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need mask suggestions
My husband finally got a cpap. He has a comfort gel nasal mask and it isn't working for him. The chinstrap just isn't keeping his mouth closed enough. He has tried my hybrid (it came with bigger sizes that I don't use that fit him). It almost works, but he still has leaking issues. He has an appointment to get a new mask on Tuesday. I'm looking for suggestions. He isn't a terribly active sleeper, but does move some. He has facial hair and a biggish face.
So far, he tries to use it a little each night, but doesn't last long. While he uses his machine, it does seem to help. He even seems to snore less after he takes it off. We just need to find the right mask so he can use it all night. Any help will be appreciated - after all, you all helped me so much when I was getting started!
Views: 487
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Noah Calderon on
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He can try taping his mouth. I did that for nearly a year, but it is a bit uncomfortable and probably not too safe. Out of the many masks I have used, I have got the best results from the Resmed Liberty hybrid--although it has its shortfalls. There are leaks through the nose pillows. And it is very cheaply made. It breaks easily.
I don't know. I wish I had the perfect mask. Is it out there? I sure havn't found it after 3 years of being on the cpap and trying 6-7 different mask setups. I guess it is all part of the struggle.
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Dr Jones:
We have tried to gain access to that product, but the manufacturer wanted us to pay retail pricing for it unless we bought several dozen units sight unseen. And we were a 12 research bed lab putting out 75 PAPS a month! The product was intriguing, but their management was short-sighted.
Rock C.
Mack D Jones, MD, SAAN said:Has anyone tried "No-Mask," the one that fits into the roof of the mouth and holds nasal pillows? Facial hair should be no problem. It looks like a clever idea, but I've never gotten any feedback from anyone who has ever used it. The doc who invented it (for himself, initially) has a website.
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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I can lay on my side with the FitLife Total Face Mask. In fact I am a side sleepeer.
Ginny Edmundson said:Mary, Can you lay on your side with this one? Thanx!
Mary Z said:I use the Respironics FitLife Total Face Mask (not the one size fits all) because it does not touch the bridge of my nose. It is a large mask, fits above the eyebrows to the middle of the chin. I don't know how it would be with facial hair. Good luck finding the right mask. I tried a bunch before this one.
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Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Donaldson on
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I went over to the full face mask. No chin strap needed, very comfortable and minimal leakage. After 15 years on a nose mask and chin strap, it was the best thing I did. I shouldn't have waited so long.
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Permalink Reply by Ginny Edmundson on
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Does it dry your eyes out, Mary?
Mary Z said:
I can lay on my side with the FitLife Total Face Mask. In fact I am a side sleepeer.
Ginny Edmundson said:Mary, Can you lay on your side with this one? Thanx!
Mary Z said:I use the Respironics FitLife Total Face Mask (not the one size fits all) because it does not touch the bridge of my nose. It is a large mask, fits above the eyebrows to the middle of the chin. I don't know how it would be with facial hair. Good luck finding the right mask. I tried a bunch before this one.
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Ginny, the mask doesn't dry my eyes out at all, but I've never had that trouble with a mask leaking into my eyes before. The air space is so large I can barely feel the pressure and it's not blowing into my eyes. My pressure is only 8.6, but I've used it at higher pressures and never had any trouble.
Ginny Edmundson said:Does it dry your eyes out, Mary?
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I may check this one out!
Mary Z said:
Ginny, the mask doesn't dry my eyes out at all, but I've never had that trouble with a mask leaking into my eyes before. The air space is so large I can barely feel the pressure and it's not blowing into my eyes. My pressure is only 8.6, but I've used it at higher pressures and never had any trouble.
Ginny Edmundson said:Does it dry your eyes out, Mary?
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Well, last night he had his mask on longer than the other masks. At one point, he felt really dry, despite the humidifier set at 3. He took his mask off for a bit, then put it back on and turned the humidifier up to 4. He says it then felt a little too humid, but at least that was better. Any suggestions for him to get the right humidity? It seems right now he needs a 3.5, which of course isn't an option. (personally, I am fine at 2 or 3 and think he will eventually adjust)
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I find if I am having any mask leaks my mouth/throat are very dry no matter what setting. And the chamber will be almost empty in the AM.
Brandy Winteler said:
Well, last night he had his mask on longer than the other masks. At one point, he felt really dry, despite the humidifier set at 3. He took his mask off for a bit, then put it back on and turned the humidifier up to 4. He says it then felt a little too humid, but at least that was better. Any suggestions for him to get the right humidity? It seems right now he needs a 3.5, which of course isn't an option. (personally, I am fine at 2 or 3 and think he will eventually adjust)
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I spoke with the physician who invented the NoMask about three years ago at a trade show and he stated that the bite block that comes with the unit isn't the best quality and he actually uses a custom made tray from his dentist which runs about $300-400 (not covered by insurance). I tried two or three of these on pts. and had little success, the bite block (which the pt. molds at home themselves) is very temperamental. Hope that helps!
Rock Conner said:
Dr Jones:
We have tried to gain access to that product, but the manufacturer wanted us to pay retail pricing for it unless we bought several dozen units sight unseen. And we were a 12 research bed lab putting out 75 PAPS a month! The product was intriguing, but their management was short-sighted.
Rock C.
Mack D Jones, MD, SAAN said:Has anyone tried "No-Mask," the one that fits into the roof of the mouth and holds nasal pillows? Facial hair should be no problem. It looks like a clever idea, but I've never gotten any feedback from anyone who has ever used it. The doc who invented it (for himself, initially) has a website.
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I have a resmed nasal mask I have pressure rating of 20 for 3 years. I found that removing oil from my face before works great.it does take time to find the right mask. Everybody here seems to have good suggestions.stick with it yogu'll find something
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I'm sure he will. I got lucky and got the right mask on my second try. I'm actually thinking about trying just nasal pillows now that I am used to keeping my mouth shut. If they don't work, I can always go back to the hybrid. I'm hoping that DH has the luck I did and now has the right mask. If not, well, we'll try another until we get it right.
scott d poort said:
I have a resmed nasal mask I have pressure rating of 20 for 3 years. I found that removing oil from my face before works great.it does take time to find the right mask. Everybody here seems to have good suggestions.stick with it yogu'll find something
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