Poll: Type of Mask(s)

[TheDreamer]

Hmmm, I hadn't thought of how the other masks fit in....

I had put pillow primary and FFM secondary...though its more pillow primary and nasal secondary, with the FFM as tertiary....

The Dreamer

[neverbetter]

Hybrid is my number one choice mask.

[SingleMom]

I only use the F&P 431 FF mask. I have about 3 on backup now.

[tillymarigold]

the DME who sold me the ffm told me she has had poor results with the hybrid, but I have heard lots of people here say they like them. r

I think that is the DMEs stock answer for items they don't want to stock or sell, for whatever reason. My dr and (former) DME said the same thing about the Nasal Aire II, which I never have any problems with.

I bought my (secondary) Hybrid on the Internet and the RT at my DME said she was going to start recommending it more to people after we talked about it, because she had thought it was a really great idea but I was the first patient she'd had who'd liked it (it was pretty new at the time).

I quite like my DME.

[Judy R]

I used the nasal pillows when I was first diagnosed, but I kept pushing them off of my face, and they began to make my nose sore. So, I got the soft gel nasal mask, and it worked great, and used it for a couple of years, until this past month. I've been down sick with the worst Strep throat and Sinus infection I've ever had in my life. I couldn't breathe through my nose, and was scared to go to sleep at night without using a mask. So, when I went in to see the Dr. I told her what I've been worried about, with not being able to use my nasal mask, because of not being able to breathe through my nose. She wrote me an Rx. for a full face mask, I got the Quattro. I've been using it for the last three nights, and it's a God send! So, I say, if you suffer from Allergies, or get frequent colds, a full face mask is the only way to go.

[elg5cats]

Curious again.

Curiosity enlightened the cat, stay curious!!!!!

1. Fullface
2. Nasal:
3. Pillow: Works well in summer, not in winter!

elg5cats

[BCinDC]

My DME gave me a Comfort Classic 6 years ago. I hated it, but had no idea there were any choices. Once I discovered that there were options, I bought a Breeze Sleepgear. I never see anyone mention these so I must be in the minority, but I really love it. It doesn't work for small heads, but for my large mellon, it is like putting on a hat with no uncomfortable pressure on my nose. And I like having the hose go back over my head instead of hanging down in front of me.

The main negatives, for me, are that they only last 6-12 months or so before some part of the plastic breaks, and it also does not compact well for traveling.

What nasal pillow systems are others happy with, that travel well? Also, I see a lot of FFM users, is there a "best" FFM?

Bob

[thewetlizard]

I've only tried the comfort gel nasal mask because that's what the V.A. gave me.

[Jaylee]

Mine is a ComfortGel Nasal. I love this mask. I don't even feel it on when I sleep at night. It allows me to sleep comfortably on my side. I tried only one other nasal mask at the sleep lab and it did not work at all for me.

[LinkC]

I think that is the DMEs stock answer for items they don't want to stock or sell, for whatever reason.

I got my Hybrid online. Once I saw this would be the one, I called my DME to get a backup. They'd never heard of it, but would (reluctantly, it seemed) TRY to get one. I was afraid I'd end up with a Liberty (which DOESN'T work for me) so I sent them the RespCare site info. It took a week or so, but they got one..and the RIGHT one! My copay was about what they go for at auction (new). Dunno which way I'll go the next time I need one.

[fidelfs]

My primary mask is the Comfortgel nasal mask because it's the only mask that seals without leaks for me and doesn't injure my nose. When I want a change, I use Opus 360 nasal pillows. I have to tape my mouth with these, but I haven't found a full face mask that will seal and not kill my nose. I plan to try the Hybrid mask when I can afford another one to try.

It is like I wrote the previous post from Irene P. Same masks, the difference is that I always tape my mouth.

[rise&shiner]

I am surprised to see that more hosers use pillows over nasal. Being a mouth breather not having as much choice is a bummer only have ffm to choose from and not that much of a choice. So as much as thetr are comlaints for finding a comfortable mask remember you nasal breathers to be thankful for all of the differnt choices you have in finding the perfect mask ! Kust too bad that it gets so expensive in finding the best one.

I am looking into seeing how in california to get around this mess so that I can have a van fitted with all the machines and masks and working with dmes in helping their patients find the perfect fit.

[chunkyfrog]

As of 2010, we could have had more affordable mask selection with 3-D imaging.
Five years later, the tech has improved vastly, but still no work has been done with it.
Sadly, this has not resulted in a virtual tool (affordable) to use for determining which masks
are most likely to fit a given face.
A three dimensional image of the face form used to design a mask could be compared,
in a computer, with a similar image of a patient's own face, yielding likely mask candidates.
Many patients should be wearing full face masks, but have to use nasal pillows because
there is NO WAY they can try EVERY mask out there--especially at over a hundred bucks a pop.
I am certain that an affordable mask fitting tool would result in a larger percentage of successful cpap users.
Further, the information could be compiled to create new mask styles, shapes, and sizes.
WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?

[Cannuck 1]

I use the Resmed Swift fx pillow with good results(approx. 5 yrs), parts for the the head gear are very reasonable priced.
If you like a pillow mask the swift fx is one of the most used by cpap users.
I just bought the p10 and will give it a try for the first of the week and its also well liked, trying is the only way.

[LinkC]

Hybrid. I wasted a few years (And even more dollars!) until I found the Hybrid. I'm convinced that, if fitted properly, it will fit anyone comfortably with minimal leaks.