P10 users sound off

I am a P10 user and use a medium sized pillow. I am new to CPAP therapy. I started August 11th. So if you are a P10 user yourself I would like to know what size cushion you are using and how long that cushion is lasting for you. How long you are using it? Are you loving the mask, tolerating, or hating it? Thank you all!

I can use either the Small or Medium comfortably.
The XSmall wanted to climb up in my nostrils which wasn't comfortable and when it did that it squished the pillows and cut off the air flow a bit.
I have always been able to use XSmall in any other nasal pillow mask so I was surprised that this happened with the P10...so I think it tends to run a tad on the small side.

I have been using it since Jan 2014. I retired the first nasal pillow in Oct 2014 because I thought it was tired as I was seen more leaks than I wanted but come to find out it was the headgear that was in need of replacing.

Nasal pillow life will depend a lot on the person's facial oils and their cleaning routine. I have always got months and months of use out of any nasal pillow I have ever used.
My routine...not much of one...maybe couple times a month I give the nasal pillows a good washing briefly in really hot soapy water...rinse and air dry. Don't soak or anything like that. Minimal care really.

I don't "love" any mask as I think all of them have their own pros and cons. I use the one that has more pros than cons and suits my own personal preferences the best (like minimal headgear and crap on my face).
I would never use a mask that I just "hate" because there are too many others out there that I don't "hate".

I've been using my P10 since March of this year and use the medium pillows. I can use the large but they leave a rubbed area around the edge of my nares that I did not like.
I use the same cleaning routine as Pugsy, every couple of weeks I wash the pillows with baby shampoo and hot water, leave to dry. When the headgear gets abit too stretchy I will soak and wash in HOT water to shrink back to size.
Cheers
Nan

Thanks for the replies. I clean my cushion once every two days with dawn detergent and water. I haven't had to wash the cloth headgear yet. And I wash the hose and rest of the headgear about once every week to week and a half.

Pugsy I wouldn't want anyone to stay with a mask they hate but sometimes people get stuck with a mask because of horrible DMEs. I am with you about not "loving" any mask as well lol.

Nan what mask were you using before the P10? Also I hope the P10 continues to do a good job for you!

CaptainRaven40 wrote: but sometimes people get stuck with a mask because of horrible DMEs.

Tis true...or they have no insurance or crappy insurance but if they frequent this forum at all I can't imagine anyone being stuck with something they just hate because someone here might have something better either for free or at a steep discount.

I used to get some masks donated that were either unused, lightly used or unwanted from various sources and I have sent many masks out to people who weren't getting along well with their current mask and didn't have the means to get something else.
My inventory of donated masks is now reduced to just bits and pieces and it has been a long time since I got a big box of supplies (used to get some from a sleep lab when they were cleaning out their inventory) so I don't have much left but usually someone here will come up with something for someone in need.

For someone who just "hates" their mask and has crappy insurance or crappy DME...there's usually someone here to can maybe try to help them.
Where there is a will there is usually a way within our little community here.

CaptainRaven40 wrote:Thanks for the replies. I clean my cushion once every two days with dawn detergent and water. I haven't had to wash the cloth headgear yet. And I wash the hose and rest of the headgear about once every week to week and a half.

Pugsy I wouldn't want anyone to stay with a mask they hate but sometimes people get stuck with a mask because of horrible DMEs. I am with you about not "loving" any mask as well lol.

Nan what mask were you using before the P10? Also I hope the P10 continues to do a good job for you!

I have 2 Tap-paps and liked them pretty much, the only problem I had was that after about a year of wearing it, I found that it had moved my bite so that I wasn't chewing properly. Once I went away from it, my bite soon shifted back to normal. I'm sure its because of the way I fitted it, so it would be entirely my fault. I pretty much follow Pugsy, when she tries out a new mask and gives the thumbs up, I follow suit . It was the same with the Tap-pap and the P10. I would say I prefer the P10 except for the straps with the Tap-pap a close second. Over the almost 6 years I have had MANY masks, I don't think I could name them all.. I used the Innomed Hybrid for about a year and a half, until I noticed I was keeping my big yap closed... and its been up hill since then, mostly pillow masks. I do have an F10 though, thought I would need it when I am congested, but I have found that I actually get better air using my pillow mask....... go figure. This reminds me that I really need to clean out my stash again and just keep those that I know I will use.

