More than one type of oral mask?

I am interested in trying an oral mask. As far as I can tell, there is only one model. The fisher paykel oracle 452. It looks interesting, but I am not sure how I will do with something that actually goes inside my mouth. When I first saw the pics, it looked like a regular mask, just only covering the mouth. But later, I saw a pic of the inside, and it reminds me of a pacifier.

I contacted my DME, and my insurance will cover another mask even though I am only 3 weeks into this. They did suggest bringing my other mask in to see if they can help me fit it a little better. It is not bad. Sometimes, I get it on without leaks the first time. And sometimes I find myself swearing at it after 5-10 attempts and the same tiny leak out the top, aimed at my eye. I don't mind the minor leak or the sound, but I can't stand it aimed at my eye.

The Oracle is a very difficult mask to use. You need a nose clip to stop the air from going in the mouth and out the nose. When I tried it I couldn't last more than 15 minutes.. Try holding your nose and breath only through your mouth...see how long you can do it...Go to cpap.com and read the comments from people that have used it....

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... eviews#tab

make sure you have the right size on that quattro fx. don't let the dme tell you that you are one size for every mask. mask sizes are like womens clothes sizes. i've found that the correct size feels little and snug but per the measurements it is correct and don't leak bad. they all leak some. measure from where you want the top to go on the nose to where you want it to rest between the chin and mouth. if air is going in the eyes it is too high on the nose. if readjusting puts it too low on the chin it is too big.

Sizing Help

The Mirage Quattro sizes DO NOT match up directly with the Quattro FX sizes. The Quattro FX sizes are a bit smaller than the Mirage Quattro sizes.

To get a more accurate idea of your size, measure from the top of the bridge of your nose down to the place in between your bottom lip and chin. View the images below to see where on the face to measure. Compare your measurement with the size measurements here:


•Small: 3 9/16"
•Medium: 4"
•Large: 4 3/8"

With the hybrid, you can plug the nasal pillows with toilet paper or whatever and just use the mouth cushion. It works fine and you don't have the drooling you have with the Oracle. When it first came out they called it " a nasal mask an oral mask or both" I think that's one of the reasons. You only have to shut your mouth for the nasal mask.

I have found the FX kind of odd to put on. If you look at the instructions for fitting that come printed on the bag, the uppermost part of the mask should be more or less level with your pupils which puts it farther down the nose than the Quattro. I'm still working on finding the sweet spot. After working so hard to breathe only through my nose, it would be strange to have to breathe only through my mouth unless there were some anatomical issues that prevented nose breathing.

Suz

greatunclebill wrote:make sure you have the right size on that quattro fx. don't let the dme tell you that you are one size for every mask. mask sizes are like womens clothes sizes. i've found that the correct size feels little and snug but per the measurements it is correct and don't leak bad. they all leak some. measure from where you want the top to go on the nose to where you want it to rest between the chin and mouth. if air is going in the eyes it is too high on the nose. if readjusting puts it too low on the chin it is too big.

I'm already using the small, so I can't go any smaller. Sometimes, it fits great, and sometimes, it leaks right at the top of my nose. Sometimes it blows up at my forehead, and sometimes it aims at my right eye. I like the mask very much, and I'm going to try the aloe vera tomorrow. I don't have any, so I need to buy some.

I am also going to try making a mask liner. I bought some cute flannel material today, so I will see if I can make a mask liner and see if that helps.

Issac wrote:With the hybrid, you can plug the nasal pillows with toilet paper or whatever and just use the mouth cushion. It works fine and you don't have the drooling you have with the Oracle. When it first came out they called it " a nasal mask an oral mask or both" I think that's one of the reasons. You only have to shut your mouth for the nasal mask.

Thanks! I was wondering if that would work if plugging the nose part. I can't stand things tickling my nose, so I wouldn't want to stick anything in my nose. On e of the problems I have had lately, is that I wake up and want to scratch my nose, and my fingers hit the mask. I then have to take it off and start over fitting it, just to scratch a tickle.

I am hoping to get an appointment with the DME on Tuesday. They emailed back on Friday to let me know that my insurance will cover a second mask. So, I can get a new one without returning the one i have. And they will help me with adjusting the fit of the quattro fx too.

So, with the hybrid, I can leave my mouth open okay?

LSAT wrote:The Oracle is a very difficult mask to use. You need a nose clip to stop the air from going in the mouth and out the nose. When I tried it I couldn't last more than 15 minutes.. Try holding your nose and breath only through your mouth...see how long you can do it...Go to cpap.com and read the comments from people that have used it....

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... eviews#tab

Thanks!

I have no problem breathing through my mouth all the time as my nose is frequently clogged anyway. But I don't like the idea of the piece inside my mouth. It looked great until I saw that part. The reviews don't look overly great either. So, the hybrid mask with the nose piece blocked sounds like a better option for me.

I really appreciate the great advice. I wish there were a mouth only mask that was designed for an open mouth.

Update. I went to my DME today and got the Resmed Mirage Liberty. I was afraid the nasal pillows might not be comfortable, but it felt pretty good when I tried it on. And then, if there are any leaks, it won't be aimed at my eye. So, I will try it tonight. I like the full face mask very much, but I am not consistent at getting the top of the nose sealed well. Apparently my face is too small and not cooperative. With the new mask, I have a small with small pillows, and my headgear is barely small enough. If I tighten it any more, the velcro will be hanging off with nothing to attach to. I may have to add more velcro to the straps after awhile. The guy at the DME was concerned that it would be difficult to find one to fit me, but other than the smallest headgear being close to too big for me, he was surprised that it fit well. We turned on the machine, and the seal was great. And it feels comfortable. I can't wait to try it tonight.

Wonderful news!
Now good luck and a great night!