How to find new mask

When I got my latest CPAP machine a couple of months ago, I walked out of the provider with nose pillows because I told her that's what I used last time. I had used a CPAP several years ago, not consistently or long enough to do me any good. Now I have a new attitude and I am going to make it work. The latest nose pillows are not working, too many leaks. I dug out an old nose mask and have been using it but I know I can do better. But I don't know how to proceed. I know a lot of it depends on my insurance. But I doubt if they are going to be too generous.

Should I go back to my provider and try more masks? Their selection was not that extensive. Or am I going to be forced to order on line and rely on advertisements? I did see something on Facebook yesterday but I did not do any extensive reading. And now I can't find it, but I think it said something about not touching the face. That hardly seems possible, but I am afraid I'm going to be taken in by one of those claims and not be able to get my money back. I can't afford to do that too many times. If I order on line, are those products returnable for a refund? I think they all say that, but I am skeptical. With all the different masks around, I can see where this could potentially be an expensive experiment.

What are some good on line sources? Thanks for your help.

http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=Mask_Primer The Mask Primer is a great resource for all things mask

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-CPAP-Supplier-List a list of online suppliers. CPAP.com and others have Return insurance

Order from Amazon as parts to get around the stupid US requirement of a whole mask requiring a prescription.

Wednesday (I think) Download OSCAR (It will be in the banner on Apneaboard.com and in a post here) to help with your evaluation of your therapy. SleepyHead also works

Masks are difficult to fit and select. Your best bet if it is a reasonable cost is to try masks from your provider if they will let you try before you buy. CPAP.com is one of the larger on line suppliers and many masks include return insurance if you don't like them. Within a type of mask you can list them in order of their sales activity. Top sellers at the top of the list. It gives you some idea what is popular and what is not. There are also many reviews by users.

The basic nasal pillow is the ResMed AirFit P10, and I believe also the most popular nasal pillow. The straps are poor on it though. Another one to consider in the nasal pillow type is the F&P Brevida. My wife uses it and likes it. The headgear/straps on it are better than the P10.

Brevida, thanks for the information on the F&P Brevida. I have the AirFit P10, and you're right, the straps are not working for me. The last nasal pillow I had had straps that went behind the ears. Don't know why those are no longer used.

My current favourite intranasal mask is the DreamWear from Respironics which comes in both intranasal prong and under-nose flavours. ResMed has just released the N30i which is their rip off the DreamWear. I have not had a chance to try it yet so I can't give you any first hand impressions.