tonight, I'm going to try Swift LT Nasal pillow mask with headgear.

I've been CPAPping now just a few weeks and its been a rough start. But I think its important to keep trying until you get something that works. Trying to hang in there, and reading posts on this boards really helps me to know there is a whole community out there for support.

[GaryG]

And how did the FF mask fit? do you still have a problem?

When I went thru 2 with the co. who fitted my mask, I then called the sleep center where I was diagnosed, and fortunately found someone who made it her job to make sure I was fitted properly. And that's how I finally got the Swift LT nasal pillow mask that finally seems to be working for me.

[Issac]

Good one, LinC

[mermer40]

This forum is the greatest pool of information in the world on the CPAP subject! I'm convinced my sleep doc doesn't know the first thing about SA, as long as I'm using the CPAP he thinks I'm doing great...I finally convinced him to order me a "smart" machine so I could download data and when I went for my last visit I was armed with the charts full of stats to prove I really wasn't progressing much at all...after six months on CPAP. He took a quick glance at them and said, "Hmmm, interesting. I've never seen one of those...looks like you're doing fine...come back in six months."!!

I'm also convinced that the secret to success in the world of CPAP is getting the right mask and the right fit. I've tried about five and have been using the Quattro the most but it is a medium and according to the sizing chart I should be using a large. So I asked my DME to get me a large when the next one was due (one new mask every 3 months on medicare). It took over six weeks to get it shipped...called them three times...and I finally got it today! They shipped my three! Yes three! masks in the same box!!! All large Quattro's! Am anxious for nightfall so I can try it out though...the medium is comfortable but has way too many leaks! Now if one of these doesn't work I have to wait three more months (at least) to try a different one. I've also got a Comfort Gel medium and it gives fewer leaks but squashes my nose bridge so much I can't breathe through my nose. I think I'll ask for a large one of those next. They never make me send the old ones back so I have quite a stash of masks now, some of them barely used. Maybe I should open a store for used masks!?

[LinkC]

He said "I've never seen one of those"?????

Run, run, fast as you can! Seriously.

[dalemeyer]

I have five masks. My first is a Comfort Gel Nasal, I used it for the first three weeks before I had to have something different as it irritates the bridge of my nose. Second and most favorite is the OptiLife I got this mask from cpapauctions for a song and a dance, Third is the Comfort Lite 2, this is my second favorite. Forth, Mirage Quattro for the nights when you just can't get the leaks to stop, FFM up and bury your face in the pillow. Fifth, Mirage Liberty in the quest for the "Holy Grail" of the mask world I thought this would be it, I have yet to find the sweet spot in strap adjustment. With the pressure at 12 I find I need to wear a chin strap to keep my mouth shut, and for the masks that don't cover my mouth I need to tape so I don't blowfish. Best of all I can change masks for variety and if one does not work for me I have another.

[millich]

How do you get to try so many masks?!? My DME gave me one, and when it didn't work, gave me a FF. I don't know if I will get a third chance.

Katcw - I can only get one from the DME also (Insurance will pay for one every 3-6 months - they were a little vague on those details). I tried one and returned it for the LT nasal pillows. I like it and will keep up. But, I want a back-up FF mask, so I'm ordering that from cpap.com and paying for it on my own.

[millich]

This forum is the greatest pool of information in the world on the CPAP subject!

Amen to that, sister!!!