first mask suggestions: swift vs. hybrid?

I am waiting for the results of my second sleep study--the titration one. I am *so* sleepy, and am almost looking forward to getting started on the machine (well, not really, but I'm trying to be positive!) I am trying to figure out which mask to ask for. I didn't like either that I used in my sleep study, but the tech wasn't really terribly helpful about adjustments, etc. I used a ComfortCurve and a small triangular nasal one--don't know the brand. Both leaked a lot, especially when they increased the pressure. The tech said she stopped at the low-mid teens for my pressure--wouldn't say what I would need, of course.

My RDI was 41.2, many more hypopneas than apneas, both in all positions and stages of sleep. I do prefer to sleep on my side and have already bought a PAPillow.

I am considering the swift or the hybrid. I do breathe through my nose and mouth usually, so the hybrid might be good. However, at the sleep study, I think I was able to keep my mouth closed--would I know? Perhaps that is something that I'll find out in the report? The tech didn't say, not did she wake me to put on a ff mask. However, that's clearly not conclusive.

The nasal mask hurt the bridge of my nose, btw, and I didn't like the plastic headgear--prefer straps. I wear glasses, and would like to be able to read in bed before going to sleep, with the mask (I do't want to fumble w/ the mask when I'm totally drowsy.) I'm hoping for something not too scary looking, and I did feel a bit claustrophobic in the mask that covered a lot of my face.

Any advise? I want to go into this prepared to advocate for myself as intelligently as possible!

Thank you all!

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): swift, Titration

My DME said they prefered to start people off with a full face mask as their first mask because it is easier to get a better night's sleep without having to worry about mouth breathing, etc. I have the ComfortFull 2 mask. I am a very claustrophic person and had a hard time during the study with a mask. It took me a few days to get used to the mask at home too however once I had a really good night's sleep and woke up so refreshed and alert, it was like a switch went off in my head and the mask was okay. The bridge of my nose hurt for about a week (hard to wear sunglasses with the motorcycle helmet on).

I recently tried the Hybrid and I loved that I could wear my glasses to watch TV or read in bed. No nose bridge pain either. I did find that my nostrils and the area below my nostrils hurt some (but not bad) from the nose pillows. For ME, the mask didn't work so good sleeping on my side. (It was great for leaning back on the pillows reading/watching TV so I'm sure it would have been great for back sleeping!) I liked how it just didn't seem to cover so much of my face! I really wanted this mask to work, but I wasn't getting a good night's sleep due to waking up and readjusting practically every hour. But... there are others who have had great results with this!!!

Does your DME allow you to try out various masks? (Mine doesn't.) In fact, I only had two choices of full face masks to choose from as the Hybrid wasn't even an option yet there. Some people have posted that they can try a mask for up to 30 days with the ability to exchange it for a different one.

By the way, I was also looking forward to sleeping with the CPAP machine! (After a month, I still look forward to going to bed now because I know how great I will feel when I wake up!) My husband doesn't realize my enthusiasm for going to bed early isn't for HIM, it's for the CPAP.

Kimberly

By the way, I was also looking forward to sleeping with the CPAP machine! (After a month, I still look forward to going to bed now because I know how great I will feel when I wake up!) My husband doesn't realize my enthusiasm for going to bed early isn't for HIM, it's for the CPAP.

Just a LITTLE more information than we needed!!

Good luck with your continuign adventure!

Chuck