Are DME's supposed to fit you correctly?

Most of them I've had contact with don't use templates. They just use their own best guess. Some expect me to know what size and style is best for my shape face.
How can I ever figure it out on my own unless I try every mask ever made?? That's a lot of masks to try. How do you all figure this out?

You learn as you go. As I understand it, the best DME's seem to know how to help you with these choices. Can't say that's true for all of them, as it is nowhere near my experience. Maybe they're kind of like good clothing salespeople; they know the stock and manufacturers well enough to look at somebody's body type and guide them to an appropriate item for a good fit. Other salespeople just expect you to know what you want and they'll gladly ring up your purchase. That's why it's important to know the return policy at your DME...because one mask sure doesn't fit everybody. Try on as many as you can, make the best choice you can, and return whatever doesn't work. Good luck!

Well, in my opinion, finding you a mask that fits properly is part of the local DME's job. That's why I am sometimes willing to pay them more money than when I purchase from an online seller. Most local DMEs have a 30-day mask return policy (per the mask manufacturer), so take advantage of that.

I think that my own local DME situation is a bit unique, in that they're part of the sleep lab. So I'm able to try on as many masks as I need to, from the masks that they've used during sleep studies. They have a bed that I can use to test whether the mask fits well in all positions. The machine is running under full pressure too. I've probably tried on about 15 masks there, in various sizes, and found only a few that work for me.

What I've read here is that most DMEs do not offer that level of service. I do think that they need to fit you very carefully because the mask is probably the most important part of this therapy. If it doesn't fit well, you're not going to want to use it. And if it leaks excessively, your therapy will be affected.

There are some mask templates online, at cpap.com. Now that I've found the masks that work for me, I buy mostly online. I have excellent insurance, so my cost is often much less if I purchase through my local DME, but unfortunately, they don't carry the brands that I favor (like InnoMed/AEIOMed). Some of the masks come with multiple sizes of cushions or nasal pillows, which makes fitting easier.

The more bad stories I hear, the more I appreciate my excellent DME...

Yes, it is their responsibility.

I can tell you that when I was a newby--I was so lost on these masks too. I just kept trying some that I thought would work for me. I must have gone thru 7 or 8 masks to get where I am at today. The Swift LT for her and the Swift FX are my favorite ----this forum will help you too. It will give you tips and ideas on what works and what might not.

Hang in there --it is hard, but it is worth it since you want the outcome to be great sleep!!!
Good Luck!
Carrie

Yes, finding the right mask can be frustrating and expensive.

Do you want to trust your health to an employee of a DME or do you want to take charge of your own health?

Do you want someone who is not going to sleep in your bed and wear the mask all night for 365 nights per year to fit your mask or do you want to do it yourself?

Get all the advice and help you can from your DME. Whatever they tell you - verify it from your own observation or from another source like cpaptalk.com.

Study the different masks and the manufacturers' information at https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks.php .

As a group, the people who were proactive in selecting and fitting their mask are more successful with the therapy.

I have 4 or 5 masks in my closet that I THOUGHT would work. The rest I already sold at auction! Finding YOUR mask is a rite of passage. No one can do it for you. Cpapauctions is great source for trial masks

LinkC wrote:I have 4 or 5 masks in my closet that I THOUGHT would work. The rest I already sold at auction! Finding YOUR mask is a rite of passage. No one can do it for you. Cpapauctions is great source for trial masks

Yep!

newname wrote:Most of them I've had contact with don't use templates. They just use their own best guess. Some expect me to know what size and style is best for my shape face.
How can I ever figure it out on my own unless I try every mask ever made?? That's a lot of masks to try. How do you all figure this out?

My DME "tech" worked with fit templates and actually measured my fit with the mask on my face (eye alignment etc.) I was extremely pleased that they didn't just "drop off" the mask and run.

That having been said, I still had a lot of "fiddling to do to get it right. YMMV

Cheers,

Dave

I don't believe templates really work for many people. A template showed that I needed a LG Quattro when the MED is perfect for me....I had a similar situation with the Ultra Mirage (However I don't use this mask).

My guess is, if your tech starts holding up templates instead of looking at your face from many angles, he/she isn't very experienced and/or good at mask-fitting.

DreamOn wrote: Most local DMEs have a 30-day mask return policy (per the mask manufacturer), so take advantage of that.

But, if I'm understanding it right, my DME only deals Respironics. So If I want to try another mask, say Hybrid, I have to get a copy of my prescription, and order and pay for that mask myself. And if it doesn't work for me I'm stuck with it. Right? or not? (I'm only in my 2nd week of this and still muchly confused)

If you are limited in mask selection at your DME and they will not order from another mfg.....go to a different DME.

ALSO...You should ALWAYS have a copy of your prescription.

djr1215 wrote:

DreamOn wrote: Most local DMEs have a 30-day mask return policy (per the mask manufacturer), so take advantage of that.

But, if I'm understanding it right, my DME only deals Respironics. So If I want to try another mask, say Hybrid, I have to get a copy of my prescription, and order and pay for that mask myself. And if it doesn't work for me I'm stuck with it. Right? or not? (I'm only in my 2nd week of this and still muchly confused)

Yes, you are greatly limited if your DME only carries one brand. I agree with LSAT, if they can't order from another manufacturer, see if there are different DMEs that you can use locally. Call each DME and ask which mask manufacturers they carry in stock, how they fit masks (under full pressure, laying down?), their mask exchange policy, etc. Some insurance companies will allow you to purchase online (within their "mask replacement schedule" guidelines) and get reimbursed. Mine won't, but that may be an option for you?

My local DME only stocks ResMed and Respironics. I believe they will order Fisher & Paykel also. But, like I said, they don't carry the brands/masks that work best for me -- AEIOMed Headrest and InnoMed/RespCare Hybrid -- so I order those online, out-of-pocket. I've purchased at reasonable prices from http://www.cpapauction.com. Even when they haven't worked out, I've kept those masks because I plan to try them again in the future. But some people turn right around and sell their "reject masks" on cpapauction. You lose a little money, but it's going to be necessary unless you luck out and find the best mask right away. If you buy a mask from https://www.cpap.com you can also purchase their "mask insurance," which may make sense, especially if you don't want to re-sell at auction.

The process I've used in mask selection is to note on the forum which masks are used most often. I also look at the individual mask ratings at cpap.com (most popular and highest rated). I then think about the "problem areas" of my face (long and rather thin, prominent upper lip/teeth) and avoid masks that I may have issues with due to those factors (for example, any mask that puts pressure on my upper lip probably won't work well for me; many don't seal well because of my facial contours). I don't know how accurate it is, but this "Help Me Choose" feature may get you started: https://www.cpap.com/help-me-choose-cpap-mask.php.

What I've found is that it's taken me some months to find the right mask(s), but from here on out I should be set. It was a large expenditure on masks upfront, but should be less expensive in the future.

I wish you well with this. It can be very frustrating, I know. But keep looking until you find the right mask. Treating the sleep apnea effectively is so important.

cpap.com has some good info on fitting yourself for a mask there are also some good instructional videos I have seen on this subject on you tube that may be helpful.