New User -- mask issues - looking for tips

Hello all,

I'm new to the CPAP world, starting about 10 days ago. I can't say my experience so far has exactly been enjoyable...

Years ago I had a couple of apnea tests done, was told my AHI was around 15, but not so bad that it needed treating. But I've been really tired and recently was retested by my ENT (home test) and it came up 14, so we decided to treat. Only little issue is that I didn't realize just how hands-off my doctor would be. Basically I saw my ENT, he sent me to another office where they deal with sleep issues... never saw the actual doctor who treats apneas... then they contacted a local supplier. I was told I could try out masks there, but nope... they mailed me a random mask and I had a televisit. Now the lady who does the supply stuff has been helpful and seems nice, but not exactly what I was expecting.

Anyway, diagnosed at AHI of 14, he set the machine to 5-14 (I think), and they sent me an Evora mask and Resmed 11. Haven't gotten much sleep this week, maybe 4 hrs or so a night, sometimes less... the Evora straps bother my head and the nasal cradle thingy feels like I am wearing a clown nose that is slowly devouring my real nose. Not the most comfortable.

So I was told I could get one free replacement mask .. chose the dreamwear pillows, thinking it'd be nice and soft, and the tubing above would be out of the way. Well... that went even worse.

Seems like neither the small or med pillows quite fit my nostrils right (my nose measures at the cusp of each size)... apneas went over 5, with lots of leaks. One night I woke up after like 1.5 hrs and the pillows weren't really producing air correctly, the line/pillows were making snorthing sounds like a pig... I've also learned that pillows in the apnea world doesn't quite equate to nice soft pilows in the real world, meaning they were irritating my nose.

And the tubing above isn't as much of a benefit as I hoped. Feels like I am wearing a tube hat... but I guess no way around that.

Anyway, I'm thinking of maybe trying the cushion version for the dreamwear, and maybe that will be better? What do folks here think? Softer and maybe a better seal? Should I go a bit large with medium? Or small and risk being too small? Not sure how they run in size.

I also see they sell a wisp version which I think just goes over the entire nose? Sort of looks like a pig nose actually... but I don't think that can be attached to my dreamwear so easily? Also not sure if I'd even like it.

Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

Anonynose wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 11, 2024 10:58 am

suggestions

First, watch some YouTube videos about fitting, adjusting and using the mask you are currently using - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... illow+mask

Come back to this thread if that mask still doesn't work for you.

BTW, I use a mask that attaches on top of my head and love it. It makes hose management easy. The mask you have is an excellent and popular mask. But, masks are individual preference. Before trying a long line of masks, you need to give each one a proper trial and use those YouTube videos.

Thanks. Not so much that I am looking for a new mask, mostly wondering if the cushions may work better than the pillows on the same mask?

I've watched videos on the pillows, but they don't seem to provide a good seal for me... leaky...

Anonynose wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 11, 2024 12:05 pm

wondering if the cushions may work better than the pillows on the same mask?

Personal preference and maybe individual anatomy and bed posture(s). Some prefer nasal pillows, others prefer nasal masks.

Anonynose wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 11, 2024 10:58 am

Seems like neither the small or med pillows quite fit my nostrils right (my nose measures at the cusp of each size)... apneas went over 5, with lots of leaks.

As a general rule of thumb, when your nostrils seem to be between sizes for nasal pillows, the larger size is usually more comfortable. You only want the very tippy-tip of the cones of the nasal pillows to go inside the nostrils. A lot of new CPAPers try to stuff far too much of the cones into their nostrils. This makes the mask much more uncomfortable as well as much more prone to leaking.

One night I woke up after like 1.5 hrs and the pillows weren't really producing air correctly, the line/pillows were making snorthing sounds like a pig...

This sounds like rainout. As in there's just a tiny bit* of water that has condensed in the lowest point of the hose. When that happens, you do get a noise that sounds like the snorting of a pig and it's in time with your breathing and it can be loud enough to wake you up. Also worth noting: This kind of rainout problem can happen with any mask style.

