ResMed Sizing templates

[cps22]

Can someone explain how the ResMed templates are supposed to work? They show images of fitting them below your nose, but they don't explain how to interpret the results. For example, with the F30i template (see image), should my nose be in the colored area around the cutouts, or should it fit within the cutout? There's a darker line in the center of the colored borders, and I -assumed- that was the ideal target. My nose fits almost exactly on the darker line of size small. The cutout for size medium fits exactly around my nose. What am I supposed to look for?


I just purchased the F30i mask in small (both frame and cushion). When I first put it on I was thrilled because it seemed perfect, but when I woke up the first morning, I had sore spots at the outer lower corners of my nose (on my face, not my nose). I loosened the top straps as much as possible without it slipping away from my nose, and the 2nd night was slightly better but there's still some irritation in those spots. I don't know if it's because I need a medium, or if it's a different fit issue. The small headgear fits me perfectly according to their images (and I have the N30i headgear in "standard", which is a little too large).

I'm getting extremely frustrated trying to find a mask that fits properly, and I'm out hundreds of dollars already trying different masks and sizes, since Medicare has already paid for my initial mask (P30i) and an exchange (Philips DreamWear FFM), so everything is now out of pocket. The supplier I purchased the F30i mask from does have a 30-day exchange, but I'm afraid to exchange it for a medium and have it leak because it's too large and wish I had the small one again. I could just buy a medium cushion, but that's another $50+ (but at least I'd have both). 

I've tried the Philips DreamWear FFM in both medium and small. The medium tends to leak a bit around the nose (I'm a side- and sometimes stomach-sleeper and it shifts a bit), so I bought a small cushion. But the small causes VERY painful spots on my upper lip below my nose. The medium irritates those spots too, but not quite as badly. I hoped the ResMed would be better.

I don't have very high CPAP pressure, it's fixed at 8. 

I've attached an image of the template to show the color bands around the cutouts if that's useful, and also a picture of a face showing where the masks hurt my face. The red dots are the F30i, and the blue dots are the DreamWear FFM.

[Crimson Nape]

The color bands indicate the size range for each mask. The tip of your nose should be within the colored area of the sizing chart. You may wish to explore the F&P line of masks. Their sealing design requires less pressure than other brands.

- Red

[cps22]

Thank you, that was what I originally thought. So with my nose being smack dab in the middle of the colored area, the small is correct for my nose according to the template. I'll continue to work with the one I have and see if some adjustments will relieve the pressure. 

My DME actually recommended the F&P Evora when it was evident that I needed a FFM, as he thought it would be a good fit for me. But I had already tried the ResMed N20 which fit great, didn't leak, and was very comfortable--but I absolutely couldn't stand having the hose come off my nose/mouth area. Aside from fighting with the hose as I turned over, the strong air flow from the vent drove me (or my husband) crazy, since on my side it was either blowing right on him, or on my hand/pillow. And on my stomach, it was shooting into the mattress, making a ton of noise. With the hose on top, the air that vents from the hose connection sometimes shoots into my pillow and makes noise, but I can swivel it around to fix that. That's how I ended up with the DreamWear instead. 

I'm actually somewhat disappointed in the F30i because the air that vents from the mask cushion is much more forceful than the air that vents from the DreamWear mask, and it's actually not a whole lot better than the N20 hose was. I don't think I'll be able to wear it while sleeping on my stomach, which I actually can do with the DreamWear. Maybe it's because the DreamWear mask vent holes are in the upper part of the mask just above my mouth, but in the F30i, they're at the bottom of the mask in the chin area.

[srlevine1]

You indicate you are on Medicare, so, depending on your DME provider, you could try a different mask every three months. Since masks, cushions (except for the foam-lined ones), and head straps will last longer than six months if properly maintained, you can continue exploring if necessary.

BTW, I used to fixate on the air escaping from my first mask. My doctor's assistant told me to drop a few drops of peppermint oil on a piece of cloth with a plastic backing and pin it to the pillow with a safety pin. I tried it for about a week, concentrating on the scent. After a while, I could not smell the scent and I found that the noise didn't bother me either. I was surprised. Since then, nothing bothers me. It might work or it might not. As for your husband, a nice shot of smooth whiskey, if medically approved.

Best.

[cps22]

According to the Medicare resupply guide my DME gave me, Medicare will pay for 3 full face or 6 nasal/pillow cushions every 90 days - but will only pay for headgear once every 6 months. I suppose I could get cushions for a different mask and just buy the headgear for it. But at this point, I have no idea what else to try. My 3-month cycle won't be up until after the first of next year, so I have some time yet to play around with what I have.  

Last night the F30i was comfortable and didn't hurt those spots around my nose, but every time I shifted my head to a different position, it would leak and I'd have to reposition it to stop the leak. Then I was fine until I shifted positions again. And it's still a problem with stomach-sleeping. I may have to try switching back to the DreamWear and see if I can get it adjusted better to resolve the pressure sore issue. 

My husband already uses the whiskey solution.    The noise isn't a problem for him since once he takes out his hearing aids, he doesn't hear anything. But a strong stream of air shooting at his head bothers him no matter how much whiskey he's had. Well, maybe if he had enough to pass out it wouldn't be a problem, but that wouldn't be a great solution either. 

The peppermint oil thing is interesting, I'll have to keep that in mind. I'm normally fine with the typical noise - it's only a problem when the vented air is shooting directly into something (pillow or mattress) and the sound gets amplified. Or when the air is bouncing back into my face - I hate hate hate having hair blowing on my face.

[gotaug]

I put tape over the holes in the face part of my mask, so that it only vents out of the elbow.  This solved the noise problem and having my humidifier tank getting emptied because of all the excessive venting.

You can wear the mask while you are awake, to verify that it is venting enough through the elbow to allow normal breathing.  You will use more air when you are awake, so this is a good way to test things like this and minimum pressure, etc.