Types of Masks

[modistee]

What does everyone consider the easiest to get used to mask?? I finally got a hold of my DME and am going in to get a different one. Hallelujah. Last night was awful.

Thanks in advance

Modistee

[Muse-Inc]

Hard to say what's the easiest, depends on the person and their facial anatomy. I wore the Optilife in my PSG (RT had several for me to try beforehand but I liked its small footprint) so I chose it when I got my CPAP. Adapted easily to the mask, not quite as fast to CPAP air. Wore it 17 months without a hitch, then started mouth leaking after losing 53#s so hadda move on to a full face mask. I chose the RespCare Hybrid after reading posts from those who wore and liked both. I decided then that the design of these 2 masks must be based on a similar facial anatomy template. I find the Hybrid comfortable.

[Pugsy]

You are going to here a lot of different stories here because everyone is so different. Me, I hated the nasal (over the nose) mask and insisted on trying the nasal pillows at the titration. Did well and never looked back. I can do quite well with just about any of the nasal pillow mask systems.

It is all going to depend on your own body and how you can adapt. Me, I like the least amount of stuff on my face as possible. The air blowing up my nose does not bother me in the least. Some people think 8 cm of pressure going up the nose amounts to hurricane force winds. Others handle 15-18 cm going directly up the nose and never blink an eye.

You just need to have the opportunity to try any number of masks while under pressure to see how they truly will work with your needs. Even then sometimes it doesn't work out but you would have at least had a fighting chance.

Is there a mask that peaks your interest? I wanted the Swift LT for Her. It just seemed like it would suit my needs and it did. Then I found out the Opus 360 also has such a small impact on my face and it does very well also. I put the Swift LT on my sister just to test her and she was able to sleep quite well with it. She didn't have any idea as to what mask types were available. My step sister uses a nasal mask (over the nose) and has for years. No one had even told her about any other choices. So sad because she still doesn't mask up some nights because her nose is sore.

[modistee]

I also am leaning towards as little as possible on my face. I have a rash in a perfect triangle around my nose. And it doesn't go away during the day. Will have to see what she has to offer down there. I am elated that I finally caught up with her especially after not getting to sleep til 2 this morning fighting that mask. Thanks guys. *Hugs*

Modsitee

[Slinky]

Basically there are four types or styles of masks:

1] the most common is the nasal cushion, usually a triangular based mask wherein the cushion covers just your nose
2] the nasal pillows style is very popular w/many, the "pillows" fit snuggly up and perhaps slightly into your nasal openings
3] the full face mask which again is usually triangular shaped but the cushion covers both your nose and your mouth and some may even fit slightly under your chin
4] the "hybrid" style that consists of both nasal pillows and a cushion over the mouth as well

a] The full face masks CAN be a bit more difficult to get a good fit with simply because they do cover so much facial area. And if you do keep your mouth open a lot require quite a bit of humidity to avoid drying your mouth out so much.
b] The nasal pillows can be a bit more difficult to adjust to because the pressure is more direct into the nose and can be a bit more drying requiring more humidity than the other styles.
c] The nasal cushions can be a bit inclined to cause some problems at the bridge of the nose, either w/leaks around the eyes or bruising or cutting into the skin on the bridge of the nose (full face masks can have the bridge of the nose and air leaking into the eyes problem as well).

[Muse-Inc]

I also am leaning towards as little as possible on my face...

Then either a nasal pillow mask or one of the hybrid-style masks is the answer. They cover the mouth and have nasal pillows; they do not cover the nose or touch the forehead. Several here with high pressures wear nasal pillows successfully; Rooster has a thread on a fitting solution IF ypu had pillow issues with the Hybrid which is pretty popular here.

...I have a rash in a perfect triangle around my nose...

Wash a new mask, then soak it for 30-60 minutes. Rinse, spray with white vinegar (the cheap stuff), and let sit for 2-3 minutes to loosen all residues, rinse very well, let air dry. Daily, wash the part that touches your face! Wash your face about 15 mins before puting on the mask, NO moisturizer where the mask touches.

If you still have problems: buy some milk of magnesia and pat a thin layer where the mask touches your face to create a slight barrier. If that doesn't work, there are others here who had similar problems and have more suggestions.

[Pugsy]

If you don't think that mouth breathing is going to be an issue for you then consider the Swift LT for Her (the Her part comes with little fleece pads which eliminate cheek marks if you happen to lay on the side piece). It is probably a bit more stable than the Opus 360 for a newbie anyway.

The Hybrid would of course be excellent choice if you have mouth breathing issues or have lots of nasal congestion preventing you from breathing through your nose.

Watch cpapauction for masks. Sometimes a person can get some really good deals there.

I love the Swift LT for Her but I gave it to my sister so I am having to use the Opus until my new Swift LT arrives in the mail. I tend to swap back and forth between the two.

Me, I want to try the very latest ResMed nasal pillow mask called the Barely There FX but it is not available in the US market yet. It has really peaked my interest. My DME is trying to get the ResMed rep to give me one to demo.... so I have to wait.

[Babette]

I have very sensitive skin, and can't tolerate most masks. I use the Nasal Aire II. If you're interested in a free test drive of this mask, to try it before you buy it, see my links below in my signature block.

Cheers,
Barbara

[modistee]

Ok I came home with the Swift LT, not the one for Her but the other one but the DME gal gave me the fleece covers for the side pieces anyway. I am soooo hoping this will work. Thanks for all the suggestions. Will let you all know how it goes.

Modistee