In the middle of the night it's worth simply trying to lift the hose up above the machine level to encourage that little bit of water to flow back towards the humidifier tank. That will often be enough to fix the problem for the rest of the night.

*Note: How much water is in that "little bit"? In my own experience it can be as little as 1/2 teaspoon. (For those of you using metric measurements, that's about 2.5 milliliters.). In other words, it doesn't take much condensed water to trigger the pig snorts.

Longer term solutions to rain out include seeing if your nose can tolerate a lower humidity setting and/or a higher hose temperature. If you weren't using a mask that attaches at the top of the head, then I'd also suggest running the hose under the covers next to your body.

I've also learned that pillows in the apnea world doesn't quite equate to nice soft pilows in the real world, meaning they were irritating my nose.

Many nasal pillows do have a hard frame that they attach to at their base. It looks like the dreamwear mask is one of them. The nasal cushion for the Dreamwear mask would also latch into that same base it looks like. So before switching to a nasal cushion, you might try to figure out whether it's the hard base that is what is so irritating. For what it's worth, the "softest" nasal pillows that I've ever found are those on the Resmed Swift FX nasal pillows mask. But the downside of that mask is that the exhaust vents can feel like a jet engine blowing on your chest since they have no diffusion built into them.

Other things that can irritate the nose about nasal pillows are the cones themselves. If too much of the cone is inserted into the nostril, that will definitely irritate the nose. So again, if you decide to try to make the nasal pillows work, make sure that you're not trying to stuff too much of the cone into the nose.

It's also worth using Lansinoh lanolin nipple cream on and around the nostrils. Lansinoh lanolin nipple cream is sold to nursing mothers to soothe cracked, irritated nipples when they are irritated from breast feeding. It has no petroleum products, and hence it won't harm the mask. It's also a bit tacky/sticky and that can help make it easier to get a good seal with nasal pillows. You can usually find it in the baby aisle in grocery stores and drug stores. One tube goes a long, long, long way.

And the tubing above isn't as much of a benefit as I hoped. Feels like I am wearing a tube hat... but I guess no way around that.

This is exactly why I've never tried a mask with the hose attachment at the top of my head. Both of my goto masks (the Swift FX and the P10 masks) have hose attachments at the front and I just run the hose under the covers next to my body. Turning over isn't really an issue: I just grab the hose and it comes with me as I turn over.

But it sounds like you think you are stuck with making the Dreamwear mask work since you were told by the DME that you could only get one free mask replacement. And that sucks to be honest: If the new mask is not working out, you ought to be able to trade it in again for no cost, particularly since you're brand new to CPAP. Some people literally go through 6-10 different masks before finding one that is genuinely comfortable for them and that works for them.

Mask fit is highly personal: The perfect mask for Person A is the mask from hell for Person B. And vice versa. But it can get costly to keep trying mask after mask after mask.

Anyway, I'm thinking of maybe trying the cushion version for the dreamwear, and maybe that will be better? What do folks here think? Softer and maybe a better seal? Should I go a bit large with medium? Or small and risk being too small? Not sure how they run in size.

You should ask whether you can just order a nasal cushion to try with your current headgear: A Dreamwear nasal cushion should fit the same frame that you have for the Dreamwear nasal pillows mask.

It's worth trying both the medium and the small cushion sizes.

I also see they sell a wisp version which I think just goes over the entire nose? Sort of looks like a pig nose actually... but I don't think that can be attached to my dreamwear so easily? Also not sure if I'd even like it.

