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claustrophobic - Which mask? - skunumber - 11-03-2015

Hi Folks,

I have been diagnost with severe sleep apena and I have to use CPAP machine. No other option will work at this point. My index is 101. However I am very claustrophobic and hate having anything around my nose and mouth. When i went for sleep study I tried nose only mask and it seemed to be OK. Does anyone in my situation have any suggestion. I am going got mask tryout sometimes next week so I am not sure what machine I will get but if you can recommend what mask to get, it will help me make a choice.

Thanks




RE: claustrophobic - Which mask? - zonk - 11-03-2015

Hi skunumber and welcome
Mask is hard to recommend as everyone is different but folks around here are nuts about ResMed P10 nasal pillows.
In general nasal pillows are light and doesn't cover the face
Here is a guide may helps choosing the right machine http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=Machine_choices

Good luck





RE: claustrophobic - Which mask? - AshSF - 11-03-2015

I would second zonk's suggestion of Resmed P10 nasal pillows mask. It's the mask with least contact area and least no. of moving parts.

Ultimately, everyone finally comes to the P10 on their Cpap journey. Why prolong the journey when you can reach the destination straight away.

The resmed P10....Because 'Resistance is futile!'



RE: claustrophobic - Which mask? - pholynyk - 11-03-2015

I think I was given a P10 during my titration study and found something digging into my upper lip; most uncomfortable!
I have been using an AirFit N10 nasal mask and a Wisp nasal mask much more successfully. Neither has a forehead brace, so the view is unobstructed.

Lots of choices out there, you may have to try a few before you settle on something.


RE: claustrophobic - Which mask? - Jim Bronson - 11-03-2015

I'm in a different camp. I don't like anything pushing against my nostrils, but I'm ok with a nasal mask. Perhaps someday I'll try the P10 longer and see if I can get used to it.


RE: claustrophobic - Which mask? - SideSleeper - 11-03-2015

I have the smallest mask available, I think, and love it. It is the Respironics DreamWear. I think it is OK to post the link, below, since they don't sell anything--the picture on this webpage is a man wearing it. I had the fairly small Wisp, but didn't like the straps on my head.
http://www.dreammapper.com/


RE: claustrophobic - Which mask? - PaulaO2 - 11-03-2015

You may find nasal pillows to be more claustrophobic over time. If it is smothering that bothers you, you may prefer a full face mask. If it is minimalistic contact you need, then nasal pillows are the way to go. I find my full face mask to be less confining than my nasal pillows. It feels more open. I often felt smothered with the nasal pillows and would have to pull it way from my face to get a breath. I knew I was not suffocating, but that is what it felt like in my head. Your machine should come with some sort of exhale relief settings. When you are trying out masks, you may have to change that, too, especially with nasal pillows.

Contrary to the suggestions above, try as many masks as you can. Not just one particular one because the DME (supplier) says they "sell more of these". Maybe they sell more because that's what they keep pushing. Maybe they keep pushing it because it is the one with the biggest profit margin. Be proactive in this endeavor.


RE: claustrophobic - Which mask? - trish6hundred - 11-03-2015

Hi skunumber,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
You might have to try quite a few masks before you find the one that works for you, so don’t be shy about asking to try as many as you need.
Hang in there for more responses to your post and much success to you as you start your CPAP therapy.


RE: claustrophobic - Which mask? - Ghost1958 - 11-04-2015

Nuance pillows, Eason nasal mask, Simplus FFM. FITLIFE total face
One of those should fill the bill.