First mask you purchased online?

I am looking to purchase a mask online and having a little trouble with the right website, price, etc...

I'd like to know what is the best brand and what did you (anyone reading this topic) purchase through the internet. This will really help me out and hopefully save me from making a mistake, which may be buying the wrong or a poor quality mask.

I'm a first time shopper!

Thanks,
CPAPHurray

There are probably a few "bad" masks, but there are no "good" masks.

Any particular mask will fit some people and be perfect. It will be unusable for others because it just won't fit them.

You might very well consider getting your first mask from a local brick and mortar DME since you can hold the mask in your hand, see it, compare it to others, etc. It's usually easier to exchange the mask. Most manufacturers will exchange a mask through the DME for free within 30 days. Be sure your DME will exchange the mask for you.

A good DME will help you get right fit, but lots of DMEs are morons or are doing what's good for them, not for you.

You can pay a little extra and get exchange insurance for a mask through most online suppliers. You will pay a certain amount for each exchange for insurance and shipping, but you don't lose your whole purchase.

I'll suggest to NOT buy a Full Face Mask (FFM) as the first mask. Nasal masks are almost always better if you can wear them. Some people can't stop the air leaking from their mouth or can't breathe through their nose and have to use FFMs. FFMs should only be a last resort in my opinion. I think a lot of DMEs want to sell them because they don't have to do as many exchanges. They're serving their needs, not the needs of the patient.

I like my ComfortGel Blue nasal mask. It's pretty durable and the cushions and flaps last a long time. It disassembles and cleans easily.

Hello CPAPHURRAY and welcome to the forum. Careful. What I love may very well stink to you as everyone is different. I have purchased on line and from my DME and for the life of me can't remember which one was first. Plan to go through several unless you are lucky.

You should give a little more information that will help others help you. For example, what mask did you wear during your titration sleep test? Did it suit you? Breathe through your mouth, nose or both? What type machine did you get? Auto or Cpap? Pressure? You can list your equipment in your user control panel. I was tested in a full face mask but over time mastered breathing through my nose while sleeping and now use nasal pillows exclusively. The mask you finally settle on will be your ticket to successful treatment.

The online dealers offer insurance so that you may try the mask and if it doesn't work out, you may return it and get another type. If you refuse the insurance it's yours. If you try a ResMed mask or F&P from your DME you can return it within 30 days if it doesn't work out. Not all DME's operate by the same rules so ask all those questions from whomever you purchase one.

I know you have a lot of questions and have concerns - we all did/do and this is the place to get those questions answered. Again, you will help others help you better by furnishing more info about yourself and your equipment. On the masks - look at the different ones available on our host's site (cpap.com) and select the type mask and then read the reviews written by people who have used them, keeping in mind that you might not care for what someone else loves Good luck and take your time.