Need help choosing a "Full face" Mask

[park_ridge_dave]

Me again

Well, since I can now see what has happened in the night,

I have proof that I am mouth breathing (with a Cardinal chin strap no less ).

It is allergy season for me so I think I need to use a full face mask.

I am presently using a PR Comfort Gel Nasal mask.

I would like something that is as comfortable as possible (oxymoron???? ).

Suggestions gang???

Cheers,

Dave

[LSAT]

You will problibly get a half dozen recomondations. Your best bet is to go into your DME and try them on...take one home and try it....there is a 30 day return priviledge. That's the only way you will know for sure. Even then, you may have trouble with occasional leaks.

[park_ridge_dave]

Thanks Lsat

I called them but they haven't gotten back to me yet!

Is the mask that you have "comfortable"?

I am also looking at the PapCap.

Cheers,

Dave

[Madalot]

I have to agree that you'll get a lot of recommendations, but in the end you'll have to try them.

The best one FOR ME has been the F&P 431. A lot of people don't like it and go with the comfort gel or some of the others, but this one has been the best for me -- most comfortble with the least leakage.

But everyone's face is different. Good luck. I hope your DME calls soon and you can get fitted quickly.

[Gilley]

When you go to your DME to try the masks, Try them on Laying down with your full pressure. Take your machine if you need to. There is a big adjustment in the fitting from sitting up and laying down. My mask fit fine sitting in the chair in the office but when I tried it at home laying down it was a no go...

[LSAT]

Dave...I find the Quattro comfortable for me...many others have had problems with it. I think it is one of the more popular FF masks. I originally used a Nasal Gel mask with the PAPCAP.....I still use it occasionally.

[unadog]

The Mirage Quattro Full Face is popular. I chose it because it was one I used successfully at my sleep study after a nasal mask didn't work too well.

Last sleep study they had a Respironics full face with a built in chin strap! I didn't try it, didn't feel like experimentng, but you may want to look at pics and see if you can identify that one if you have leaks and mouth breathing. The straps looked like it would bolt on tight!

My Quattro gave me nose bridge sores for a week at first, better since. I have the straps pulled down tight because the ASV I have is prone to leaks. Loosened them one night when they seemed tight, had leaks, so ... I didn't have that problem on the Bipap Auto before the ASV.

Edit: This may be the Respironics. Looks like it's not really a chin strap, just a "cushion." No top support either. Too bad.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... -pack.html


Michael

[Madalot]

When you go to your DME to try the masks, Try them on Laying down with your full pressure. Take your machine if you need to. There is a big adjustment in the fitting from sitting up and laying down. My mask fit fine sitting in the chair in the office but when I tried it at home laying down it was a no go...

I agree completely with this. Trying a mask on, sitting up without the machine running, is WAY different than actually using it, laying down with the pressure. I've run into this three or four times where I tried a mask, thought it was okay, but after about 15 minutes using the machine, I switched back to my 431.

[LinkC]

WHAT????!!!

No one's mentioned the Hybrid yet?

Even considering a "traditional" FF mask without first trying a Hybrid is just crazy-talk!

[unadog]

is WAY different than actually using it, laying down with the pressure. I've run into this three or four times where I tried a mask, thought it was okay, but after about 15 minutes using the machine, I switched back to my 431.

I'd mention, too, that all of my masks fit well when I adjust them lying on my back. But I actually sleep on my side now, and I have to crank the straps down as soon as I roll to my side to keep them frm leaking. So if you know how yu actually sleep, try that position too. We will all come laugh at you at the DME if that will help!

There are some long older threads on specific masks that you can read once you have a "short list."

Michael

[park_ridge_dave]

Great help! Thanks to all! Great advice/recommendations.

Now I am still new at this so please be gentle!

I jut got off the phone with my vendor. They are bringing over several masks for me to try tomorrow

I am scratching my head at this one. But, these are the same people who supplied my in home nursing/therapy after my hip replacement and they were great!

I am very mobile now so it's not like they have to come over, I guess.

I just got finished reading some of the "horror" stories that others have faced with suppliers and I seem to have it made.

Sometimes my Karma is good!

Cheers,

Dave

[unadog]

Yeah, it sounds like you have a good DME!

I have to say my DME has been pretty decent lately. I think most of the people who come here are, almost by definition, different than the "normal" or "average" CPAP patient. Those folks just start on the machine, pretty much do what they are told, have no real interest in any of the technical detail, and more than 50% don't stay on CPAP anyway.

I am sure the folks who work at the DMEs are mostly just trying to do a good job within the "system" that they are used to. We, for the most part, are not happy with that system for one reason or another. So we are a PITA in some ways.

We present a bit of a challange to the folks just trying to get by and follow the "rules" set by the DME and the insurance company. After all, the line workers often have very little say over the rulesd that they are suppoosed to follow. Usually we can overcome any initial resistance just by being nice and working with them, as we continue to politely ask for what we need. Of course, there are some folks who just want to be left alone and are somewhat nasty, or are in the middle of a personal crisis - divorce, parent died, etc. - as in any other profession.

Congrats! I am glad they are helping you out. Bottom line is getting healthy, and finding the people who will assist you along the way!

Best,
Michael

[park_ridge_dave]

Michael,

You are 100% correct in your observations:!:

I was just blown away by these people. They really want me to succeed.

I will give them a "plug" (note I am only a satisfied customer I derive no monetary benefit from this).

They are "North Shore Medical" loosely affiliated with the North Shore Hospital Sleep Study Practice and North Shore Hospitals here in the Chicago area.

They have groups that do In-home nursing and therapy etc. I was impressed when I had surgery but am super impressed now.

Like I said sometimes the Karma "Kicks in"

So far, I am sooooooo Lucky

Cheers,

Dave