Mask Question

Could anyone recommend a good mask? The one I have seems to be ok, but I was wondering if there was anything that was better out there. I did notice a lot of people do use it so it must not be that bad, but just curious to see if I might have other options. The RT who set me up with my CPAP recommended this one over the ones she had to choose from and all I had to go on from experience was the one from my sleep study. I know I sometimes tend to sleep with my mouth open so I think a full face mask is what I need, but I might also consider something else with the aid of a chin strap. I have been officially on the CPAP for a week now and it's been pretty ruff. There was only two nights I was able to keep the mask on the whole night. One night I sleep straight through with the aid of OTC sleep meds I rarely take but I was at my wits end. I keep waking up coughing, but I just got my humidifier today so I am hoping that will help. I am also getting over a cold so that could also be another reason. I have been looking at the different masks that everyone on the forum uses and looking at cpap.com but as far as the full face masks go to me they seem to look the same. I probably should have done more research on the mask before I went to the DME but i was a little desperate to get started on the CPAP.
What really started me searching was I started to realize that each night I a spend more and more time playing with the mask trying to adjust it. Last night it took about an hour before I was happy. I would get it right then I'd move and it'd spring a leak. After taking it off twice I finally had it fixed right, but I was so wound up I couldn't go to sleep. I was trying not to make it too tight because the night before I must have tightened it too much because I had to go to work with a lovely imprint on my face and forehead.
This mask, Mirage Liberty™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Nasal Pillows including Headgear, I found from some posts sounds interesting and also I found this one, Quattro™ FX for Her Full Face Mask with Headgear. So any suggestions I'd greatly appreciate.

G'day,
I've been using a PR ComfortGel Blue mask for a bit over a week, I've had to use considerable strap tension to get a seal, which resulted in considerable irritation to the bridge of my nose. If I turned on either side the mask would move and start leaking. Talking to some people I know, they suggested a new mask, they both use and recommended the Resmed Activa LT, which I purchased at half the local rate from a supplier on Ebay. My Resmed mask turned up yesterday afternoon, I tried fitting it and was amazed how easy it is to get a seal. The headgear straps were quite loose but it still sealed completely when I did a ramp test. I hadn't been able to use the other mask on Thursday night because the bridge of my nose was red and inflamed with broken skin. It was quite painful and probably heading towards an infection if I continued with the other mask. My nose was less sore last night, so I decided to try the new mask. I cut the sticky bit of a bandaid off and stuck it over the broken skin on my nose, I then fitted the mask and went to bed. It was much more comfortable, amazingly little strap tension required to get a seal, I was able to roll on to either side without causing a leak and basically had a reasonable night's sleep considering I've been using CPAP for less than 2 weeks. The outlet holes of the new mask tend to bypass more air than the previous mask, when I first put it on I had to check the machine was running correctly as I couldn't feel the pressure, it passed the ramp test from 4 to 20cm/h2o so the machine must be able to keep up with the flow. I've paid for a new Resmed Autoset unit with all the bells & whistles, the seller sent me a tracking number last night, so I should have it Monday or Tuesday. I installed the Resmed software on my laptop on Thursday night, but it won't read the data from the Philips unit I'm currently using. I've loaded a generic version that is supposedly able to read data from several manufacturers, but it wouldn't read my card either. I realise you're talking about a full face mask, but this is my experience since being diagnosed with very severe OSA a little over 2 weeks ago.

I like the quattro fx. it's a full face mask and for me it was a lot more comfortable than the other quattros. But choosing a mask is like buying shoes. Everyone is different and it has to feel right to you. plus if you have just started, you will most likely need a significant time to adjust. I believe that you have 30 days try out a mask, so be sure to take advantage of that. I definitely recommend a padacheek liner for whatever mask you get. It makes it more comfortable and prevents abrasions on your nose.

I used the mask you're using now (the Mirage Quattro) for 9 months; it was a chore but I finally got the leaks under control with a mask liner and anti-leak strap from padacheek.com.

I decided I wanted to try a nasal mask, so I tried out 3 different masks through cpaplibrary.com: the Mirage FX, the ComfortGel Blue, and the EasyLife. The winner for me was the Mirage FX and I finally bought it last week. It is GREAT and I think it's the perfect mask for me.

Of course, a mask fit is a very personal thing, and what is great for someone else will not necessarily great for you, so I would encourage you to try out a few different masks. Cpaplibary.com is a great way to do it, or if you want to get a mask through your DME, there is a program where you can try different masks over a 30 day period. (There are threads here about doing that, I'm not really familiar with the specifics.)

Masks are very personal as everyone has different issues.

As for people thinking they need a full face mask, I find the following article from a manufacturer of nasal masks interesting in that they claim less than 10% of people really need a full face mask.
http://www.acurest.com.au/truefit-custo ... face-mask/
I make no recommendations for these masks as they are very expensive and only available in Australia but the accompanying literature is interesting.

Personally I really like my minimal Swift FX, but I also have an Activa LT that I haven't used for a long time. All new masks will rub but swapping between two masks for a while or using some lanolin cream will solve most issues.

