Putting on masks?

[bmanley]

If we figure out a mask is what I need I started thinking about being able to work with one. I have trigger finger in 8 of my fingers so I could have issues if any can be hard to put on or take off. Watched so videos on some masks out there. The amara view looks like the clips might not be too easy to use but I know it will be hard to tell until I try it. But I figure some of you guys or gals can tell me if they notice any issues. I think it was the F20 that has the magnets on the bottom strap and they really make it look easy to put on. If I need a full mask I want to find the one that fits the best for me and doesn't leak but it is going to be a waste if I can't get it on.
Anybody have any issues with putting on or taking off masks that might be trouble for me?

[LSAT]

Why not go into a DME and look at and try on masks? They may encourage you to buy from them, but you really are not obligated. I don't think there is any way anyone here can telly you whether you will have a problem with a particular mask.

[Julie]

There is a 'generic' type of mask with no clips (and 'X' design of headgear in the back) that can be adjusted with Velcro straps one time to fit, and then be pulled on each night - I think a call to Cpap.com will give you the name and I know they do carry it.

[bmanley]

I know it's hard for anybody to say for sure, I'm just wanting people to tell me if they know of any that are a real pain for even people with 2 good hands. Like I said I know the video I watched on the F20 had the magnets on the bottom straps so it seems like a good idea but I also know it may or may not seal on me. Or even be one that I can use without problems.
Had one visit with the DME I'm looking at getting the new machine from and talked a little bit about masks but I didn't even think about my fingers with the full face masks since I've always used the swift FX, just pull it over my head and I'm good to go. Didn't think about the snapping issue until I was watching a video review of a mask and that made me think about it. DME was already trying to sell me what I think is a mask that is the cheapest so they can make the best profit. It had the piece that sits on your forehead and I really don't like that at all.

[Rob K]

Finding one that fits. We all have that trouble. Definitely best to try them on before you buy if possible. I think most places have a return policy that allows you to return the item after trying it for a number of days. You'll have to ask the DME your looking to buy from.

I have the older Aitfit F10 and it looks like the F20 is basically the same. You have to get the velcro on the head gear adjusted the first time you use it. After that all you have to do is pull everything down over your head and face. Then attach the two bottom straps. The magnets make this really quick and simple. Then a little more re-positioning of straps and mask once your buckled in for the night. I toss and turn a lot and have never had the magnetic straps come loose. Over time the straps stretch out and you will need the occasional velcro adjustment. It all seems real simple to me, but I have two good hands. I have no idea what it is like for you. Wish I could be of more help.

Edit: Just realized my F10 that I haven't used in a while has hooks, not magnets. The hooks are fairly easy to use, but the magnets like on my Airfit N10 are real easy to use. I see the F20 has them now also.

[ephraimh]

My fingers are useless when it comes to clipping and unclipping the ResMed Activa Nasal or ResMed Quattro ffm. I leave the clips in, loosen the top and bottom velcro straps on one side, slip it over your face and strap it, nightly. I can do that but I cannot loosen or unloosen the clips. The headgear wears out more quickly.

[Goofproof]

Am I the only one here that doesn't know what "Trigger Finger" is and even more so how you would get eight of them. I've shot over 6,ooo rounds never got more than one trigger finger, been using it for all my life. Jim

[Lucyhere]

BManley... please note my signature. Lots of good info here about many things re Sleep Apnea, you just have to know who to listen to and who to avoid.

Best of luck finding a mask that works for you. Cpap.com offers free insurance on many different masks, as well as being very helpful.

[bmanley]

Google trigger finger and you will see what it is. Strange thing about mine I don't have it in the most common fingers. I've done shots with no luck and really need surgery but have been putting it off.

Thanks everybody for the info. I don't want to adjust the Velcro every time I put on the mask so anything with clips would be better to me but not if it doesn't fit me in the first place. The magnets seem like the best place to start as long as it will work when I try it on at the DME. Also looks like it would be quicker to out of if I needed to like if I'm sick.
I've talked to me DME and they have a 30 day exchange on the masks but I'm not sure if that is 30 days from the day you get the first mask or if that is 30 days after you get a replacement so I would have time with each one I try. Hope to have good luck with the first one but I also know it can take several nights to decide how one is working for you.

[EdNerd]

I tried the Amara View, I had no trouble getting the clips to lock on, but I did have some issues trying to mate the mask and clip in the dark. I'm presuming more time and muscle memory would have helped that, but I changed masks for different reasons. If the View is one that you like and works for you, I'm betting a friend with some experience in crafts and sewing could figure out how to cut the strap just past the clip and sew in magnets or some other fastener.

I currently have the AirFit F10. I looked at the F20 - the shape is basically the same; the seal apparently is improved and inflates better with the air pressure.

You might also look into the all-cloth mask. Go to CPAP.com and search for SleepWeaver.

Good luck!
Ed

[bmanley]

I should have a good idea if I'm going to have too many problems when I try them on. Well provided the DME doesn't try and rush me thru it. One of the things I'm looking for beside people letting me know if there are any masks out there they have real trouble with I want to hear from the ones that have figure some little tricks like you are saying with adding something on to help. I'm sure these companies have tried to make them as simple as they can to get on and off but sometimes it still can be harder for some of us

[LSAT]

I should have a good idea if I'm going to have too many problems when I try them on. Well provided the DME doesn't try and rush me thru it. One of the things I'm looking for beside people letting me know if there are any masks out there they have real trouble with I want to hear from the ones that have figure some little tricks like you are saying with adding something on to help. I'm sure these companies have tried to make them as simple as they can to get on and off but sometimes it still can be harder for some of us

I suggest you go to cpap.com...choose a mask that looks good to you and read the reviews. Some things you can do on your own.....There are hundreds of reviews from CPAP users. Like everything else, you will find good and bad reviews on every mask.

[Okie bipap]

I had to have trigger finger surgery on one finger. I had it done at the same time I had carpal tunnel surgery on the same hand. One suture closed the incision on the surgery site. That was four or five years ago, and I have had no problems since then with the finger.

[bonjour]

I see that you are using pillows. Is there a reason you are looking at full face masks?

The ResMed P10 is the easiest on/off "mask" I have ever used.

A nasal mask I used for years is also very easy on/off because it's airless fit is VERY loose and I left all the straps connected once I had achieved a good fit. That would be the Mirage Aptiva.

[bmanley]

I'm looking at full masks because my doctor was thinking I might need one. Not sure I will get one other then it would be nice to have one in case I can't breath thru my nose when I'm not feeling good. But if I do need one I want to find out all I can to help pick one out