No, neither the (ordinary) Wisp cushion nor the DreamWisp cushion will fit your Dreamwear frame and headgear. The ordinary Wisp mask has the hose attachment in front. And while the DreamWisp has the hose attachment at the top of the head, it uses a different frame than the DreamWear frame that is common to the DreamWear nasal cushion, nasal pillows, and full face masks.

robysue1 wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 12, 2024 1:27 pm

But it sounds like you think you are stuck with making the Dreamwear mask work since you were told by the DME that you could only get one free mask replacement. And that sucks to be honest: If the new mask is not working out, you ought to be able to trade it in again for no cost, particularly since you're brand new to CPAP. Some people literally go through 6-10 different masks before finding one that is genuinely comfortable for them and that works for them.

Mask fit is highly personal: The perfect mask for Person A is the mask from hell for Person B. And vice versa. But it can get costly to keep trying mask after mask after mask.

Stuck with either the Dreamwear or the Evora.

Evora headgear is nice and light, but the clips on the side bother my head/ears (weird design decision there) and I find that my nose isn't a great fit for the cushion thingy. I read somewhere that the Evora is great for some people... horrible for others... usually with no middle ground, like they developed it with a small sample of noses or something. For myself, it feels like I'm wearing a tight clown nose that clamps down even tighter once air goes through it. And larger doesn't help. The hard plastic wings tend to bother me too.

As for the Dreamwear, I already received the cushion (med size, amazon... $10) ... and it's a bit better than the pillow version, but still not the greatest. AHIs came in over 6 last night (was 1-2 w/ Evora), and although soft, the size of it and little 'dimples' on the bottom do bother my upper lip somewhat. The gear is okay-ish, although nowhere close to what some reviews stated where 'you won't even know you are wearing it'. The tube head-hat is a bit annoying and it doesn't help that the swivel up top squeaks on mine when moved. So I have a squeaky head hat, more involved headgear (top + sides of face covered) and a bothersome upper lip vs light headgear but clips digging into my head, and a crushed clown nose, to choose from.

And in regard to the dreamwear pillows, they are quite soft actually. Maybe the gel version was harder. The P30 version is the one I think that has hard plastic and is similar in design? One potential issue is that due to being so soft is that the pillows seem to almost collapse upon themseives while in the nose, blocking air.

The entire experience so far isn't really what I expected. Pretty much no involvement with the doctor (the ENT who actually handles the sleep reports I never even met), and was told I'd go in to the supplier and go over mask options in person, try out a bunch and so on. None of that happened. And yeah, was told I just get the one replacement, so have to make due with what I have for now.


-----

Have some machine questions ... it feels like less air is coming out of the dreamwear vs the Evora. Maybe that is due to the overhead conifguration? Although the thing is louder, so not sure if I want to turn the settings up.

And is the air supposed to be heated? I have humidity set on 3, but it feels like cold air to me. At least now I know what was making those pig noses, as it only occurred when I tried the humidifier. I used for the first couple of days without it (not sure if I notice a difference besides causing a small pig to live inside my machine).

At CPAP.com, they have a 30-day free mask trial:

https://support.cpap.com/en-US/30-day-m ... ial-761137

If you can afford one mask, you could use this feature to try several. They'll need you to upload a scan or photo of your PAP prescription to buy a mask. You should be able to get that from your ENT's ofice.

Miss Emerita wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 13, 2024 12:41 pm

At CPAP.com, they have a 30-day free mask trial:

https://support.cpap.com/en-US/30-day-m ... ial-761137

If you can afford one mask, you could use this feature to try several. They'll need you to upload a scan or photo of your PAP prescription to buy a mask. You should be able to get that from your ENT's ofice.

Thanks. I may have to look into that. Although I'd first need that script from my ENT.

I kind of wondered why it was one new mask only with my supplier ... I figured if clothes/sneakers had a bunch of 'try outs', one would think masks would too. The doctors really should have a couple of masks in their office just so patients have an idea how each style fits, and give them an option of what first mask they want. They just chose mine randomly.

