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WHY SO DIFFICULT TO GET PROPER FIT?
WHEN I buy a new or used car, I get to test drive the sucker. Are there no providers who can do this?
It seems that comfort level for masks varies after just a few hours, so patients must wait weeks to replace, or longer if insurance balks at returning HW.
This site discusses so many variant of masks, and CPAPs, but not in MD's office, where s/b.
It seems that comfort level for masks varies after just a few hours, so patients must wait weeks to replace, or longer if insurance balks at returning HW.
This site discusses so many variant of masks, and CPAPs, but not in MD's office, where s/b.
Views: 277
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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My provider brought over loads of masks for me to try out. I finally found what I needed in the Respironics Fitife Total Face Mask. You need a provider with a libeal exchange policy- usually under thirty days and you can exchange it for a new mask. Talk to your equipment provider about their policy and about the problems you are having with the masks- they should be able to recommend something.
Good Luck.
Also OOP there is cpapauction, and cpap.com will exchange a mask within 30 days if you buy their insurance.
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Permalink Reply by betty m on
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hi mary; i have tried on every mask available with no luck! my face is small and just doesn't fit!! i tried the fitlife total mask last week and was so disappointed when the dme said no, it doesen't fit, that's all we have!! i am so upset and don't know where to go next!
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Permalink Reply by Karen Moore www.padacheek.com on
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Hello Betty,
There are smaller masks designed for children even that may work for you. Have you tried the Fisher Paykel 405, 406 or 407 or the Mirage Micro by ResMed or the Phillips Respironics Comfort Fusion or Comfort Select. I am assuming that you want a nasal type as opposed to a nasal pillows type. Perhaps you are using a full face mask. All the ones I mentioned there are nasal masks.
I wish you the best of luck in finding that golden mask. The mask is the key to great therapy.
Karen
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This is a great question, but I guess the easiest way to answer it would be a financial one. The only way I could see it is if you went to a sleep study and they were able to try 2 or 3 different masks while your there, in a hospital setting they would be able to steralize these masks after each usage.
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Permalink Reply by Gordon Osmond on
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Masks!!!!!!
Mine started to whistle last night. I was close to the edge of the bed. I rolled over to fix it, rolled out of bed, and broke a rib.
Woe is me!
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Permalink Reply by Heather on
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Have you tried the Activa mask? It is a nasal cushion, I too have a smallish face and after trying at least 8 masks, this one works!
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Permalink Reply by jim allAn on
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Hi! I to have tried many masks. But I still go back to the old "Adam Circuit" which is no longer made. I told my specialist that unless I got one I would not wear the mask. Instead I would make one myself. Guess what,,,,,,,,,He found a source.. I get my supplies and such through the VA, but if You pressure respronics hard enough they will cpme u[ with one.
The Adan Circuit is an old model which does not depend on the size or shape of your face to obtain a comfortable fit. Instead it relies on two soft nasal pillows which block your nose at the source. They also have a short part that fits into the nose. This is the secret of getting a good seal.
A lot of people say they are uncomfortable but I swear by them. What good is a comfortable mask if it leaks every time you move your head.
To make sure we can remain in contact I included my e-mal addy in the text of this message. redknight@frontier.com
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When I started out on the road to sound like Darth Vader when I sleep I was lucky enough to find a DME provider that has a liberal return policy on masks. They are out there but some times hard to find. My provider is more concerned about me receiving treatment than his pocket book. ( or so it seems.) There is always a way to get what you need. All you have to do is ask enough people and some one, some where will have that bit of information that will make all the difference in the world to you. Try a pediatric/respiratory therapist to find a source for smallish masks. Hang in there. I know it's more than frustrating. People care. we care.
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I certainly cannot speak from experience, but have you considered the underlying cause of your condition ?
My dentist, Dr. Liao of Fairfax VA pointed out my pronounced underbite and lack of space for my tongue.
Of course, I'm not really sure of your particular condition. Just brainstorming.
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The F&P HC 406 is the smallest, the HC 405 the largest of the FlexFit masks.
Fisher & Paykel, Resmed and Respironics all will replace FREE to local DME suppliers most any of their mask models that clients have tried and been unsuccessful w/IF the DME provider fills out a form and returns form and mask to the manufacturer W/IN 30 DAYS.
Is your local DME provider even doing a PROPER job of fitting you for a mask?? Do they provide a recliner, cot or bed for you to lay on, do they provide a CPAP set to your pressure or 10 cms whichever is higher for the fitting? Our facial tissue is subject to the law of gravity just like everything else. We need to lay down on our back and our sides whilst fitting our masks.
That being said you might want to consider the Respironics Simplicity simple nasal cushion. Or the Kidsta if your face really is so small. I've had good luck w/the ProBasicz Zzz-Mask Small full face mask. The headgear for both were too large but some folds in the straps held in place w/velcro until I knew I was going to keep the mask and then some scissors and velcro easily took care of that problem..
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Permalink Reply by Amy on
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I always let me patient try masks on when they are in the sleep lab, however I did work for a DME at one time and the fact is that you would not want a used mask when I delivered your CPAP and so it is difficult to keep trying out masks because there is a financial loss every time a new mask is opened. Also depending on your type of insurance, you might be limited to a certain brand or style of mask. This has to due with the insurance company and not the supplier or the sleep lab. If you have a good sleep doc or sleep lab they may let you try out a mask for a few days and then return it. But that is up to them. Again if the mask walks away it is a loss of revenenue for the doctor's office that will have to replace the missing mask.
The bad part of this is that these are businesses as well as taking care of people and the employees are responsible for the bottom line.
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My DME has brought me loads of masks to try. Hs said they are compensated when a customer tries a mask that doesn't work and is returned within 30 days. I don't know if they have to send the masks back to get new ones. He let me try on many at home while he was there and if they were uncomfortable, or leaks were too bad, he would pull out another one. This DME is a fairly large company. I finally found the mask that works for me on my own- the FitLife Total Face Mask- and bought the first one OOP. I tried ResMed, Respironics, and Fisher & Paykel masks.
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