Oxygen masks

[Brishe1]

My husband is on 12 hours+ a day at 4 litres with a mask because he mouth breathes. Has anyone found a better mask than the standard type given out. His eyes are getting sore with the constant draught however tightly he pulls the elastic! Thanks

[Mandy6513]

Oh i sympathies with him and know what thats like and i may be wrong but i dont think there is an alternative ...may i ask why he cant breath through his nose as a cannula would be so much better

[Brishe1 in reply to Mandy6513]

I think it is because he has Parkinson's and his expression is a bit fixed with mouth open, especially when he is moving at all

[Toci]

If it is just a matter of habit he can change his way of breathing through practising nose breathing.

[imelda16]

Yes there is a mask that is more comfortable but I got mine off my Respitary Nurse it seems a sales Rep give s them to her so lucky me . I have noticed that TV Hospital program seems to use them. We must get the the cheapest but that's NHS for you. I have to use the mask because I'm a co2 retainer and my oxygen team said its the best way to keep it under control. The cannula is ok for when I'm outside the home the best thing is ask your Respertary nurse but I don't think the o2 provider will have them unless you can get them on the internet private or I also tried a sleeping mask and rested the sharp ends over this bottom of it. Hopefully he will get sorted because it does make the eyes painful. Good luck

[RibvanRey]

I use 4 lpm via a mask 24/7. It constantly causes problems with my eyes. My respiratory nurse has tried to order the type of mask that our hospitals use, the ones with the aluminium band across the nasal bridge, but to no avail.

I am told that it is down to the local oxygen supplier. If they will oblige or not. Air Liquide refuse on grounds of cost. You can buy these masks via several medical supplies. Amazon list some.

Regards Rib

[Brishe1]

Thanks, we are air liquide as well so will check amazon

[TwinklingStar]

I usually use a cannula but I do have a couple of masks for when I need them. I just checked mine and they do have the metal strip across the nasal bridge. I find it very comfortable. This was issued to me as standard issue but I am in Scotland. My Oxygen is dealt with by Dolby Vivisol. They ought to be available all over UK. I wonder if Dolby Vivisol would sell them to people who cannot get them on NHS. Keep pushing - you should not have to pay for this necessary equipment!

[Brishe1]

Thanks, will speak to the nurses here