Pugsy wrote:

CaptainRaven40 wrote: but sometimes people get stuck with a mask because of horrible DMEs.

Tis true...or they have no insurance or crappy insurance but if they frequent this forum at all I can't imagine anyone being stuck with something they just hate because someone here might have something better either for free or at a steep discount.

I used to get some masks donated that were either unused, lightly used or unwanted from various sources and I have sent many masks out to people who weren't getting along well with their current mask and didn't have the means to get something else.
My inventory of donated masks is now reduced to just bits and pieces and it has been a long time since I got a big box of supplies (used to get some from a sleep lab when they were cleaning out their inventory) so I don't have much left but usually someone here will come up with something for someone in need.

For someone who just "hates" their mask and has crappy insurance or crappy DME...there's usually someone here to can maybe try to help them.
Where there is a will there is usually a way within our little community here.

This community is something special which in turn means the people here are special. If and when I get a surplus of masks and parts I will gladly start helping people, but I am not there yet. I have already learned so much from you Pugsy and it is more than greatly appreciated.

nanwilson wrote:
I have 2 Tap-paps and liked them pretty much, the only problem I had was that after about a year of wearing it, I found that it had moved my bite so that I wasn't chewing properly. Once I went away from it, my bite soon shifted back to normal. I'm sure its because of the way I fitted it, so it would be entirely my fault. I pretty much follow Pugsy, when she tries out a new mask and gives the thumbs up, I follow suit . It was the same with the Tap-pap and the P10. I would say I prefer the P10 except for the straps with the Tap-pap a close second. Over the almost 6 years I have had MANY masks, I don't think I could name them all.. I used the Innomed Hybrid for about a year and a half, until I noticed I was keeping my big yap closed... and its been up hill since then, mostly pillow masks. I do have an F10 though, thought I would need it when I am congested, but I have found that I actually get better air using my pillow mask....... go figure. This reminds me that I really need to clean out my stash again and just keep those that I know I will use.

Looks like to me that Pugsy is a good one to follow. I like the fact that Pugsy doesn't like much headgear because I feel the same way. I like the minimalist approach. I have been thinking the same thing about getting a full face mask for when I have colds. The F10 I hear is a good mask, but I am looking at the Amara View possibly. We will see how the finances work out.

Thank you both for replying and always having such good information!

CaptainRaven40 wrote:The F10 I hear is a good mask, but I am looking at the Amara View possibly

The Amara View is on my list to try.
I can't/won't try the other full face masks because of multiple reasons...mainly my neck and those lower back straps don't play nice together and the fact than anything putting pressure on my nasal bridge area causes immediate horrible nasal congestion.
My DME is supposed to be sending me the Amara View but I haven't got it yet. Guess I had better call them as they probably forgot.
The reason I am using my DME is they don't care if I return it after I decide I don't want to keep it. I can swap it for something I will use and just be out my normal insurance co pay. Those masks are real pricey when paying out of pocket.

I don't know that I am a good one to follow unless your preferences and needs seem to mirror mine. Some people think I am in need of a serum acorn level..."nut job" for those that don't know what serum acorn levels check for.

CaptainRaven40 wrote:I am a P10 user and use a medium sized pillow. I am new to CPAP therapy. I started August 11th. So if you are a P10 user yourself I would like to know what size cushion you are using and how long that cushion is lasting for you. How long you are using it? Are you loving the mask, tolerating, or hating it? Thank you all!

I am using the large. The medium would probably work with less leaks, but I like the airflow of the large.

I believe the cushion will last a long time. I still think the one I have from January is fine. However, I have no luck with the headgear lasting that long, maybe 3 months tops for me. I can't get it to shrink at all with washing. Once, it's gone, it's gone for me. I have a 7.25 inch hat size if it matters and wear the straps wide apart. It's funny that I thought the thing was awful tight when first using it. Now, I would swear Resmed is sending me used gear as it fits so comfy right out of the box.

I wash the cushion in warm water about once a week. The frame maybe once in the life cycle. I don't even bother with the straps. Maybe that's the problem. It's already too stretched when I try to wash.

