Newbie

Good day.
Been a cpap user for 4 months. Have opti light nasal pillow and resmed elite 2. I have tried about 4 different masks and can't get a good fit. My supplier told me that I just need to get used to it. Really would like to see if I could fit into a nasal mask. But have problems with leaks so they didn't recommend it. The nasal pillow I use leaks easily unless it fits real tight against my nose. Almost every morning I wake up with the mask off.
Just looking for feedback. Haven't had the great dream sleep that I hear about.

Thanks

Hi, can you not go to the DME (if that's where you go) and tell them you need to try on a variety of masks and mask types, lie down somewhere and be fitted with something in your size that actually works for you? Can you describe what you already tried and what about each didn't seem to work? Cpap.com will let you buy new ones, add some insurance $$ and return what doesn't work.

If your insurance is anything like mine a malfitting mask can be returned within 30 days. But insurance will cover a new mask every 6 months, two months away for you. I had no try-on options here in California. The CPAP.com site has a fitting guide. If you really want to try a nasal mask why don't you use that guide so you at least have some nasal mask options that are presumably more likely to fit.

I have only tried one nasal mask and couldn't stop small leaks around the nose into the eyes. That doesn't mean you can't find one for you.

I went to my DME and they told me they could find a mask that fit correctly. I thought it odd that will the options on the net that they couldn't find a fit. I know there is one out there just getting them to find it.
Right now I use the Opti light pillows. I think it is an older mask. It fits okay but leaks easily with movement.

Have you asked your insurance co. if they'll cover you (in 2 mos. at least) if you buy direct online rather than through the DME? It's cheaper for them, and you at least get to try other things, or can you possibly afford to just do it on your own?

I'm not familiar with your mask, but if it comes with different size pillows you may want to try swapping them out. Also, I've never "met" a pillows style mask yet that didn't need an extra strap to stabilize it. Just be careful if you do that to not position it where it can shift and cover the vent hole(s). Lastly, if you search under hose management, you may find solutions that would lessen the hose tugging the mask out of place.

Oh, did try a couple nasal masks. I don't like warm humidifier air, so the tip of my nose got cold where the air hit it. One was a poor fit over the bridge of the nose and closed my sinuses causing trouble. Also gave me a nasty infected pressure sore on the side of my nose/cheek. Just telling you this so if you do choose to go with another style, there are some things to watch for in a good fit, although when I started this I wouldn't have had any idea how to evaluate the fit. Now I see masks like shoes - what's comfy to slip on may be horrid to spend 8 hours in, so I'm learning to be more attuned. However, I am content with my Headrest so I likely won't be trying anything else anytime soon.

Best wishes in getting a mask that will put you in dreamland.

Kathy

After trying on 3 masks at my sleep study, I found that the ComfortLite 2 was the most comfortable, so that's the one I bought. It came with nasal pillows (small and medium) and also 2 "simple cushions" (small and medium) which is a soft one-piece that goes over the whole nose. I found that although the small fit ok, the medium was much better for leaks. I alternate with the nasal pillows, so my nose doesn't get sore. When I use the simple cushion, I add a stretchy head band to hold it firmer to my face. It took me several nights to learn how to adjust it. http://global.respironics.com/UserGuide ... entCL2.pdf

Here is a mask-fitting guide, from cpap.com, that might help you. https://www.cpap.com/cpap-mask-sizing.php

Also, Padacheek.com makes customized padding for numerous masks, and I found it really adds to the snug fit and comfort level.

It's such an individual thing, keep trying, and good luck.