Mask alternative

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
beagle beagle
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Joined: Wed Sep 15, 2021 5:16 pm

Mask alternative

Post by beagle beagle » Sat Sep 25, 2021 6:49 pm

Top of the day to ya people, this is my second post here. Thanks again to the people that answered my first post. Now I’m going to dig into this quest for info. Let me start at the beginning. Earlier this summer I was at an antique bike meet and someone breathed on me. I ended up two days after with a-fib due to my left lung filled with pneumonia. While in the hospital they said I have acute sleep apnea. So, I went to a specialist and he sends me home with a computer to put on my noodle. The result was that I stopped breathing 73 times in one hour. Not good. Now for the first time in my life I’m understanding why I never got any rest and was yawning first thing in the morning. The guy that delivered the machine (RESMED) not the mini and I got stuck with the mask it came with. It didn’t fit my face so after a phone call I got the next size up. It still sucks! I sleep on my side for most of the night until about 3:00 to 5:00am when I start turning. I get up a five as I am a trained worker rat for the collective. The moment I move the mask separates from my face and the misery starts. I have no idea how to adjust the contraption but that is another story for another day. There ya heard the long and short of my present situation. Do I have an alternative to the mask? Pillow etc. Thanks in advance, Bob

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Dog Slobber
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Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: Mask alternative

Post by Dog Slobber » Sat Sep 25, 2021 7:03 pm

Yes, you have a lot of choices in masks.

And finding a mask that is a good fit (literally and figuratively) is one of the biggest challenges to CPAP success.

This has been especially challenging during COVID, as there are less options to go into DMEs and have them properly fitted.

Broad category of masks:
  • Fullface mask, covers both mouth and nose, not as tolerant to side sleepers and more difficult to fit without leaks, almost a must for mouth-breathers
  • Nasal mask, covers just the nose, some fitting advantages over fullface masks
  • Nasal Pillows\Cushions, attaches to the base of the nose with two "pillows" that fit in the base of each nostril. Cushions, very similar to pillows, but a single cushion serves both nostrils. Many consider these the most comfortable and most tolerant to side-sleeping. But problematic for those that mouth breathe.
Google you mask type and fitting, to see instructions and tips on fitting. Also share your mask type for help specific to it.

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zonker
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Re: Mask alternative

Post by zonker » Sat Sep 25, 2021 7:04 pm

which mask did it "come with"?

masks here-

https://www.cpap.com/category/cpap-masks
people say i'm self absorbed.
but that's enough about them.
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Sheriff Buford
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Re: Mask alternative

Post by Sheriff Buford » Sun Sep 26, 2021 7:05 am

The place where you picked up the equipment should have told you how to operate the machine and to properly wear the mask. Anyway, you can look up on youtube and get most of the info you need. Remember... tho' it may look like a computer, it's basically an air pump. There are so many types of masks. The pillows are the least evasive, but you cannot mouth breath when you sleep. Do you think you mouth breath?

Sheriff

beagle beagle
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Joined: Wed Sep 15, 2021 5:16 pm

Re: Mask alternative

Post by beagle beagle » Wed Sep 29, 2021 6:33 pm

Sorry for not getting back to this sooner, been working my butt off. The best I can tell the mask I was straddled with is a Resmed F30 and it sucks. The moment that seal breaks the only way to solve it is to remove it and reseat it. If your doing this ten times a night what have you accomplished? I'm going to try the pillows and see how many events I have verses the full mask. Question here. Is the hose on a Resmed universal or do ya need an adaptor? Thanks Bob L

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LSAT
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Location: SE Wisconsin

Re: Mask alternative

Post by LSAT » Wed Sep 29, 2021 8:02 pm

I shouldn't break the seal that easily..It is not made to be worn tight. If you pull it too tight the cushion cannot fill with air...that's what makes the seal. Also...make sure you clean any oil off your face. If all else fails there are mask liners available,

_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: Fisher & Paykel Vitera Full Face Mask with Headgear (S, M, or L Cushion)
Additional Comments: Back up is S9 Autoset...... Buckwheat hull pillow

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Pugsy
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Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Mask alternative

Post by Pugsy » Wed Sep 29, 2021 10:35 pm

beagle beagle wrote:
Wed Sep 29, 2021 6:33 pm
Is the hose on a Resmed universal or do ya need an adaptor?
All hoses will fit all masks with the exception of the AirMini machine and its hose.

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

beagle beagle
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Joined: Wed Sep 15, 2021 5:16 pm

Re: Mask alternative

Post by beagle beagle » Thu Sep 30, 2021 6:00 pm

Thank you to all. That is step one. Thanks again, Bob