In any case, a great device. I would like to see next iteration with a small velcro adjustment on the straps or offering replacements at a nominal fee. Of course, a swivel on the frame would be great if someone could master that without messing up the existing good. We can always dream.

Best,

Mike

I like my P10 so far. One of the other things that I think can be improved upon is the hose. A swivel would be nice as well as making the hose feel less cheap. I think it feels cheap. That is the one thing I worry about breaking on it.

I started just a couple weeks before you and have battled trying to find a mask that would work for me. Thanks to some of Pugsy's posts I finally tried the P10 and really like it. I've been playing with the sizes (XS-M) to see which works best. (I am also trying the DreamWear right now.) I had a previous failed attempt at cpap (can't even recall why) and had tried using my old pillows while waiting for my new equipment. I don't know if they simply degraded or just aren't the right ones for me but they had me convinced I couldn't use pillows (I felt like I was suffocating, had rainout issues and had the pillows collapsing on me). I do wash the pillows daily (with a "pure" dish soap - no dyes, perfumes or moisturizers) because I have oily skin.

And in response to Pugsy:

Pugsy wrote:
The Amara View is on my list to try.
I can't/won't try the other full face masks because of multiple reasons...mainly my neck and those lower back straps don't play nice together and the fact than anything putting pressure on my nasal bridge area causes immediate horrible nasal congestion.
My DME is supposed to be sending me the Amara View but I haven't got it yet. Guess I had better call them as they probably forgot.
The reason I am using my DME is they don't care if I return it after I decide I don't want to keep it. I can swap it for something I will use and just be out my normal insurance co pay. Those masks are real pricey when paying out of pocket.

I don't know that I am a good one to follow unless your preferences and needs seem to mirror mine. Some people think I am in need of a serum acorn level..."nut job" for those that don't know what serum acorn levels check for.

Have you ever used a full face mask, Pugsy? I've tried both the FitLife and Amara View. One thing that I find odd about them for me is that my sleep studies, titrations, experience with other masks and data indicate that I am not a mouth breather but the FFMs cause me the worst dry mouth ever (my mouth feels like it is glued shut in the morning and I have trouble opening it). That issue aside, there are two things about the Amara View that may be concerns for you.

It does have a big back strap that sits just about at the hairline. I find it thick and a little uncomfortable. And although I didn't have any large leaks, I did get leaks on the sides that were bothersome, it seems like the small was too wide - not necessarily side to side but the curve was too wide for me. (I share this because I know you said on a thread about the DreamWear that you might be a candidate for the small frame which I definitely need.)

All this aside, I'm glad to have both the FitLife and the Amara View for times when I need them. (I'll be interested to see how it all works for me when I have a cold, but the FFMs were most helpful for me after nosebleeds and cauterizations.)

I hope you have luck with it and I'm sure others will benefit from your reviews.

curems wrote: Have you ever used a full face mask, Pugsy?

No, not really. Haven't really needed to or wanted to. I breathe through my nose just fine.
Slept one night with the Innomed Hybrid back about 3 months after I first started therapy just because everyone told me back then that I just HAD to have a full face mask in case I ever caught a cold and couldn't breathe through my nose.
Well I have had several colds in the past 6 years and not once have I not been able to breathe through my nose with a little bit of meds. Finally gave the Hybrid away because it was just a waste for me to keep it.
I find that the moisture from the humidifier actually helps my nasal congestion and often when I have a cold that I wake up breathing a lot clearer than when I went to bed.

My reason for trying the Amara View is simply for educational purposes only. I have no intention of keeping it and I already know the back strap will likely just kill my neck and give me a neck headache.
I just want to see if I can get it to seal and what it feels like in general.
I briefly played with the FitLife...couldn't get it to stay sealed beyond 30 seconds. I bow in awe to those that use that beast full time.
Highly doubtful that I will even attempt to sleep with the Amara View...it all depends on that back strap and my neck.

I try these new masks just to be trying something new or to learn something.

I tried to use the P10 and found out I am too sensitive to exhaling into pressure, I can't tolerate the P10, sad but true.

Pugsy what size did you go with on the Amara View???

PoolQ the P10 is for sure not for everybody. No mask is. I wish there was a miracle mask that just transformed exactly into what that particular person needs and wants out of it. But alas I live in the real world. Damns...