[Equipment] trying out different masks

[sleepybeagle]

Hello!
New to cpap and apnea board. been using my cpap for 17 days now. have a nasal pillow mask and think it's going pretty well, but would like to try out other masks and types. How do i go about doing that? i see many websites selling masks, but how do you know what to pick? i want a place i can go to and try them on before i buy. i was thinking there would be a medical supply store where i could go, but no luck in finding one. With masks being so $$$, i can't imagine ordering a bunch and then not liking them and being stuck with them.

i go back for my 30-days check-up with my sleep doctor soon and I know he has masks, but only a few.

just wondering what everyone else does.
Thanks!

[brianwood619]

I use a Fischer and Pakel Simplus mask, very soft deal around my face, minimal leaks. I use a full face mask because my mouth opens when I lay on my back and I really hate nasal masks.

[JimZZZ]

I use a Fischer and Pakel Simplus mask, very soft deal around my face, minimal leaks. I use a full face mask because my mouth opens when I lay on my back and I really hate nasal masks.

My experience is exactly the same as brianwood610 except I wear a chinstrap with my Simplus to discourage myself from swallowing air (aerophagia). I hate nasal masks because anything near my nose gives me a claustrophobic sensation. The Simplus is nice and roomy inside which I like.

[justMongo]

Hello!
New to cpap and apnea board. been using my cpap for 17 days now. have a nasal pillow mask and think it's going pretty well, but would like to try out other masks and types. How do i go about doing that? i see many websites selling masks, but how do you know what to pick? i want a place i can go to and try them on before i buy. i was thinking there would be a medical supply store where i could go, but no luck in finding one. With masks being so $$$, i can't imagine ordering a bunch and then not liking them and being stuck with them.

i go back for my 30-days check-up with my sleep doctor soon and I know he has masks, but only a few.

just wondering what everyone else does.
Thanks!

Is your pressure really 4? You could use just about any mask and get a seal at 4 cm-H2O.

Don't know where you're located; but the larger DMEs often have a variety of masks that you can at least try in their office.

But, the real test is in-situ at your home.

[trish6hundred]

Hi sleepybeagle,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more suggestions and best of luck to you with your CPAP therapy.

[herbm]

If you are able to easily breath through your nose, and you are able to keep your mouth closed (i.e., prevent excessive leaks even if you must wear a chinstrap), and you have a comfortable nasal pillow mask then STOP.

You don't need to try a different type.

If you meet these criteria then likely that is the most comfortable mask you will find.

If you like you nasal pillow mask, then DO consider trying a Resmed Airfit P10 nasal pillow mask -- there's one more caveat for THIS mask:

The headgear must be a good fit for you since it is only minimally adjustable -- BUT it is the lightest and quietest mask with the best exhaust (almost unnoticeable) IF you can use it.

Almost every who tries it (and CAN use it) says it's the best they have tried.

If you aren't one of the lucky ones with a head that fits the headgear on the Airfit P10, then consider trying the F & P Pilairo Q. (there is an older version but it doesn't have a 'Q').

[PaytonA]

The headgear must be a good fit for you since it is only minimally adjustable -- BUT it is the lightest and quietest mask with the best exhaust (almost unnoticeable) IF you can use it.

The F&P Zest Q nasal mask has a very quiet and almost unnoticeable exhaust too. The mask is comfortable, light, and seals easily. The only reason I could not use it was because I could not stop the leaks through my mouth even with a chin strap.

Best Regards,

PayotnA

[herbm]

Payton,

How to the F&P Pilairo Q and the F&P Zest Q compare or relate? What's the difference? Is the Zest also a nasal pillow mask?

[PaytonA]

Herb,

The F&P Zest Q is a regular nasal mask ie. a normal mask that covers only the nose. It covers from the upper lip to the bridge of the nose and the base of the nose from side to side.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

[PaulaO2]

Hello!
New to cpap and apnea board. been using my cpap for 17 days now. have a nasal pillow mask and think it's going pretty well, but would like to try out other masks and types. How do i go about doing that? i see many websites selling masks, but how do you know what to pick? i want a place i can go to and try them on before i buy. i was thinking there would be a medical supply store where i could go, but no luck in finding one. With masks being so $$$, i can't imagine ordering a bunch and then not liking them and being stuck with them.

i go back for my 30-days check-up with my sleep doctor soon and I know he has masks, but only a few.

just wondering what everyone else does.
Thanks!

Check the yellow pages for oxygen or nebulizer suppliers. Or call the doc office and ask them who they recommend. A DME is a Distributor of Medical Equipment, usually reusable equipment such as CPAP stuff, wheelchairs, and the like. You can also try just Google your town's name and CPAP or sleep apnea to see what comes up.

After you find someone (hopefully more than one), you ask them what their mask trial policy is. Most allow you to try a mask at home for a while, usually a week or so, then you return it and try another.

Nasal pillows are the most simplistic and light weight. In terms of those, you have one of the best available. You might like the Swift LT.

Nasal masks can be a little harder to fit without trying one on first. If you end up ordering one online, make sure it has several sizes of cushions in the box.

Full face masks are for those who breathe with their mouth open at night.