Hi 131. Welcome, It's good to see another Tasmanian on the Forum. You should be able to read your data card using the Sleepyhead software, It's still pre Beta but works well. You can find the links on this forum. Please PM me if you wish to discuss any issues, I've had my ResMed S9 Autoset for almost 18 months now.

What one mask to get is a tough question to answer, I have went through a dozen or more over the years and never found a full face that didn't leak and until recently I never had a nasal mask that didn't leak. What is a good mask for me might be the worst one for you and vice versa, make your DME come to your house with one of everything they carry and try everyone while connected and running laying on your bed in every position you might ever be in and this will narrow down your choices rather fast. Your DME will not want to do this and will say it's because your not use to CPAP, demand they do it or tell them to take the mask back and credit the insurance since it's been less than 30 days and find a DME that will work with you. If you can tape or train your mouth to stay closed then a nasal mask is the way to go. Good luck.

RandyJ wrote:I used the mask you're using now (the Mirage Quattro) for 9 months; it was a chore but I finally got the leaks under control with a mask liner and anti-leak strap from padacheek.com.

Of course, a mask fit is a very personal thing, and what is great for someone else will not necessarily great for you, so I would encourage you to try out a few different masks. Cpaplibary.com is a great way to do it, or if you want to get a mask through your DME, there is a program where you can try different masks over a 30 day period. (There are threads here about doing that, I'm not really familiar with the specifics.)

I was considering trying a mask liner but since waking up again with a forehead imprint I'm going to go ahead and order one from padacheek.
I think cpaplibrary.com will help me a lot in my research. My DME is about 30 minutes away and I work 10 hour days so on my days off for the next month I'm not going to have much time to go there. I asked her when I went back for my humidifier yesterday how I would get replacements for things like my filter for my CPAP and she said customer service would call me for reminders. She never told me that my mask had a 30 day anything. I will have to research that some. Wondering if that's something she just "forgot" to tell me or something Apria doesn't do.

greg-g wrote:Masks are very personal as everyone has different issues.
As for people thinking they need a full face mask, I find the following article from a manufacturer of nasal masks interesting in that they claim less than 10% of people really need a full face mask.
http://www.acurest.com.au/truefit-custo ... face-mask/
I make no recommendations for these masks as they are very expensive and only available in Australia but the accompanying literature is interesting.

Thanks for the article. I did find it interesting and it helps a lot.

I basically am just looking for suggestions. I know the right mask for me is going to be what I find personally comfortable and everybody is different. I know it takes some getting used to and I have to be patient also. I'm not a very patient person but I am trying hard to be with this whole thing. I am thinking of keeping the mask I have because even with all the struggles I think most of the problems can be solved with a liner and with practice adjusting the fit each night, but I am definitely going to try to find something that may feel more comfortable to me.

anglett wrote:
I basically am just looking for suggestions. I know the right mask for me is going to be what I find personally comfortable and everybody is different. I know it takes some getting used to and I have to be patient also. I'm not a very patient person but I am trying hard to be with this whole thing. I am thinking of keeping the mask I have because even with all the struggles I think most of the problems can be solved with a liner and with practice adjusting the fit each night, but I am definitely going to try to find something that may feel more comfortable to me.

The Mirage Quattro took a while for me. It is supposed to fit loosely, inflate with air and float on your face; one of our members wrote a great blog on fitting this mask. You can read it here: http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/taming ... e-quattro/ You should definitely read it and see if this fitting method works for you.

I tried it, but couldn't get it to work for me. I did finally get the leak rate down to acceptable levels with the mask liner and the anti-leak strap from padacheek. The mask liner allows you to tighten the Quattro quite snugly without causing discomfort or mask marks on your face, and the anti-leak strap helps to hold the mask snugly in place so it won't shift during the night. In my case, I don't think I would have gotten the mask to work without both of these products. I also bought the fleece covers for the headgear; they prevent the headgear straps from irritating my scalp; I have very short hair.

The other thing I would recommend is to replace the cushion on the Quattro every 3 to 4 months. I think that as it gets older it gets harder to seal.

anglett wrote:Could anyone recommend a good mask? The one I have seems to be ok, but I was wondering if there was anything that was better out there. I did notice a lot of people do use it so it must not be that bad, but just curious to see if I might have other options. The RT who set me up with my CPAP recommended this one over the ones she had to choose from and all I had to go on from experience was the one from my sleep study. I know I sometimes tend to sleep with my mouth open so I think a full face mask is what I need, but I might also consider something else with the aid of a chin strap. I have been officially on the CPAP for a week now and it's been pretty ruff. There was only two nights I was able to keep the mask on the whole night. One night I sleep straight through with the aid of OTC sleep meds I rarely take but I was at my wits end. I keep waking up coughing, but I just got my humidifier today so I am hoping that will help. I am also getting over a cold so that could also be another reason. I have been looking at the different masks that everyone on the forum uses and looking at cpap.com but as far as the full face masks go to me they seem to look the same. I probably should have done more research on the mask before I went to the DME but i was a little desperate to get started on the CPAP.
What really started me searching was I started to realize that each night I a spend more and more time playing with the mask trying to adjust it. Last night it took about an hour before I was happy. I would get it right then I'd move and it'd spring a leak. After taking it off twice I finally had it fixed right, but I was so wound up I couldn't go to sleep. I was trying not to make it too tight because the night before I must have tightened it too much because I had to go to work with a lovely imprint on my face and forehead.
This mask, Mirage Liberty™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Nasal Pillows including Headgear, I found from some posts sounds interesting and also I found this one, Quattro™ FX for Her Full Face Mask with Headgear. So any suggestions I'd greatly appreciate.