Anonynose wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 13, 2024 11:40 am

As for the Dreamwear, I already received the cushion (med size, amazon... $10) ... and it's a bit better than the pillow version, but still not the greatest. AHIs came in over 6 last night (was 1-2 w/ Evora), and although soft, the size of it and little 'dimples' on the bottom do bother my upper lip somewhat. The gear is okay-ish, although nowhere close to what some reviews stated where 'you won't even know you are wearing it'. The tube head-hat is a bit annoying and it doesn't help that the swivel up top squeaks on mine when moved. So I have a squeaky head hat, more involved headgear (top + sides of face covered) and a bothersome upper lip vs light headgear but clips digging into my head, and a crushed clown nose, to choose from.

You might try using Lansinoh lanolin cream to help protect the upper lip.

Another trick that I use when nasal pillows are touching my lip and bothering them: I will drape a handkerchief over my mouth and tuck it in under the pillows barrel. You might be able to do that with the nasal cushion on the Dreamweaver when you are using the nasal cushion instead of the pillows.

It's a shame that Padacheek doesn't yet have a nasal cushion cozy for this mask. And that the design of the nasal pillows changed so that her nasal pillows cozy won't work with the new style pillows.

[qote]And in regard to the dreamwear pillows, they are quite soft actually. Maybe the gel version was harder. The P30 version is the one I think that has hard plastic and is similar in design? One potential issue is that due to being so soft is that the pillows seem to almost collapse upon themseives while in the nose, blocking air.[/quote]
Nasal pillows are not supposed to be "in the nose". Only the very tippy-tip of the cone is inside the nose. If you put too much of the cones into the nose, that can cause them to collaspe.

Many nasal pillows have a double cone. And if the inner cone collapses that will make it feel like it's blocking the air. Some tips for using double cone nasal pillows:

1) Inspect the cones to make sure they're not collapsed before putting the mask on. The inner cone is easy to push back into place if it has collapsed.

2) Be sure to adjust the straps loosely enough where the cones are resting against the edge of your nostrils rather than slipping inside your nostrils.

3) After turning the machine on, gently pull the pillows away from your nose just a bit and let go. The nasal pillows will settle back down against your nostrils with just the tippy-tip part of the cone inside the nostrils. This allows the pillows and their cones to fully inflate.

And yeah, was told I just get the one replacement, so have to make due with what I have for now.

Check with your insurance company to see what their policy for paying for masks are when you are just starting out.

Have some machine questions ... it feels like less air is coming out of the dreamwear vs the Evora. Maybe that is due to the overhead conifguration?

The Evora is a full face mask. That can make it feel like there is more air coming into the mask for some people.

Although the thing is louder, so not sure if I want to turn the settings up.

The fact that the Dreamweaver's hose attachment is on top does mean that it will sound louder to a lot of people: The tube is in direct contact with your skull, and that means that all the noise caused by the air moving through the tube can be directly conducted into your ears. So you're hearing that noise both from outside your head (sound waves entering your ears from the outer ear) as well as from inside your head (sound waves entering the middle/inner ear from your skull).

You could try using a frame pad from Padacheek (padacheek.com) to see if that reduces the noise.

And is the air supposed to be heated? I have humidity set on 3, but it feels like cold air to me.

Some people are much more sensitive to the temperature of the air coming through the hose than others are. Some people immediately feel "hot" if they use the (heated) humidifier, but others still feel the air coming through the tube is "cold", even if the heated humidifier is set to its maximum setting. Because lots of people don't like cold noses, so-called integrated heated hoses were invented several years ago.

The default these days seems to be to set people up with a heated hose. But some DMEs might still start newbies off with an unheated hose. Does your hose have an end that plugs into a socket on hose joint on the machine? Or are both ends of the hose exactly the same so that you can attach either end of the hose to the mask?

If you've got a hose that plugs into the machine, then you've got a heated hose. The question is whether your climate settings are set to manual or auto. If you've got a heated hose and you feel the air is too cold, then this is what I'd recommend that you do:

Check your climate settings. Make sure you have Climate Control set to manual. Then you can set the humidifier and the hose temperature separately. Since a humidifier setting of 3 seems to be working for you, change the hose temp. Be sure to set the hose temperature higher than the ambient temperature in your bedroom---a heated hose isn't going to come on unless its set warmer than the air being blown into it.

