Summertime Masks?

There is always the option of the week trial at the cpaplibrary site.
No need to purchase a mask to utilize the trial program but popular masks do have a waiting list. They do sell supplies and the ad about the free exchange thing refers to a purchased mask.
http://www.cpaplibrary.com/mask-trials
$14 includes postage to you and return postage sticker.

FWIW...I have used nothing but nasal pillow masks since my titration study. Some people like them and some people don't but there is sure less on your face and thus much cooler on warm nights. There is no reason a newbie can't use them if they want to and like them.

Pugsy wrote:There is always the option of the week trial at the cpaplibrary site.
No need to purchase a mask to utilize the trial program but popular masks do have a waiting list. They do sell supplies and the ad about the free exchange thing refers to a purchased mask.
http://www.cpaplibrary.com/mask-trials
$14 includes postage to you and return postage sticker.

Thanks for the feedback! I loved the idea of the cpaplibrary trial. I even ordered a trial and paid the shipping fee for the Mirage Activa LT. That was a couple of weeks ago and it never actually arrived. In cpaplibrary's defense, things do get "lost" in our mail sometimes. I haven't really bothered to follow up on this yet.

Nasal pillows kind of scare me at this point. I'm not completely sure that I'm ready to try them just yet. It definitely makes sense that less mask on your face is going to help you feel cooler, though. If I can't find a suitable nasal mask, it's definitely the next avenue that I'll pursue.

I did take action on this, though. Today, I ordered the SleepWeaver mask (comes with free mask insurance) and some pad-a-cheek covers. Estimated arrival date is Monday.. so I'm kind of excited about that.

Thanks again!

fumbling34 wrote:

Gerryk wrote:Being new to cpap, I would concentrate on making it through a night with the mask you have. Once you get to that point make it through a week of nights. Once you have done that and are more comfortable then try a different mask.

Thanks for the feedback, Gerry! How do you know when to give up on a mask? I'm not ready to give up on my Zest, but I feel like I need an alterative on hot nights. I actually don't feel confident about making it through the night with any mask in the immediate future. I figure that I'll just have to wait time until my mind/body adjusts to the CPAP. For the first two weeks, I couldn't get past the two hour mark without removing my mask unconciously. Since I can normally make it 3 or 4 hours now, I consider that huge progress.

Initially, I had hoped that my new Zest mask would work a miracle and help me sleep through the night. I did get 5 consecutive hours off it once-- which is my personal best. While I'm pretty patient, the feeling hot and sweaty in my mask is a HUGE obstacle for me. Maybe, I'm just a wuss. Leaks and face marks, I can totally deal with.

If I could not make it through the night with a mask and tried several nights, then I gave up on it. Thinking back to when I first started, it was more than just that mask it was getting used to everything. If you are comfortable with that mask and can tolerate it then keep with it. However if you have access to a different mask that won't cost you such as one loaned to you then try it.
People say they can't get used to the mask. Getting used to the mask is only a small part. You need to get used to having a mask on your face, the headgear, the hose and the noise of the machine and mask vent.

In all honesty, I do have bad nights when I have trouble falling asleep. I have to stop thinking about the mask, the machine and my breathing and just relax. Sometimes we just try too hard, just let it happen.


Fumbling, I edited this because I forgot something. If you get a chance to try a different mask and it won't cost you then try that mask. If you think a mask won't work, you will only think it won't, you will never know for sure.

I think the aloha is worth a try. I've been at this quite a few years and it's one of best mask I've used. It's a light one and if you get a good seal with a good mask you should not be opening your mouth. If your pressure is higher then 12, you made need a chinstrap in the beginning, but I think most people will automatically shut their mouth with the correct pressure.

Please follow up with Dane about the missing mask at the mask trial site. They don't bill the mailing costs until the mask is ready for you to get it and you were next in line. If it got lost in the mail Dane needs to know about it.