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+--- Thread: Mask? (/Thread-Mask)
Mask? - BryanB - 02-14-2013
Well, based on the advice of the forum, I have purchased a used ResMed S9 AutoSet, with humidifier. It did come with a new Mirage FX nasal mask, however, I am a mouth breather. When I did a sleep study years ago, I know they tried the nasal mask on me, and basically, it just kept making me want to open my mouth. Not sure if the chin strap would work or not, also, for whatever reason, I have a really 'dominant' side to my nose, that I can breathe through normally, and the other side, does not pass much air through, odd thing is, it switches on its own, its not just one side or the other. Anyway, I am thinking the nasal mask is probably not the way to go, the one sleep study I did finish, we ended up using a full face mask.
So, in choosing a full face mask, what suggestions are there? Also, i do have a mustache and goatee, will this affect the seal? I believe I may have only had a mustache at the time that I did my original sleep study. I was reading, that the AutoSet, will only work with 'certain' masks as well, or it can affect the way the machine works?
Also, any settings that I should start with when I do have a mask that I think will work? Unfortunately, I did 2 sleep studies 8+ years ago, and the insurance wouldnt pay for a machine, the first study, my dr cannot find the paperwork from it, the second, he has the first night, which they did say I had OSA, but, I was supposed to go back for a second night so they could do the CPAP and settings, and never managed to get done. So I have no idea anything beyond that they determined I had OSA.
Thanks for any help you can give.
Bryan
RE: Mask? - PaulaO2 - 02-14-2013
There is a setting to tell it the type of mask you have as in nasal, pillows, or full face. Make sure that setting is correct. It helps with determining leak rate and other stuff.
As far as mask, it is such a personal thing. I know a lot of folks here love the Quattro and the Quattro FX.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=Mask_types#Full_Face_Masks
RE: Mask? - zimlich - 02-14-2013
I don't know how well they work, but dive shops sell sealant for use with mustaches and diving masks. Don't know about the goatee. I have heard from men who have facial hair that it did not interfere with mask sealing. Good luck.
Mary
RE: Mask? - Bompa - 02-15-2013
I too am (was) a mouth breather. I used a chin restraint for a couple of months and now I can sleep wothout it, and as my wife says, "I know know how to keep my mouth shut!"
RE: Mask? - aehjr - 02-15-2013
I trim my mustache and goatee (#2 setting on my trimmer) weekly and don't have a problem with leaks. The sleep tech during my last sleep study indicated he used the same approach and had no leaks as long as he kept it short.