ResMed Mirage (Activa LT, SoftGel & Micro) question

I know there is no simple answer to finding the right mask and it is all about personal experience but I'm hoping someone familiar with these masks might be able to help me.

I have a small face and it seems that everything is very sensitive!

I can't use nasal pillows because they feel like they obstruct my breathing (have used ResMed Swift LT for Her and ResMed Swift FX for Her) and my nose is sensitive to the slightest upward pressure (from the deviated septum?)

My doctor suggested trying the small nasal masks so I've tried the Respironics Wisp and ResMed AirFit N10 for Her. Both cause pressure sores on my nose (even with a Boomerang Gel Pad or Liquicell cushions).

Trying to avoid the pressure on my nose I've tried the Fitlife whole face mask but my numbers aren't good while using it, it tends to wake me whenever I turn, the "small" leaks are bothersome, and for some reason it is the only mask that causes me to have dry mouth (with humidifier at highest setting).

My next order is for the Respironics Amara View to see if that works. Hoping the slight upward pressure won't be a problem since it isn't directly on the septum.

I was also looking at the nasal masks with forehead cushions. I noted that the Respironics ComfortGel Blue, Comfort Fusion, and Amara Full Face masks, and the ResMed Mirage Activa LT, SoftGel, and Micro all have adjustable forehead cushions to allow you to adjust the angle of the mask. My sleep center has a weekly clinic for mask fitting (various DMEs cover so it isn't necessarily my company trying to sell me something). I tried the Respironics ones and none of them fit properly (either too tight or not even touching) and they only have 4 adjustable settings. They didn't have the others. I'm wondering if possibly the wider variety of settings for the forehead adjustment (24) on the ResMed ones might help me find a fit that I can live with.

I'm coming to the end of my first 30 days so the Amara will be the last option for this testing period through my insurance and I'll have to wait 3 months for another to be covered. I'd be willing to purchase one of these if it might be the answer to my problem but I don't want to start buying if it isn't likely to help. I'll need the prescription anyway and I do see my doc in another week and a half so I can discuss further with her. But if anyone familiar with these can tell me their thoughts on whether that extra adjustment might help, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks for any help/insight you can offer.

Hi curems, I know where you are coming from. I have used the Wisp when I first started CPAP and I also developed a sore nose. In my case,when I would roll over in my sleep the mask would push up on my nose and put added pressure causing a sore. I am currently using the Activa LT and it works real well for me. The forehead support adds stability but I do get red nose bridge on occasion. Unlike the Wisp my nose gets a little red but never develop into a sore. The Activa LT seems to stick to your face when the PAP machine is on so you don't have to really tighten down on the headgear. There are videos on YouTube about the LT which caught my interest in giving it a try.
I tried the ComfortGel Blue, I could never get the leaks down with this mask. I guess the contours of my face was not optimal for this design.

Thanks eleong2! It's very helpful knowing that you couldn't use the ComfortGel but like the Activa LT. I'll check out YouTube also.

I am a restless sleeper and usually am on my side. I used the Activa LT (medium) successfully for several years, but last winter shifted to the soft gel Activa LT as I was having leak problems. That took care of it, and I just ordered some more gel cushions. I do have to be mindful about leaks on some nights.

If your face is small, the problem MAY be in the headgear. The standard Medium that comes with the masks is too big for me, so even tightened or overtightened, it would slip all over. Over-tightening leads to sore noses. ResMed does make a small headgear, but you have to order it separately. When I changed to that several years ago, things improved a lot. If even that is too big, they do make children's sizes, but I have not needed to try that.

Good luck.
lindalrc