What is better Nasal Mask?

[DJ_Boxer]

I recently had to go from a Fisher & Paykel HC407 to an Opus 360 because the Flexifit 407 was irritating the bridge of my nose. I am wondering from fellow hoseheads what Nasal mask w/o a nose bridge is good for someone who is a side-sleeper and/or moves around in their sleep? This is to replace the HC407 and recommendations are also open for one that is just pillows that go on just the outside but not inside.

DJ

[Guest]

I'm a side sleeper and love 'the Breeze' mask. It touches the nares and the base of the skull and has sort of side stabling velcro straps if you need them. No problems at your nose bridge.

[DJ_Boxer]

I'm a side sleeper and love 'the Breeze' mask. It touches the nares and the base of the skull and has sort of side stabling velcro straps if you need them. No problems at your nose bridge.

Are you talking about the version with dreamseal that is like the regular nasal mask?
Also if you register you can put what equipment you have and if you have questions we can help.
DJ

[daf]

I'm a side/stomach sleeper and love the Opus 360. I also move around a lot at night (just ask me wife) and need to use a hose hanger at the head of the bed, otherwise I end up westling with the hose all night.

[Section1]

I also like the breeze with the nasal pillows. I found it much more comfortable than the Swift LT although your mileage may vary. I also just tried the IQ Nasal Mask from SleepNet. Only 1 day so far but it was pretty comfortable. It has a bendable frame on the seal which helps get a better fit. Hope you find something you like.

[birdshell]

I'm a side sleeper and have used nearly ONLY nasal pillows.

Here is a list of masks I have tried, with the titles linked to pictures of them on cpap.com:

1. Swift (original): I liked all but the side hose, and had to have a ponytail to keep the back straps in place. I took it back after 3 weeks. The sleep doc and sleep lab loaned me the next two masks I used for a period of several weeks each.

2. ADAM Circuit (uses the same nasal pillows as the Breeze; and is actually the precursor of the Breeze): I liked the mask design but the headgear was a bit of a slippery elastic affair. It was much more successful than the Swift, however.

3. ComfortLite (original) (uses same 3 interfaces as the ComfortLite II): I found this to be an improvement in headgear but not in the nasal pillows. There are several nasal interfaces that can be used with this. I was waiting for a backorder on the next mask to come, which was fairly new at the time.

4. ComfortLite II: I still had the same problems with headgear slipping but managed to solve the problems with advice from this forum and experimenting. I used this mask for two years.
Here is a post of mine from back then, explaining some of my fixes: CL II Fixes and Tips One advantage of this is that it is basically 3 masks in one headgear, lending some flexibility once the mask is purchased.

5. Hybrid: The Hybrid was the "cool" new mask around my entry to the forum and world of cpapping. I had to try it, and I did like it; but the chin flap did not seem to work for me. I cut it off, but that wasn't as suitable for me as for others and then I moved on. I did like the fact that the nasal pillows could be separated, and two sizes could be used. My nares are differently sized.

For these next few, I may have the order a bit confused, but that really doesn't matter:

6. Infinity 481 with Microgear Headgear but with this headgear: I found the fact that this mask had shaped nasal prongs to be intriguing, but not only did the headgear slip (as usual), but my differently sized nares did not enjoy the one-size-fits-both interfaces. I have had more success in removing the headgear itself

7. Opus One: I did like this one and got a seal but it wasn't easily kept in place for me. That is about all I recall because I get this one confused with:

8. Optilife: I found that the nasal pillows were comfy and worked for my differently sized nares, but the chin strap and my receding chin were not on the best of terms. My double chin (triple? quadruple? j/k, but you know what I mean) contributed to the sliding of this mask on my face, although the headgear seemed to be pretty good. I ended up taking out the chin strap and threading a leg of pantyhose through the slots and then tied it behind my neck, with the center under the chin. Combined with the included nametag clip and Velcro cordwrap, which I clipped to my pjs' chest area, the mask was stable if I moved gingerly.

BTW, this is my brother's favorite mask. That is about par for his experience compared with mine; and, that is the ONLY mask he has ever used. We are all different.

9. Breeze: I used my Breeze with DreamSeal, and I really, really loved it once I made a few mods to the headgear. Then I developed a sensitivity (allergy? My dermatologist dx'd contact dermatitis) to the silicone. However, as the ADAM Circuit uses the same nasal pillows, I think this might be a great compromise.

10. Liberty: This is my personal all time favorite. I don't use it now, however, because it caused my rogue tooth to lose gum tissue and I can only afford one ~$1000 gum tissue transplant. But, the best thing is...i barely had to use any of my little tips and tricks on this mask or the headgear.

11. Headrest, formerly the Twilight NP, the Aura, and the Headrest (Another example of the circle of life): I finally came over to the Headrest side and rested gal finally convinced me to abandon all headgear that slipped and slid, cut the legs off my favorite sueded microfiber tights, and put them to REALLY good use!

I misunderstood the directions for deconstruction of the Headrest and I severely deconstructed mine. I now have only those manufacturer's parts that conduct air and have found I need the XL nasal pillows. The Headrest posting says that it comes with ALL of the nasal pillows, but...it does not. This is the only mask that I have used which does not offer the option of ordering the mask with the correct size of nasal pillows only, and not the other unused ones. Interesting, isn't it, in view of the potential sales based on the longevity and success of this mask? That adds another ~$36.25 to my mask cost each time...but I have the best fit and the most success with this mask.

