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+--- Thread: Help finding the right mask (/Thread-Help-finding-the-right-mask)
Help finding the right mask - lilylady9504 - 02-27-2020
Im about 4 months into my sleep apnea machine. I've tried several masks and I'm not having much luck. Hoping someone can help point me in the right direction. Here are the masks I've tried:
I started with the Mojo full face mask. I tried Med and Large. It was comfortable, but gave me anxiety at night and because I'm a heavy drooler, the seal kept breaking all night. Plus it pushed back my jaw, making it sore in the morning.
Next I tried the ResMed Quattro FX. It was more comfortable, but again my drooling kept breaking the seal. I cut some cloth to fit under the mask seal to try and absorb the drool, but it didnt work at all.
Then I tried the Nuance Pro gel pillow. It wouldn't seal and was noisy.
Then I tried the AirFit N30i. Really like this one. Comfortable, didn't give me anxiety, the hose at the top of the head gear was awesome. Thought this was the one. But about 3 nights into using it, I started to get a chapped nose. At first it wasn't bad. Then one morning I woke up to a horribly chapped skin around my nose that was oozing and bleeding. I then turned off the humidifier thinking that was the problem but it persisted.
So next I ordered the AirFit P30i. Thought with the nasal part going into my nose, the chapped skin problem would be solved. No, and it got worse. So I bought a tube cover to try and reduce condensation. No luck there either.
Now I've resorted to using my cpap for 2-3 nights, then not using it for 3-4 to heal my chapped nose. I don't have insurance so I'm paying out of pocket for all these masks. I use supplier#30 and while having the option to buy my supplies is great, I'm about to max out my credit card with all these masks. Please someone tell me that I have other options! Between the heavy drooling and my chapped nose, I don't know where to go from here. Thanks for any suggestions ?
RE: Help finding the right mask - harrywr2 - 02-27-2020
Lanolin 'nursing mothers' nipple cream works well to prevent chapped nose, also helps with sealing.
RE: Help finding the right mask - sonicboom - 02-27-2020
If you like the theory of nasal pillows you might try the Brevida. Its comfortable and uses soft silicone which should be a lot easier on your nose. I have had no issues with it. It comes in 2 sizes. Extra Small-Small and Medium-Large.
RE: Help finding the right mask - lilylady9504 - 02-27-2020
Thanks, but I forgot to mention that I tried lanolin cream with no improvement.
Thanks, I will look into the Brevida mask.
RE: Help finding the right mask - sonicboom - 02-28-2020
Some people use Ayr Nasal Gel to relieve tender noses but you might find the Brevida just what the doctor ordered without any creams or gels. Others in the forum like it as well.
RE: Help finding the right mask - melodyknit0375 - 03-03-2020
I primarily use the N30i and occasionally have the chapping issue. I find a good wash of the face before bed, plus a little moisturizer (I have a Mary Kay naturally stick that’s like lip balm, though I have also used cera vie) takes care of that, I just wash my cushion real good every morning.
RE: Help finding the right mask - sleepyp - 03-04-2020
Oozing and bleeding doesn't sound good.
Obviously, it shouldn't be doing that. Do you have a silicon allergy? Is it possible that the mask is getting tugged/pulled in some way during the night?
Irritation and redness can/does happen, but bleeding and oozing shouldn't.
RE: Help finding the right mask - lilylady9504 - 03-05-2020
I never thought about an silicon allergy. I suppose its possible. But then why don't other parts of my face break out??? Def something to look into though. Thanks for the suggestion!