As for a starting "guess" on what to set the hose temperature: I think a lot of the recommendations from the manufacturers would say somewhere in the low to mid 80s (Fahrenheit). If that winds up making you too warm, then just turn it down a few degrees at a time until you find the temperature that works for you.

But do keep in mind that both the heated humidifier and the heated hose take some time to warm up. The Resmed AirSense 11 does have a "Warmup" feature that you can use if you select "My Options" using the big round button on the front of the machine. That will at least warm the humidifier up before you put the mask on.

At least now I know what was making those pig noses, as it only occurred when I tried the humidifier. I used for the first couple of days without it (not sure if I notice a difference besides causing a small pig to live inside my machine).

Sounds like you are blessed with a nose that doesn't need a lot of added humidity. There are those of us whose noses want as much humidity as possible and we have to find ways of dealing with those piggies when they decide to move into our hoses.

Anonynose wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 13, 2024 2:07 pm

Miss Emerita wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 13, 2024 12:41 pm

At CPAP.com, they have a 30-day free mask trial:

https://support.cpap.com/en-US/30-day-m ... ial-761137

If you can afford one mask, you could use this feature to try several. They'll need you to upload a scan or photo of your PAP prescription to buy a mask. You should be able to get that from your ENT's ofice.

Thanks. I may have to look into that. Although I'd first need that script from my ENT.

Even if you don't decide to buy a mask (or two) from CPAP.com, it's a good idea to have a written copy of your script. After all, it's your health and this is your therapy. So contact the ENT's office (via patient portal if possible) and have them put a copy of your script in your patient portal. That way you can download it and have it available whenever you might need it.

I kind of wondered why it was one new mask only with my supplier ... I figured if clothes/sneakers had a bunch of 'try outs', one would think masks would too.

DMEs (the folks who sell the machines and masks) are out to make money. And many, many of them have over restrictive policies when it comes to swapping a mask that is not working out for another one to try.

The doctors really should have a couple of masks in their office just so patients have an idea how each style fits, and give them an option of what first mask they want. They just chose mine randomly.

Yeah, that's a big huge problem that a lot of people face. Some DMEs (and docs) will claim everybody needs to start with a full face mask---just in case "mouth breathing" is an issue. Other DMES (and docs) will claim that anybody can make a nasal mask work and won't listen when a patient says they want/need a full face mask because they know they mouth breathe. Some DMEs will simply refuse to carry some brands/models of masks because they're more expensive and the insurance companies have a lump sum of what they'll pay for a mask and the DME will push the cheapest masks and charge the full amount the insurance company will pay.

It sounds like your DME stocks a very limited number of mask models and that it really doesn't want to file the paperwork necessary for them to be reimbursed from the manufacturer when a patient returns a mask within a couple of weeks and says, "This one is just not working out for me." It's also worth checking your insurance company's rules on how much they'll pay for a mask and what your copay for a mask is expected to be. Many of us have found through the years that it is simply easier to buy masks from a place like cpap.com and pay out of pocket so that we can get the mask that really works for us in our beds.

It is worth noting that after you build a certain "supply" of mask parts---i.e. headgear, cushions, frames, you don't really need to replace everything at the frequency the manufacturers and DMEs will say you need to. Hoses typically last a lot longer than they suggest they will. And some headgear and frames will last a long time if properly taken care of. The life of a particular cushion, however, is quite variable. It depends on the particular mask as well as the user. Most of us long time users can tell when it's getting time to replace things and go on that rather than a set replacement schedule.

robysue1 wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 13, 2024 2:12 pm

The Evora is a full face mask. That can make it feel like there is more air coming into the mask for some people.


