Mask #4

How many masks did you try before getting the right fit? I'm on mask #4 myself. This last one I bought online myself.

I started out with a ResMed AirFit P10 and it basically worked except it would not stay on my head, and I had issues with opening my mouth. I tried a Mirage Quattro, AirFit F20, Mirage FX, and F&P Brevida. I could not get the full face masks to work for me due to discomfort and leaks. The Mirage FX seemed to have the disadvantages of the FF leaks and a nasal mask with mouth leaks. The Brevida was not too bad but irritated my nose. So, I have come full circle and so far the AirFit P10 has been the best mask for me. That makes 5 tried.

I started with the Dreamwear nasal and loved it. I like the tubing on top of my head and I can wear glasses to read in bed. Then I started opening my mouth and getting a dry throat. I received the Dreamwear nasal with mouth piece. Did not work, leaked awful around my mouth. The sleep clinic then suggested I try a full face mask and I got the F&P simplus. This mask is scary looking, but I tried it. Oh boy, major leaks down my neck and the pressure out the mask blew air in my eyes. I also got blister Mark's on my nose. Did my research and found people suggesting to use liners. Bought the Snugz brand liner and it seemed to help the leaking, but my mask seal report kept saying poor fit and leakage. At that point I read more and people suggested a chin strap. So I bought one. Seemed to help but the Mark's on my nose and mask restrictions made me crazy! More research and find lots recommending the Phillip's Amara view half mask. Ok, looks promising so I buy one online, sick of going to sleep clinic. Tried with chin strap and woke up leaking around my chin last night, first night on. Will give another go tonight without chin strap. So I'm using the original nasal mask with the chin strap and it seems to work out. I'm frustrated and feeling like a science experiment. Called the sleep clinic to return the full mask and they tell me I can exchange but not return. Oh boy! Another trip to the sleep clinic. Will it ever end???

I'm looking at 2 more options, the Dreamwear nasal pillow option with my chin strap or the Quattro Fx for her face mask. Last night the chin strap let me open my mouth somehow so I'm rethinking a mask made for women.

I wouldn't be leaping into the Quattro FX too quickly. Given the masks you've tried it is unlikely to fit any better. The Quattro FX is very prone to leak into the eyes and they are also very flimsy. Don't be fooled by ResMed's claims about the Quattro FX for her being especially made for women either. It's just the same as the standard Quattro FX with a pink strap.

When you adjust the Amara View there are a couple of things which may be helpful to remember. 1 - Keep it nice and snug up under your nose. 2 - it often fits better when a the top straps are a little looser allowing it to flex a little.

More research and I've stumbled upon the Airfit 20 with optional memory foam cushion. Seems to have a lot of good reviews so far. I have an appointment Friday with the sleep center. I'll see if they carry this model.

I had my appointment today and the had the Airfit 20. I saw the memory foam option but decided to try the silicon mask first. The memory foam mask can't be washed. I ended up being a size medium not the small I usually get. They even gave me the quiet filter elbow. Tonight will be the true test. I wanted to try the Airfit 30 hybrid but it's so new it wasn't in stock. Maybe in the future I'll pick one up.

Night one and I did experience leaking in the chin area. The mask is lightweight and feels comfortable on my face. No nose irritation yet. I find that all my masks, I'm on #5, have had the chin leak problem. I watched a few videos and found one solution to chin leak is to wear a mouth guard to keep the chin from dropping in sleep. I ordered one online that was highly recommended by a sleep tech on a video. Only cost me $13.89. Since I already use a cheap guard for teeth grinding figure it can't hurt me any. I've even located 2 dentists that treat sleep apnea for some more options. Wish me luck. Lol

Ok, so few days in now wearing mask #5, Airfit 20 and I'm doing ok. I have to wear a Snugz liner over my mask to keep it from leaking and waking me up. I hate air blowing down my neck! Only problem now is I'm getting a really red nose rash were the liner goes over my nose. Hurts all day, especially since I wear glasses for work. So I ordered a hybrid mask I've had my eye on, the Airfit 30 that goes under my nose. I didn't want to wait for my sleep center to get one in stock so just bought it online. On to mask number 6...

I can't stand the chin strap, hate it! I am going to try the mouth taping this weekend.

Another awful sleep night. The hybrid mask leaked and woke me up several times. I was desperate so I put the full mask back on. Nose is killing me! I'm giving my face a rest by wearing the Dreamwear with nasal prong option and the stupid chin strap. Haven't got the tape yet. Hubby offered me duct tape, no thanks. Six masks tried at this point. I just want to sleep!!

So 1st night with Dreamwear nasal prong and chin strap worked well. Slept like I haven't slept in months. Day 2 and my nasal hurts really bad. Got the mouthpiece so will try mouth piece with mouth tape and Airfit30 tonight. Hoping...

Mouth tape worked with Airfit 30 hybrid mask. Got over 11 hours sleep last night. Mask shifted a little but was able to turn on my side and use the pillow to correct it. Only store spot was on my upper lip as I removed the tape. But I'm determined to learn tricks to make it work.

So the tape over my mouth is making a difference in the quality of sleep I've been getting. I'm still fighting with the mask a little at night. I seem to notice it in the early morning about an hour before I wake. I'm thinking of taping the mask to my face just under the chin where it tends to leak. So far I just shove my blanket up to it or flip on my side and use the pillow.

The mouth guard didn't make it past the boiling step, it melted together. I'd still like to try that option too.

So mask #6 may be the one for me. Time will tell.

Have you tried the combination of the Dreamwear Gel Nasal Pillows and mouth taping? I have found that it takes a while for the nose to become used to the nasal pillow contact. And if the the nasal pillow size is too small it goes too far into the nose and can cause significant irritation. When they are well fitted they sit more on the opening of the nasal passages rather than inside. I have also found that if I use an over the counter 1% hydrocortisone cream on the exterior edge of the nasal passages in the AM when I get up, it helps to address the irritation. After a week or two the cream is no longer needed, and should not be used long term in any case. It also does not hurt to have another mask (and it sounds like you now have a few!) to use for a night or so to give your nose a break. But with the right size nasal pillows you should become used to it.

I didn't like the nasal pillow because it hurt my nose after using 2 nights. I think I'll continue to mouth tape and use the A30 in combination with the A20 if needed. I really like the hybrid mask because I like to read in bed then fall asleep with mask already on. I just need to keep my darn mouth from moving so much in my sleep, I grind at night. I'm pretty sure that's what's causing the mask to slip at the chin.