Mask Variety

Hi - I'm curious about something... there seems to be a recent fad/trend to nasal pillows, even though a fair number of people have trouble with them... and I wonder if the trend is up because pillows are now the new 'go to' from DME's, and newbies don't realize the variety of masks available to them.

I've been around long enough to have seen lots of different types (nasal, FF and hybrid, as well as some defying description), but it seems no one now is even looking at any of the older ones, though they seemed to keep many people quite happy and e.g. sore nostrils were not a factor.

Can I suggest that newbies who aren't totally thrilled by the new fad go to Cpap.com and prowl all available masks for ideas they may not have considered? I'm so not shilling for the site, but have been irritated by seeing everyone having gone to pillows even tho' half are not particularly happy with them (they were always options in the past in any case).

I went to get a replacement cushion for my mirage softgel a few months ago and the DME laughed that my mask was ancient. He felt like there was no way I should be using such a dinosaur when there were better "newer" choices. He almost insisted I get the Eson so I did. I like the Eson but find it hard to control leaks and am tempted every night to reach for my trusted old softgel.

I wonder often about pillows because the headgear is so unobtrusive now. I do get sore nose but really would like to be able to use one of the newer pillow masks. I wonder if newbies see the difference between a light as air pillows mask and assume they would prefer something like that since they aren't used to sleeping with something on their faces? My sister is just starting this week and is drawn to pillows because the nasal masks seem like too much face and head gear to her.

Elle,
I'm just wondering about your mirage soft gel mask, How is it in your opinion for someone that is claustrophobic, I started with a Resmed N10 and had a horrible time with that mask keeping it from leaking, (I did like the open feeling and fit), Anyway I'm using the F&P Eson nasel mask with great results right now almost no leaks, I do on occasion need to retighten during night once and awhile but hasn't been to bad, I really like this mask. But I was wondering about the Mirage soft gel, just looking at it I though it might be too claustrophobic for me? It sounds like you don't have leak troubles with it?
I think if I could find a mask that doesn't leak at all I would defiantly sleep through the night uninterrupted.
Thank you.

Hi Guest2, I am extremely claustrophobic but love the softgel. I also didn't have to adjust for leaks during the night like I have to with the Eson. I guess I keep using the Eson because of the (likely faulty) assumption that engineers do things to improve treatment when designing new masks. Truthfully over the 8 years of using cpap I have not come up with anything ideal and wonder if it is possible. Something will seem great for a night or two but then little annoying things creep in.
Hope you find something you are comfortable with.

The area of contact could be significant.
Cushion masks are limited in who they will fit.
I have been practically forced into nasal pillows because they alone will fit.
Cost could also be a factor, compare the prices of masks and replacement parts.

When I struggled with leaks with my first mask, I didn't consider looking for a different one as the mask and headgear were otherwise very comfortable for me. Instead, after finding this forum and reading a bunch of threads, I decided to try mask liners. They were a game changer for me, and these days I am rarely bothered with leaks. Sleepyhead rarely reports large leak, and the leaks I do have are minimal. I tried both Pad-A-Cheek and RemZzzs liners, and now use RemZzzs and my own homemade liners. Pad-A-Cheek is a little easier to work with but they weren't as comfortable for me. I do use the PAC strap guards for the cheek straps on my F10FF. Go to http://www.padacheek.com or for RemZzzs, go https://www.cpap.com or your DME - many DMEs do carry them

You're so right Julie, nasal pillows were the first type of "mask" that my DME pointed me to but I resisted because I knew I had drop jaw. Since then I discovered chin straps and when those didn't quite do the job I moved to mouth tape. The tape works really well so I use a nasal cushion and will try the pillows soon. I am grateful that at least something works but would like less on my face if possible.

I would kill to be able to use the pillows, but I can't wear them. I recommend pillows from the git-go because they are less intrusive. My recommendations go from the less to most intrusive. I can't speak for DME's because they are idiots and I don't consider myself one.. er... unless you ask the wife...

Sheriff

My DME actually started me out with a nasal mask, it leaked too much. I tried my daughters Mirage Quattro FF mask and it was just TOO MUCH on my face. I got the pillows from cpap.com and I'm in heaven. Less is better for me and the small pillows are awesome, with those and my home made chin strap I'm sleeping good finally. The sore nose is a minor issue for me if it can be fixed with some cream. Whatever works.

I guess I had in mind things people wore 5-10+ yrs ago, not just... 3 yrs ago, but if everyone likes the pillows (which I've never tried) then I guess it's the way to go.

Julie wrote: I guess it's the way to go.

or certainly worth a try

having a variety of things to try to find what works is good

Julie,

I agree with your initial post that visiting cpap.com is a great way for newbies to learn what masks might work for their individual needs. If a newbie, or just someone new to the forum just finding out that they CAN have other options regardless of what their DME might have them, is looking for that better solution. We all have so many diverse needs I think it is very helpful for newbies to know other options exist.

For anyone looking for answers or just a change, looking at what is available out there is easy on our host's site. While I love nasal pillows now, it took me finding the right nasal pillow mask for me to reach this point. I never got the Swift FX to work for me, but the P10 does. I know of someone else who had the exact opposite experience. I think everyone should be knowledgeable of the masks available because most DME's carry a limited number to keep their costs low. That leaves newbies with a very limited scope of what is really on the market today. Hopefully your idea will help some folks who are struggling with mask issues.

Jen

Julie, at my sleep study a few masks (none were nasal pillows) were tried in a very brief time and I picked an Airfit N10. I really didn't want something over my mouth. I knew nothing about masks because at this time I was in denial and didn't believe I was going to need a mask. When I was diagnosed the DME said this is the mask the doctor said you liked and I didn't try any others. She did say maybe next time you can try this one and pointed at the P10.

When I had problems with the N10 right off the bat, I bought my own P10 because the DME required my N10 back and I was afraid to have only the pillows if I had problems with them. After the initial nasal soreness and trying to find the perfect spot for the headgear, I have been very happy with the P10.

So I would say the answer is no, the DME gave very little mask direction, and I found the P10 after my own research.

I used nasal pillows for the first few months. Something called the No Mask. It was a moldable mouthpiece with a small frame to the nose pillows, no other head gear at all. I really liked it except for the sore nostrils. I could not deal with that and switched.
I have spent a lot of time looking at masks at our sponsors site and now have a collection of a dozen masks I have used. Today the Wisp is my go to mask. Tomorrow that could change.

I was given a FFM from the get go by the sleep and titration studies and by my DME. I was not given a choice of anything else. With my high pressure, the FFM's I tried all leaked like crazy, keeping me up all night so I had less sleep than before my therapy. I went to cpapdotcom and looked at all my choices but I thought I could only get masks that were for pressure over 20. That is a very limited amount of choices. It was with the suggestions of someone on the forums that I should try pillow mask. It has been a life saver for me. At the rate I was going with FFM, I think I would have given up on therapy. I was up about every 2 hours along with my hubby all night from leaks into the eyes and loud farting noise coming from the mask. I know that they don't work for everyone but they have been great for me and I will not go back to a FFM. I have to say that I did not try nose mask but I think I'd have the same leakage problem with them due to the shape of my face and cheek bone being so low to the bottom of my nose. For mouth leaking, I use a head band that I bought that works better for me than the chin strap the DME gave me. I do not have large leaks showing on sleepyhead so I'm happy with my pillow mask.