Side-sleeper/roller mask recommendations?

Brian12465 · Post by **Brian12465** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 8:44 am

I'm using a Mirage Swift nasal pillow system that dislodges easily when I sleep on my side (unless I torque the straps down so tight that it hurts). I also roll from side to side a lot. When I asked my DME rep about trying another model her response was, "They all do that."

I've seen some slimmer models with a central (from the top of the head stright down the center of the nose)) hose position and no parts protruding on the sides, and I wonder if other side-sleepers have had better luck with this type of design. I'd appreciate recommendations from anyone who may have solved a similar problem--and the name of the nasal pillow/mask that worked for you.

Also: My chin strap is about as useful as antlers on a groundhog. The strap moves around when I'm "sleeping" and my mouth drops open. I can't deal with taping my mouth shut and I'm hoping to avoid a full-face mask. Does anyone have any suggestions re: a chin strap that works, or another method of keeping my mouth closed that doesn't involve tape, epoxy, or C-clamps?

Thanks,
Brian

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): mirage, hose, nasal pillow, swift, DME

Missy · Post by **Missy** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 9:23 am

Brian-I had the same problem with the Swift at my sleep study. I started out using the Comfortlite 2. It's a nasal mask with the hose attachment at the top of the head. It worked really well for side sleeping for me. I loved the mask, but I had an ongoing problem with leaks with it. If you end up going with the full face, there are manyp out there. I use the F&P Flexifit 431 and after a few nights of adjustments etc. I really like it. It's comfortable and it works well for side sleeping. Everyone's different, but that's my 2 cents' worth. Good luck!

Missy · Post by **Missy** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 9:26 am

Brian-P.S. to that last post...I have 2 chin straps I would like to sell...I tried taping my mouth, and it worked well, but I started feeling claustrophobic, so it was on to the FF for me. I never thought of C-clamps. How 'bout Gorrilla glue?

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 9:41 am

The CL2 and the Hybrid are both good side sleepers.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 1:33 pm

I am also a side sleeper and have only been on the cpap for three weeks. I found on the internet a type of pillow designed for cpap users. It is called the Papillow. If you do a search on the internet you can find it. It is a little pricey, but well worth the cost.

inacpapfog · Post by **inacpapfog** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 3:52 pm

The aura is another good side-sleeper mask!
Have you adapted your Swift as mentioned on the thread "Swift solution for side sleepers"
Anchoring that small hose in the frontal position ,as described in that post, made all the difference in the world !!! My Swift never shifted in movement again, once I completed this fix on it!
Sure worth the try before spending more $$$

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sun Aug 06, 2006 4:20 pm

Aug 22 2005 subject: Solution for Swift side sleepers Tridens' fix, Lori's pictures of the fix. Thanks for reminding me, inacpapfog. Not being a Swift user, I often forget about Tridens' cool fix!

My favorite masks for toss'n'turn sleeping on my sides:

Links to Aeiomed Headrest (Aura) nasal pillows mask topics

LINKS to Respironics ComfortLite 2 nasal pillows mask topics

LINKS to Breeze nasal pillows / nasal mask topics

At least one alternative to tape ( or epoxy or C-clamps ) or a full face mask for preventing mouth air leaks:

Topic started by frequenseeker Dec 01 2004 subject: mouth leak solution, cheap DIY oral appliance

And....don't forget this to keep weight of main air hose from tugging at ANY mask:

LINKS to Hose hangers and methods of managing the air hose

I use a PAPillow. Comfortable to use as well as giving a contoured edge for masks to hang out over if need be.

I also use a homemade strap of soft, stretchy material, across the front of just about any mask, worn around the head like a sweatband down low...gives that little bit of extra stabilizing that so many masks need to keep them from leaking when you change sleep position, or even just move your head a little.