new user (finally)

I got fitted for my mask today, and what i noticed is an issue mostly with sizing, is there anywhere that does a custom fit? im somewhere between a medium and a large. also, i noticed some of the newer ones made by philips seem very flimsy, i need a ton of air, they actually gave me a bi-pap machine. and when they tested for air, the newer masks were getting a tone of leaks.
thanks! any suggestions would be helpful as i dont know anyone else that uses one!

londoneer wrote:I got fitted for my mask today, and what i noticed is an issue mostly with sizing, is there anywhere that does a custom fit? im somewhere between a medium and a large. also, i noticed some of the newer ones made by philips seem very flimsy, i need a ton of air, they actually gave me a bi-pap machine. and when they tested for air, the newer masks were getting a tone of leaks.
thanks! any suggestions would be helpful as i dont know anyone else that uses one!

Welcome to the forum.
Mask fit is very importantly. There are many different masks and they come in different sizes. Finding what fits you the best is a challenge.
Information about your current mask and size, machine, and settings would be helpful.

Most masks come with a video explaining proper fitting either on a disk or a link to the company website. Some can be found on YouTube. Even when a mask fits in size, it may not be properly fitted. Others here who use the same mask may even have some tips. Good luck with getting settled in to the treatment with a mask that works for you.

All that said, there are generally no 'custom' fits unless you pay a LOT more to a couple of companies - one's in Australia, the other I'm not sure about. Sizing is usually S, M, L and XL, but some do have special sizes e.g. (mine comes in small shallow and small wide) though most don't. There are also children's sizes in some, and the odd adult with a small structure does use those on occasion.

Don't let the mask search depress or discourage you. Most people try out several masks before they find the one for them. Know you are looking for a mask that is comfortable and doesn't leak. You are allowed small amounts of leaks and most machines will compensate for small leaks, but they need to be small. I went thru 5 or 6 masks before I found "mine". Go to cpap.com and sort the different masks by popularity. Masks are like shoes. What is comfortable to me may not be comfortable to you. Most masks are like beasts... you need to tame it. Go luck and let the forum help you.

Sheriff

Hi londoneer,

You don't say where you're from, or who's treating you. Also, which brand and model of machine - and the brand and model name of the mask.

I'm not quite sure what a custom fit is. As several people have said, you may have to try half a dozen masks to find one that best fits your face - and produces a close enough fit to deal with higher pressures - if higher pressures are in fact what you need.

I have a hunch you're posting from somewhere in the UK. You say, "they gave me" and not "the DME gave me". You say, "I need a ton of air" and "a ton of leaks" - that's quite an English (and sometimes Australian) idiom, one you don't often hear elsewhere.

Do tell us if I'm right or wrong. Your location can make a difference to some of the information members can give you. It also makes a difference as to which services are easily available and which are harder to source.

I think by custom he means fitted specifically to his face, as one would if using a mold etc.