Hello Anglet. You should know if air flows fine by your superior airway. It is too common we use our mouth to help our nostrils. It is also important how high is the pressure you need, according to this. If you try the chin strap, please tell me how it went. If you have experience of breathing while sleeping w/o cpap by your mouth, I think you surely need a full face mask. Although it sometimes seems necessary a medication for sleep, I would not use it. At the most, medical plants.

RandyJ wrote: The Mirage Quattro took a while for me. It is supposed to fit loosely, inflate with air and float on your face; one of our members wrote a great blog on fitting this mask. You can read it here: http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/taming ... e-quattro/ You should definitely read it and see if this fitting method works for you.

The other thing I would recommend is to replace the cushion on the Quattro every 3 to 4 months. I think that as it gets older it gets harder to seal.

I was actually referred to that blog from another question and it's really helped me a lot. I actually tried to fit my mask as instructed thinking that it sounded like it'd work. I think that was the worse night I had, but the good thing was I didn't have marks on my face when I woke up. The downside was I finally yanked the mask off in the middle of the night because I was tired of fighting the leaks. I feel like it leaks more if I don't strap it down tight, but I'm afraid to make it to tight due to the marks in the morning.
Thanks for the suggestion about replacing the cushion for the Quattro because I was actually wondering about that. My DME said my insurance would cover it every 6 months but I was thinking that was going to be impossible to hold up that long. I am starting to realize that OSA is pretty expensive.

anglett wrote: Thanks for the suggestion about replacing the cushion for the Quattro because I was actually wondering about that. My DME said my insurance would cover it every 6 months but I was thinking that was going to be impossible to hold up that long. I am starting to realize that OSA is pretty expensive.

If you get the padacheek liner you might be able to avoid replacing the cushion for a while. The mask liner is about $15, so you might try that first and if you're good with leak rate you can postpone the cost of the cushion.

The next time you talk or see your DME, ask them to clarify if it's the cushion or the mask you can renew every 6 months. I know everyone's insurance is different. Mine is 6 months for a mask, up to 2 cushions per month. So basically one every 15 days vs one every 180 days is a huge difference.

RandyJ wrote: If you get the padacheek liner you might be able to avoid replacing the cushion for a while. The mask liner is about $15, so you might try that first and if you're good with leak rate you can postpone the cost of the cushion.

Thanks. That would definitely be great.

BrandonB wrote:The next time you talk or see your DME, ask them to clarify if it's the cushion or the mask you can renew every 6 months. I know everyone's insurance is different. Mine is 6 months for a mask, up to 2 cushions per month. So basically one every 15 days vs one every 180 days is a huge difference.

I'm going to have to get more clarification from my insurance. It just seems to me like my DME doesn't want to be very informative. The DME staff was really nice but when I started asking questions the RT acted surprised and gave me vague answers. If I didn't know my insurance well enough I would have been a little more hesitant purchasing everything to start with, but since I've already met my deductible I know I am paying only 20% of everything. I'm going to call my insurance and get them to give me more info on what I can get and when. I am the type of person that I like to be prepared and I don't want to end up stuck needing something and not have it. It makes me wonder If I do better ordering online without my insurance when it rolls over in January because my deductible is pretty high.

My insurance allows me 1 mask every 3 months, 2 nasal replacement cushions or 2 nasal pillow replacement cushions per month and one Full-face replacement cushion per month, depending upon the type of mask you have of course.

I'm kind of between my second and third masks since starting therapy 9/30/11. I started with the Swift FX nasal pillow mask, but found out my mouth was opening at night causing large mouth leaks and waking me up. I could get better results if I combined it with a chin strap but wasn't wild about wearing one so decided to move on to full face masks.

Second mask was the Mirage Liberty hybrid mask which I liked and got good scores using, however I would get occasional evenings where I would have difficulty getting a good seal when first going to sleep or I'd spring a leak in the middle of the night. So, along came mask number 3, the Quattro FX. I obtained one through the CPAP Library 1-week trial program which I think is a great resource for home trials of CPAP masks at just $14. I've used the Quattrro FX for the past 3 nights and last night got my first ever 95 percentile leak rate score of 0.0...so I think I'll be soon switching to it. Using their "swing and seal" method of putting the mask on, I'm getting excellent mask seals very easily and sleeping well and comfortably. I use it with fairly light tension with the straps and wake up without any nose bridge soreness or face mask marks, so I'm very happy with it.