----

The default these days seems to be to set people up with a heated hose. But some DMEs might still start newbies off with an unheated hose. Does your hose have an end that plugs into a socket on hose joint on the machine? Or are both ends of the hose exactly the same so that you can attach either end of the hose to the mask?

If you've got a hose that plugs into the machine, then you've got a heated hose. The question is whether your climate settings are set to manual or auto. If you've got a heated hose and you feel the air is too cold, then this is what I'd recommend that you do:

Both ends of my hose look the same ... one end plugs into the machine, the other into the mask (or another smaller tube for the Evora). Not sure if that means it's heated or not.

My Evora is the nasal version, this one... it's not a full mask --

https://cpapsupplies.com/evora-nasal-cp ... gKYpPD_BwE

If it had silicone sides instead of hard plastic for the nose cradle, and softer clips on the headgear, I might like it. But... well... it doesn't.

Anyway, thanks for the tips, I'll see what works here for me.

robysue1 wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 13, 2024 2:28 pm

It sounds like your DME stocks a very limited number of mask models and that it really doesn't want to file the paperwork necessary for them to be reimbursed from the manufacturer when a patient returns a mask within a couple of weeks and says, "This one is just not working out for me." It's also worth checking your insurance company's rules on how much they'll pay for a mask and what your copay for a mask is expected to be. Many of us have found through the years that it is simply easier to buy masks from a place like cpap.com and pay out of pocket so that we can get the mask that really works for us in our beds.

It is worth noting that after you build a certain "supply" of mask parts---i.e. headgear, cushions, frames, you don't really need to replace everything at the frequency the manufacturers and DMEs will say you need to. Hoses typically last a lot longer than they suggest they will. And some headgear and frames will last a long time if properly taken care of. The life of a particular cushion, however, is quite variable. It depends on the particular mask as well as the user. Most of us long time users can tell when it's getting time to replace things and go on that rather than a set replacement schedule.

I wasn't given any information at all in regard to what my DME pays for... frequency of needed parts, or how any of this works. As for masks, they didn't want me to return the old one (Evora), so I guess that's why they don't do more than one replacement. Guess they prefer no paperwork at all.


I do have a question in regard to insurance, which I assume is different for everyone, but my supply lady said I needed to wear the device a min amount of time the first month (4hrs a night, and I think 21 days?) ... about half way there, but after that, do I need to keep up that pace forever? Just wondering if I'm going to feel like I'm under sleep surveillance for the next year or however long they track things.

Anonynose wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 13, 2024 6:54 pm

I do have a question in regard to insurance, which I assume is different for everyone, but my supply lady said I needed to wear the device a min amount of time the first month (4hrs a night, and I think 21 days?) ... about half way there, but after that, do I need to keep up that pace forever? Just wondering if I'm going to feel like I'm under sleep surveillance for the next year or however long they track things.

You will need to contact your insurance company to find out exactly what they require. Don't ever rely on what the DME or supply person or doctor says.....they can't possibly know all the rules for all insurance companies or plans.

Most insurance companies have adopted Medicare usage guidelines but not all.
For those that have adopted Medicare guidelines or if someone's insurance is Medicare these are the usage requirements initially.
Must use the machine for at least 4 hours a night for 70% of the nights sometimes within 30 consecutive nights within the first 90 days of getting the machine. It is NOT necessarily something tied to the first 30 nights after getting the machine.
Also with Medicare there has to be a face to face meeting with the doctor so he can document usage and that it is helping.

If you don't have Medicare YOU have to contact your insurance company (don't rely on the DME to know all the insurance plan requirements for all the insurance plans/companies out there).
Also ask if they want proof of usage at the year mark....each year. Some insurance companies will want proof you are using the machine and other won't.

Below is the widely accepted replacement allowance schedule....this is NOT a schedule that you just have to follow but it is how often the insurance company will pay their portion of the costs. Most of this equipment will last a lot longer than the replacement allowance schedule says they will pay for replacement parts. This is the schedule that Medicare uses.
Most regular insurance will use this schedule. Now if you have some sort of state funded insurance (like Medicaid) you may have a different schedule...so call them.


