Struggling to find a good mask

[airoutlaw]

I am really struggling to find a good mask.

I have tried both Simplex and Resmed full face masks in different sizes. The problem with these is while they seal great at the start of the night, about half way through they start leaking and I have to adjust the straps to be super tight resulting in pain at the pressure points on my face. I tried mask liners which did not seem to make much difference.



I have also been trying the swift FX nasal pillow masks - I was finally able to use this after discovering Lanisoh to stop painful rubbing on my nostrils - the problem here is I get an extremely dry mouth. Even with a chinstrap and the humidifier cranked up.


I'm really upset and not sure what to try next. I have not found a mask set up that just let me sleep through the night..

I have been at this for about 60 days now.


Any suggestions welcome!

[Ron AKA]

I'm new at this and have only tried one mask, the ResMed AirFit P10. So take this for what it is worth... I was very skeptical that it would work for me as I know I mouth breath. However, it is working quite well, and I now can say it is fairly comfortable after just over a week of use. ResMed claim it is an improvement over the FX based on a study in Australia... Perhaps marketing. 

I have found some nasal irritation, but have been using a 1% Hydrocortisone cream. You can find it at the drugstore in the umm, ahhh, feminine section of the store. 

Some info on the mask.

ResMed AirFit P10

[mdhampton]

Same here. I've been using the Mirage Quattro for 15+ years, but disliked the forehead support and it would occasionally turn my nose bridge into a big sore (especially when replacing headgear with new, tended to get it too tight). I'm currently trying Amara View; Started with medium and went to large to try and alleviate nose pain. Seems to leak more, but not sure (changed mask and machine at same time, old machine was 15+ years old).

[gwc2795]

I have the Resmed F20 It seems to keep a seal all night. I wear dentures and the mask puts too much pressure on my gums which is painful. https://www.resmed.com/us/en/healthcare-...t-f20.html
I am looking at the Aspen FFM http://innomedinc.com/aspen/
It fits under the chin and would not put pressure on my gums and since I am a mouth breather it should help keep my mouth closed and prevent the dry mouth. The aspen is less than $100.

[sonicboom]

Try the Brevida. It is a pillows mask but the material is less irritating than the P10s. I have used both extensively. I have no irritation issues. Additionally, the Brevida headgear is easily adjustable and because it seals around the nose the potential for leaks is reduced if you toss and turn in the night.

[Crimson Nape]

I use both the P10 and the Brevida and love them both. Besides sealing at the nasal end, the Brevida seems to grab the outside of the nose as well. If I turn off the CPAP and remove the headgear on the P10, it will fall off. Doing the same with the Brevida requires me to almost peel it off my nose.

[Ron AKA]

I use both the P10 and the Brevida and love them both.  Besides sealing at the nasal end, the Brevida seems to grab the outside of the nose as well.  If I turn off the CPAP and remove the headgear on the P10, it will fall off.  Doing the same with the Brevida requires me to almost peel it off my nose.

I was looking at getting a different mask for my wife to try and am interesting in how you think the P10 and Brevida compare. Is there any difference in noise level? That is my interest! Is there any difference in how high a pressure they can handle without leaking? Her current FX Mirage has leak issues, especially with pressures in the 15 cm or higher range. And her main complaint with the FX is that when she wears it tight enough to stop leaks it leaves quite long lasting marks on her face. How does the P10 and Brevida compare in these aspects of mask function and comfort?

[Gideon]

An older mask, Try the Mirage Activa, a nasal mask that is designed for an active sleeper.  It is worn VERY loosely.  It has a "bellows" that the is between the sealing part of the mask and the hard part or frame of the mask.  The Air Pressure actually pushes the mask into your face and the frame actually floats on a cushion of air and can actually be skewed quite a bit and still easily maintain a seal.  

This was my goto mask for about 10 years.  It's only con is that it is a bit bulkier, larger than modern nasal masks.

Fred

[Crimson Nape]

I use both the P10 and the Brevida and love them both.  Besides sealing at the nasal end, the Brevida seems to grab the outside of the nose as well.  If I turn off the CPAP and remove the headgear on the P10, it will fall off.  Doing the same with the Brevida requires me to almost peel it off my nose.

I was looking at getting a different mask for my wife to try and am interesting in how you think the P10 and Brevida compare. Is there any difference in noise level? That is my interest! Is there any difference in how high a pressure they can handle without leaking? Her current FX Mirage has leak issues, especially with pressures in the 15 cm or higher range. And her main complaint with the FX is that when she wears it tight enough to stop leaks it leaves quite long lasting marks on her face. How does the P10 and Brevida compare in these aspects of mask function and comfort?

To me, both are equally quiet and comfortable. Pressure as high as 18cm has not been a problem with either mask. Based on the way the Brevida uses air pressure to aid in sealing, I believe it may have a slight advantage. The last statement is just speculation on my part.

[Ron AKA]

Thanks for the comments. I can get the Brevida Fit Pack with the two sizes for $115 Cdn, and the P10 Fit Pack for $97. I will let her try my P10 for an afternoon nap and see how it works first. Then I will probably order one or the other.