If I may suggest, looking at the various Lab Rat Award winners will also give you an idea of the problems and the fixes that others have found make their masks work for them.

Karen,
Who still seems to be verbose...
and is yet willing to answer any further questions

[KengEsq]

I recently had to go from a Fisher & Paykel HC407 to an Opus 360 because the Flexifit 407 was irritating the bridge of my nose. I am wondering from fellow hoseheads what Nasal mask w/o a nose bridge is good for someone who is a side-sleeper and/or moves around in their sleep? This is to replace the HC407 and recommendations are also open for one that is just pillows that go on just the outside but not inside.

DJ

I've tried the following (my comments follow each mask)

1. Respironics OptiLife Nasal Mask with pillow cushions (3/10/09 – 3/11/09) – caused discomfort in nares. Used with cradle cushions (3/13/09) – excessive leak
2. Probasics Zzz nasal mask (large) (3/19/09) – used for 3 hrs but it was uncomfortable
3. ResMed Mirage Vista nasal mask (3/29/09) – could not use,
4. Respironics ComfortLite 2 with nasal Cushions, Seals and Nasal Pillows (4/2/09-4/11/09 – returned 4/13/09) really awful
5. Puritan Bennett Breeze Nasal CPAP Mask with Dreamseal (could not use)
6. Puritan Bennett DreamFit Nasal CPAP Mask with Dreamseal (4/17-19/09 worked pretty well)
7. Fisher & Paykel FlexiFit HC405 Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear works pretty well but hurts nose after a few days.
8. Fisher & Paykel FlexiFit HC407 Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear – ordered 08/13/2009 w/ return insurance – same results as 405 – works well, quiet but hurts my nose (red and sore) after a few days - same problem as you are experiencing
9. Respironics ComfortGel Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear - Medium not but but caused a sore on the bridge of my nose after a few days
10. ResMed Mirage Activa Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear - Standard – great mask, comfortable, no leaks and leaves no sores on my nose or strap marks on my face. Began using 9/16/09

I am obvioously a fan of the Mirage Activa but it does have a forehead rest. Most importantly, using this mask my numbers are typically as follows and have continued to be the same or lower:

9/18/09 Leak in L/s = 0.20
AHI = 2.1
AI = 0.0
HI = 2.1
Use in hrs = 7.45
95th percentile pressure in cm H2O = 12.0

9/19/09 Leak in L/s = 0.38
AHI = 2.7
AI = 0.1
HI = 2.6
Use in hrs = 7.36
95th percentile pressure in cm H2O = 13.2

9/20/09 Leak in L/s = 0.10
AHI = 2.8
AI = 0.2
HI = 2.6
Use in hrs = 7.49
95th percentile pressure in cm H2O = 12.8

9/21/09 Leak in L/s = 0.34
AHI = 3.0
AI = 0.1
HI = 2.9
Use in hrs = 6.56
95th percentile pressure in cm H2O = 12.8

[Muse-Inc]

Loved my OptiLife mask! Then, I started mouth leaking. Now wear the Resp Care Hybrid (FFM, covers mouth and has nasal pillows) and love it too.

[headbored]

Try the Nasal Aire II prong mask Babbette has a free trial,it is the best mask in my opinion. No red marks ,no sweating ,it is like not wearing a mask at all,just takes a little bit of getting used to for the nares.But the sleep is werll worth it!

[JoyD.]

.
DJ,

If you liked your FP407 Mask except for bothering the bridge of your nose . . . it sounds like it was too large for the length of your nose. I recently went to F & P's NEW Zest in "petite". That is the new model of the FP406 that comes in "petite"; it also placed the air vent in a much better place. I do NOT have a small nose, but it must be short from the bridge to the tip of the nose) and I feel no pressure or rubbing whatsoever with the petite size on the bridge of my nose (I did feel it with the FP407 size).

You may want to see if any of your DME's carry the "Zest" yet. Some are waiting to sell their stock of the old FP406 (the FP407 in petite) before ordering the replacement "Zest" .

Here is the website for the Zest - Click on the "Advanced Air Diffuser" to see the improvement over the FP406's vent.
http://www.fphcare.com/osa/zest.asp

Joy

[Uncle_Bob]

Try the Nasal Aire II prong mask Babbette has a free trial,it is the best mask in my opinion. No red marks ,no sweating ,it is like not wearing a mask at all,just takes a little bit of getting used to for the nares.But the sleep is werll worth it!

If you are a side sleeper the Nasal Aire II is not so nice as you have to sleep on a plastic hose.

I prefer the Swift LT, no need for my nares to get used to anything plus unlike the Opus 360 the pillows pivot allowing a more custom fit.

[ScrappinMom]

I am a full-time side sleeper, and also use the Nasal Aire II. I have the tubes covered with home-made fleece coverings, and also use the Regenesis pillow. The fleece helps block out the "whoosh" of the air going through the tubes, and with the Regenesis I can make a space for the tubes so that they are not mashing into my cheek. It is much more comfortable for me than the Swift LT. Couldn't stand that at all. Everyone's different, you just have to find what's best for you!

[hoseheadular]

I've tried them all and after going full circle have determined that the Nasal Aire II works best for me as a side sleeper. Your nostrils seem to get used to having something up there after a few nights and when you adjust it correctly nothing touches your face. I wear it more or less pony tail style except i tape the tube together pretty close to the front of my head. My back up is the Opus 360 which I use when I need a quiter mask..like when I have company over..hehehe.