As kind of an addendum to my other post about water in my mask I just wanted to add this.

I kinda feel like I am settling with a mask that just isn't the mask for me.  I have tried the nasal cushions and they were terrible for me, I also tried the FlexiFit 406 which wasn't bad and now I am using the Comfort Gel from Respironics.

I look at all the masks out there and there are a few that I would like to try as they seem like they may be more comfortable but how does one go on determining this...I mean I don't have $550-$600 lying around to just try out masks.  So how does one get to try them?  I mean my DME will set up a mask fitting for me but that doesn't allow me to try it while lying down or sleeping which really is the most important part.

The mask I have is not terrible and I do sleep but I feel like there is one out there that might be a little bit more comfortable...or not leave red marks around my nose that take like 2 hours to go away after I wake up.

If anyone can give me some advice on masks and maybe tell me your favorites then I will have some ideas to start with.

Some of the masks I am interested in are: ComfortClassic Nasal CPAP/BiPAP Mask, ComfortFusion Nasal CPAP/BiPAP Mask, IQ Gel Nasal CPAP/BiPAP Mask, MiniMe Petite Gel Nasal CPAP Mask.

Let me know if any of you have any experience with any of these masks.

Thanks so much

The ComfortGel shouldn't be leaving red marks on your face; if the marks are from pressure, it is probably too tight.

I have tried loosening it and if I loosen it anymore it's going to leak really bad.  I don't know why it's leaving marks then.

Have you tried a different size mask? I was unknowningly sent a medium mask by mistake, and it hurt my nose and the space between my lips and nose because I had to tighten the straps. WHen I realized it wasn't a small...I called them and had it replaced at no charge.

based on the sizing I had with my other masks they determined I was a small...I have thought about getting a Petite but I am just not sure if that would be way too small...I can call and ask the company but they have already replaced 2 masks for me for no charge so I don't think I will be getting a third until my insurance covers another one.  Problem is there is no way to tell in the 5 minute sizing they do if it will leave marks till I have slept with it.

I gave in last night and bought the ComfortClassic Nasal CPAP/BiPAP Mask Pack with Deluxe Headgear cause it was on a very good sale and seemed like it would be more comfortable (got 50% off) so it was worth the small price.  We'll see how this one works.  Cause even with changing my hoses I was still getting water in the other one...so we'll see..I'll keep you posted.

oh yes, please let us know the mask works for you. Hope it works out!

water in the hose?  Need to turn humidifier down a notch or two, and get a hose cozy.  I haven't had water in hose since then.  Have mine set on 2.


_________________
ResMed Auto Set II w/hi4 Pressure 9 - 20 EPR at 3 SleepWeaver, Mirage Micro, Liberty, FitLlife
Orig AHI 30.4 RDI 36 & RLS/PLMB

There is rarely water in the hose...it`s in the mask onnly. Ihave it set to 2 and I have covers for all my hoses. I also use very short hoses sothey on an angle to run back.  and I have lowered the machine.

I tried loosening my ComfortGel even more to where it almost leaks and I still get nasty marks on my face, the one on my nose bridge has become permanent.  I must have the wrong size.  I hope my new mask comes soon![/url]

How is the comfort classic?

According to what I've read in the posts your DME should be able to provide you with a variety of masks to try and if one doesn't work, the DME has 30 days to return it to the mfr. in exchange for a new replacement for their inventory. All they have to do is fill out the mfr's form. On the cpaptalk.com forum, there is an informal mask exchange thread. Also, cpap.com offers return insurance so if you  buy a mask and it doesn't work out, you can return it. I've recall at least one mask mfr. that had a through sizing guide where they guide you thru entering your facial measurments to choose the correct size mask.

ApexAZ wrote:

How is the comfort classic?

I just received it this morning so I haven't tried it sleeping yet, but the mask part definitely fits me better.  So I will try it tonight and let you all know tomorrow.

rustyolddude wrote:

According to what I've read in the posts your DME should be able to provide you with a variety of masks to try and if one doesn't work, the DME has 30 days to return it to the mfr. in exchange for a new replacement for their inventory. All they have to do is fill out the mfr's form. On the cpaptalk.com forum, there is an informal mask exchange thread. Also, cpap.com offers return insurance so if you  buy a mask and it doesn't work out, you can return it. I've recall at least one mask mfr. that had a through sizing guide where they guide you thru entering your facial measurments to choose the correct size mask.

Thanks for your suggestions.  I have had a sizing done with my DME and I have returned 3 masks through them already.  I think I am out of my 30 days of getting the CPAP to be able to return this last mask I have tried.  But I will be trying the Comfort Classic tonight which already seems like it is going to be better.  I am now pretty close to positive that I have the wrong size for the ComfortGel mask.  Yes I have looked at cpap.com but I bought my new mask through CpapExchange and they also have return insurance you can buy but paying $14.95-$20 per mask you want to try also adds up over time if you are going to be trying multiple masks.

ApexAZ wrote:

How is the comfort classic?

I tried it last night.  It was definitely more comfortable that's for sure.  I still had some red marks around my nose when I woke up but I think with some tweaking of the sizing that I can reduce those.  I still had small amounts of water in the mask from my breathing but nowhere near the amount in the ConfortGel.  These didn't wake me up it was only when I woke up and sat up with the mask still on that I noticed it at all.  So that is a big plus!  It was much smaller on my face so that was a plus too, it was more comfortable.  I feel like I slept better with this mask, I definitely did not wake up as much as with the other mask.  I definitely feel less tired.
So I will tweak it some more tonight and then see what the results are.