Hello, my name is Jill and I was diagnosed about two months ago with sleep apnea. I had so much trouble with the nasal pillows that I just could not use the machine more than a few hrs a night. I felt like I was not able to breath out comfortably even though he has the pressure set at 8 and the epr at 3. My doctor gave me a prescription for sleeping pills but even that didn't help. He then decided I needed a different type of mask and said it would just go over my nose. The rep that came to my home brought a Mirage Activa LT nasal mask. He told me I needed the small and had me put it on but the bottom part of the mask that blows up was pressing against my lips and extended down to the crease in my chin. Is that the way it's suppose to fit? I ask him and first he said no but then looked at he picture on the pamphlet and said yes. The pictures inside do not show it fitting that way. The first night I woke at 2am with a panic attack. The next day I used the dial to tilt the mask and now it is not pressing against my lips and chin but now sets about 1/4 inch out so if I move it's touching. I am new to this and maybe I'm being a baby but shouldn't he have brought more than one mask for me to try? He also told me that they do not get complaints about this mask and that they just don't get returned. I'm really getting frustrated and not sure what to do at this point. I have had the new mask for just one week today but just can't seem to make it through an entire night even with the sleeping pills. Any help would be much appreciated.

*sigh* As happens all too often, your DME provider is being less than truthful. There is NO ONE mask that is right for everbody!!!!!

A nasal cushion mask should fit just below the nose and above the upper lip. A full face mask is usually styled to fit in the cleft of the chin.

Call your insurance company. Ask what local DME CPAP suppliers they are contracted with. Hopefully, you will have the option of more than just this one. That would give you more bargaining/negotiating room.

Be aware that Resmed, Respironics and Fisher & Paykel will all replace FREE to the local DME providers most any of their masks that patients have tried and been unsuccessful w/if the DME provider will just fill out a form and return form and mask W/IN 30 DAYS.

YOU are paying for this "service" and equipment, and even the doctor, whether thru insurance or out of pocket is immaterial, YOU are still paying for it. It is YOUR health, YOUR therapy, YOUR sleep. YOU are the one who endures the benefits or consequences of this therapy. YOU are the employER, THEY are your employEES. YOU are paying THEM for their supposed knowledge and expertise just as you would your car mechanic. Ideally, you all work together as A TEAM.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity mask, ResScan 3.7, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.