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+--- Thread: mask frustration (/Thread-mask-frustration)
mask frustration - bigmichiganjim - 02-12-2017
At age, 72 and considerably overweight, I've been using a CPAP for 20+ years, with the exception of a few years where I lost about 100 lbs. From the very beginning, I had no problem and was grateful to finally get a good nights sleep. I'm on my third machine (fourth, if you count a loaner when i took a machine apart to change the noisy bearings.
Over the years, i've used several different mask. For the last 8 or 10 years it's the Resperonics comfort fusion. Unfortunately, this went out of production. I tried several masks suggested by my durable equipment supplier including the "eson" which they raved about. I didn't like it because my nose touched the inside. My nose and everything about me is big. (almost everything)
I've tried nasal pillow masks and can't stand anything touching my nostrils. After the comfort fusion became unavailable through my supplier, I found replacement cushions on the internet but of course, my insurance (Medicare supplement) won't pay for them. Currently, they're still available through an overstock supplier and I'd like to buy maybe a 3 or 4 dozen which will probably last me 10 or more years or until I croak.
Medicare will pay for a full mask (some other model) every 3 or 4 months at about $175 each. I have about 10 masks. Nothing ever goes wrong with the clear plastic part of the mask. Only the cushion needs replacement. The headgear is universal and probably covered by medicare through my durable supplier.
Does anyone have any experience trying to get medicare to pay for what is a more economical solution and works. Yeah, I know, dealing with the government and built in waste and inefficiency is par for the course.
RE: mask frustration - bigmichiganjim - 02-12-2017
I've found there is a "comfort gel" cushion insert that is interchangeable with the comfort fusion. It seems I tried gel masks awhile ago and they irritated my skin. Anyone have any experience with the comfort gel?
RE: mask frustration - Russatrice - 02-12-2017
Could you try the gel cushion with a mask liner? Look at the supplier list (link at the top of this page) at supplier 31, I think they might have what you need. This way the actual cushion part wouldn't touch your skin. I have recently started using my mask with a liner and find it much more comfortable. Best of luck to you!
RE: mask frustration - trish6hundred - 02-13-2017
Hi bigmichiganjim,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I
haven't had any experience with the Respironics mask you mentioned.
Hopefully, you can get your mask problem worked out and good luck to you as you continue your CPAP therapy, hang in there for more responses to your post.
RE: mask frustration - Ockrocket - 02-14-2017
Given that the Eson nose masks generally get good feedback (and I'm more than happy with mine).....
Dare I ask, did they give you the largest cushion they have available for the Eson mask?
There are three sizes, small/medium/large.. so don't give up on the Eson just yet, you may just need the large size cushion.
To make sure they are not "pulling the wool over your eyes" ask to see all three sizes side by side so you can compare and ensure the large size is actually a large.
RE: mask frustration - PsychoMike - 02-16-2017
Jim, I'm another with a big schnozz and I find that most nasal masks just aren't deep enough for my nose. If the one that worked for you is pretty much gone the way of the dodo, and you can't tolerate pillows, you may end up looking a full-face. I can use pretty much any interface (yeah, I know....I'm fortunate that way), but I tend not to go with nasal masks as with most I end up getting discomfort where my nose "bottoms out" in the mask...there are very few deep enough (they want to make them minimalist, and us big guys suffer as a result).
If you need to look at a full face, the ResMed F10 and F20 seem to have ample room for those of us with bigger noses.
RE: mask frustration - PaytonA - 02-16-2017
Yes the F20 does and so does the Mirage Quattro have enough room for big schnozzes.
Best Regards from an ex-Michigander
PaytonA