Where can I try on more masks?

So my sleep center are pretty much done with me in the mask area, they let me try on 3 and Im sure the ones they let me try just didn't fit. I feel like goldilocks..one was too big, one was too small but I just haven't fond the one that is "just right"
Is there any other way that you know of that I could try more masks? I really cant afford to keep buying them till I get one that works/ Thanks.

Check with your insurance company and find a real DME that supplies many, many different masks and use them to supply your cpap needs. You will need to check with your insurance company to make sure that the DME is part of the insurance network.
There is no law that says you have to use the Sleep Center. You will need to get a copy of your prescription though.
Find out which DMEs are part of your insurance network and interview each of them to see what their mask trial policy is.
Some are rigid but some DMEs will actually honor the mask manufacturer's 30 day swapping policy.

carrying 3 masks only is like a shoe store carrying 3 sizes.

Try to keep in mind that what you need is a mask that's "good enough" not perfect. It is important that it not cause pain anywhere and that it can be adjusted so that it doesn't leak. Replace any mask that does either immediately. But I think getting too caught up in finding the perfect mask can harm your therapy as much as trying to tough it out with a lousy one. You will know that you have a mask on your face no matter which mask you choose until you have had some time to adjust to it.

Xney wrote:carrying 3 masks only is like a shoe store carrying 3 sizes.

What can you do if you are not using insurance? Where do you look? I had the same 3 masks at my doctor's office and not sure where to look for more.

"Perfect" is elusive--low leaks, comfortable enough to sleep, and 'doesn't make sores on your face' is enough for most of us.
Our host site, cpap.com, carries dozens of mask styles.
I have purchased several masks from them, and have used the return insurance for a few of those.
I am not aware of any other online vendor which does this. I too, feel like Goldilocks, having tried over 20 masks.

Make a new thread asking for others "rejects" ... As long as your not opposed to trying "lightly used" masks ...

I have a few I can get rid of cheap ... But I won't be home for about two weeks ...

What masks have you tried?

What was wrong with them?

This may help you atleast know approximately the size your after ...

Do you have a style preference? (full face, nasal, nasal pillows)

Mirrasi wrote:

Xney wrote:carrying 3 masks only is like a shoe store carrying 3 sizes.

What can you do if you are not using insurance? Where do you look? I had the same 3 masks at my doctor's office and not sure where to look for more.

There's used vendors online, or purchased-but-not-used. Unfortunately, I don't know where to try them on.

If you find the best DME in your area by reputation, you could ask them to try on some of their masks. Tell them you'll buy some supplies out of pocket from them in return. They might be pretty open to the idea.

DMEs usually work with insurance but they will also handle out of pocket.

Hi Thank you all for your helpful replies..so far I have tried the Phillips repironics easy life..that gave me a sore face. Im now trying another two. One is the swift nasal pillows and the other is the Resmed Mirage. They told me I dont need a full face mask as I am not a mouth breather. So far the mirage feels like it leaks alot no matter what I do and the nasal pillows just bug my nose to bits, I itch all night with them.

Daisy004 wrote:nasal pillows just bug my nose to bits, I itch all night with them

Maybe try a little more humidity setting.
Also try some Lansinoh ointment. Used by breast feeding moms to help with nipple discomfort. Found in the baby aisle at Walmart.
It makes a wonderful barrier and even helps with leaks. Just use a little though.

Which ResMed Mirage mask? There are several with "Mirage" in the name.

nasal pillows fit very differently depending on which one, I would try a different size and a different mask. New people tend to kind of stick them in too far.

Don't over tighten the nasal pillows. If it feels like it's pushing your nose up (piggy nose) loosen the straps.

The nasal mask is the Resmed Mirage FX and the nasal pillows are the Swift FX for her. Thank you so much for the tip of the lotion to buy in walmart, I will be near one tomorrow and make sure I buy some to try.

Daisy it would be really helpful if you would go to the profile area and add your equipment, mask etc. as text, not pic - then we would know what you're currently using.

It's such a shame the mask exchange program doesn't exist any longer

Cheers,
xena

this may be a really crazy idea but i was wondering if this group could put together a big box out of excess masks of all the people here that are no longer used. The box could be shipped to newbies so they could test a large number of them when they are first diagnosed rather than going through this hit or miss method ( it shouldn't be a big deal to decontaminate them both after and before each use).