Your insurance plan/company is going to follow their own replacement schedule. YOU need to find out exactly what it is.
And yes...the reason they say you get only one freebie if your first mask doesn't work well for you is because they don't want to do any extra paperwork for additional failures or replacements. They are lazy. All these mask manufacturers off a 30 day mask return policy so that DMEs don't have to keep supplying masks and not get reimbursed. If they would do the extra work they wouldn't lose any money giving you a dozen masks.
My DME allows for an unlimited number of "swaps" for 60 days....extremely generous and it isn't limited to brand new patients either. Even now after 15 years on cpap I would get the same offer if I tried a new mask and hated it.
Some DMEs have a generous mask return policy and some don't.

I'll give my insurance a call and see what their policy is. And can we ever change DMEs? I wonder if some others near me have better policies.

My ENT said they usually choose a place closest to the patient. And they did... but it's meaningless, since they just mail stuff to me anyway, there is no office to go to.

------

And I was playing around a bit with the dreamwear, both pillows and the med cushion I have now. I think I know what the issue is in regard to increased apneas/improper seal. I was testing the 'seal' function on the machine and also looking in the mirror, and noticed that any movement on the headgear sides tends to push the pillows out of my nose. Also moves the cushion a bit, but since that's a wider hole, it's not as problematic (although still not great). And when I sleep, I sometimes cover my head with my arm, or lie on a pillow, so that would typically nudge the headgear (and mask) a bit.

Pillow-wise, the medium fits my nose best, but also is likelier to get nudged out of place, as it is more just the tippy tip portion going into my nose. Small goes deeper, although isn't a great fit, as my nose is a little too large for it. And the medium cushion moves a bit, but I suppose it's the right size. I don't have a small cushion to compare to, but the way my nose fits into the medium makes me think a small would be too small and annoying... there are sideridges on the med size cushion that already sort of annoy me, so I can't see a smaller cushion somehow fitting better.

Guess I can just tighten things up a bit and hope for the best? Although a tight-fitting mask/headgear doesn't feel so nice.

Anonynose wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 13, 2024 8:14 pm

can we ever change DMEs

You can change suppliers at any time or as frequently as you want to.
Just make sure that whomever you switch to is "in network" with your insurance company.
You will have a bit of paperwork to do though.

I fired my first DME for lying to me before I even got my machine from them. I just told them I was refusing to do business with liars.

Anonynose wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 13, 2024 8:14 pm

Guess I can just tighten things up a bit and hope for the best? Although a tight-fitting mask/headgear doesn't feel so nice.

These masks won't necessarily seal better and not move around just because it is cranked down tightly on your head.
In fact it could make leaks worse because these masks need to inflate to seal and when we crank them down then sometimes they have no room to inflate.

I don't know about you but I don't sleep so great if my mask is hurting me or bugging me and my first priority has always been get to sleep and stay asleep. Without sleep none of this crap matters.

Someone donated some masks....gently used and if you don't mind gently used let me know what you might be interested in and I will check my inventory to see what I might have. Give approx size as well. Send me a PM if interested.

Finding the right mask is IMHO the hardest part of this whole therapy. I have been on cpap a little over 15 years now.....probably tried close to 50 masks over all these years. I like to experiment just for grins. Some masks never even made it to me trying to sleep with it...some masks I gave it one night...some masks surprised me and I used it for several weeks. Anytime you try something and even if it is a disaster you learn a little more about your own personal preferences, wants and needs. It's always a good thing to learn something about yourself.

BTW pretty much the bulk of my experiments were either gently used masks sold by a forum member or donated or I bought a handful out of pocket because I didn't want to wait to try it.

Don't spend an inordinate amount of time suffering with a mask you hate or can't sleep with or causes you pain.