masks--help

smidge · Post by **smidge** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 1:50 pm

been trying to get a mask that does not cause deep red marks on bridge of nose.
no help at local center. tried comfortlite 11, ultra mirage quattro, comfort gel, etc. i am now willing to try anything but the nasal pillows as sinus' are not great. any help? the deep red marks last as long as the mask has been worn. thanks.

neverbetter · Post by **neverbetter** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 2:22 pm

The Hybrid works well for me. Probably the best mask I've owned in over 3 years.

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 2:35 pm

Masks are such an individual thing it is hard to give recommendations as what works for me might not be the best for you and your favorite mask maybe awful for me (sorry such a long sentence there).

In order to try out various masks I put a "wanted cpap masks" on a local message board. I got a couple of responses -- one didn't follow through. I was able to pick up 6 or 7 masks for $15.00. Only one or two had headgear with them but was able to make headgear or use existing headgear so it wasn't a problem. I was able to try these masks for little cost.

I was able to pick up two masks at a local thrift store for $2.00 each. These were large in size and would not fit me. One was stilled sealed and the other was good for parts only. I sold the parts only mask on cpapauction to cover the masks cost to me plus some. I was able to trade the new mask for a different style masks that I had been wanting to try. Out of my $4.00 investment I was able to make a little money, get a like new mask in trade that does work for me.

I have purchased masks off from cpapauction for not much money. Right now I am using a Nasal Aire mask that I picked up for something like $5.00 or $6.00. Babette and Jerry have been helping me with hints, ideas, and some trading to make it work for me. Other masks that I have purchased from auctions have included the SNAPP, Optilife, and others.

My main point is you may have to get several masks to find your "perfect" mask. Do not be afraid to try out used masks in good condition. Clean them well in hot soapy water, wash them well, let them dry and good as new. Do not use bleach or anti-bacterial soad as it will degrade the seals. If you must disinfect them before you use them then invest in some of the disinfect solution on cpap.com or cpapauction.com. I figure if I am going to eat in restaurants using silverware others have used is no different from trying out other masks.

Good luck in your quest.

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:37 pm

Another suggestion if the only problem with any of those masks is the bridge of the nose is to contact padacheek... http://www.padacheek.com

She makes a nose bridge pad (not sure if it's on her website yet or not but she makes one).

dieselgal · Post by **dieselgal** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:42 pm

You might consider trying the ACTIVA because that mask can be worn pretty loosely and still have a good seal. I can't wear the pillows masks either because the air rushing up my nose causes major sinus issues.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): activa, seal

Mask