[Equipment] Recently Diagnosed - Mask Woes

[DiscipleGeek]

I was diagnosed and prescribed a CPAP machine over a month ago. Due to my terrible insurance, I opted to buy my machine and equipment outright. The Lincare tech was amiable and said she was willing to help me find the mask I needed. While I felt very unsure about all this, the prospect of having a good nights sleep for a change was something to look forward to.

The tech first put me in an AirTouch F20 Memory Foam Mask. I wore that for a couple of days but it would pinch my nose closed just below the bridge and made me purse my lips.  It was very uncomfortable. It was a medium, and I've been told I have a large head, so I figured I just needed a large mask.  

It took a couple of days to get the Lincare tech to call me back, but I managed to get with them the next week. I told the tech all this. I also asked if she had something I could wear with my glasses since I'm absolutely blind without them and I like to read in bed. 

So she put me in an F&P Evora Full Face Mask. 

I joked that she's probably going to get sick of seeing me and she tells me she wouldn't and she'd be happy to keep helping me until we found one that works.

I liked the way this felt at first. The first morning, however, I noticed the tip of my nose was hurting.  I figured maybe I had it on too tight.  Adjusted the next night. Nope.  Maybe it had been too loose?  Nope. Still pain. I tried various ways of adjusting the mask and FINALLY found one that was pretty close to pain-free, (making the bottom strap REALLY tight so it pulls the mask lower and keeps it against my face) but after a couple of nights of that, the tip of my nose was killing me still.  When I stop wearing it, it stops hurting.

I called Lincare and the tech told me she couldn't help me anymore and it would be cheaper if I just bought one from Amazon. She said that since I'd bought it outright, they could only swap the mask out once.

So now I don't know what to do. Obviously, Lincare doesn't care and now I'm on my own. 

I just want to find something that will work with my face -- I just want to sleep.

Do any of y'all have any recommendations on how to find a good mask fit that won't break my bank? 

Thanks in advance...

[staceyburke]

The smaller the mask the less leakage and easier to wear. A nasal mask is the one most people use. It is best if you can wear one if you are NOT a mouth breather.

You can search on YouTube for mask reviews that can help.

Her is one link to get you started.

https://youtu.be/8RLjO1t-Qg8

[Big Guy]

Finding a mask that will serve you well, is going to be hit & miss. I liked the AirFit F20. I'm a mouth breather and it performed well for me. I also tried the AirFit F30, and it too, worked well. 

Both of mine were 100% covered by my insurance, as well as my machine and all the stuff that came with it. 

[gainerfull]

Why did they swap you to a Evora instead of just giving you a large pillow for the f20? You may also try the f20 pillow that's silicone as an alternative.