Switched to nasal pillows last night and could not fall asleep

[crab-legs]

I have been using an FFM since January 2018, despite problems with leakage, my nose itching with it on, etc. I had mistakenly thought I needed one since I sometimes breathe with my mouth in the daytime.

But I had another sleep study, six months after, in June of 2018, where I tried the Swift FX nasal pillows (size large) the entire night (without a jaw strap). They were perfect and I slept soundly; the RT was very pleased. But I was lazy and did not bother to order them for a long time, and continued using my FFM. Well, fast forward to over a year and a half later, I finally got around to ordering the exact same nasal pillows and tried them for the first time last night since my study. I could not fall asleep for two and a half, even though I was tired and it was my normal bedtime and I didn't have any caffeine. There was no leakage and they were quiet. I usually fall asleep with my FFM in 15-30 minutes. Annoyed, I switched back to my FFM, and finally fell asleep an hour later, sleeping for a full eight hours.

So what is going on? Has my body become so used to the FFM now, that nasal pillows won't cut it for me? Do I try them again tonight? Why did I sleep fine with them the first time I used them during my sleep study in 2018?

Also, does my pressure of 13-15 cm H20 with Cflex of 2 need to be adjusted for nasal pillows? I saw my doctor in November, and he said everything was fine when I was still using my FFM.

Maybe my ResMed Swift FX nasal pillows are not compatible with my Philips Respironics Dreamstation??

[Pugsy]

Maybe my ResMed Swift FX nasal pillows are not compatible with my Philips Respironics Dreamstation??

No, this isn't the reason you couldn't sleep. All masks are compatible with all machines with the exception of maybe some travel size machines.

Also, does my pressure of 13-15 cm H20 with Cflex of 2 need to be adjusted for nasal pillows?

Probably not but you might be able to get by with less pressure. Some people have found that they can use less pressure with nasal pillow masks than they use with full face masks and get essentially the same results. Not a guarantee but fairly common.
No need to adjust immediately though.

Why did I sleep fine with them the first time I used them during my sleep study in 2018?

So what is going on?

My best guess.....nerves...worry....anxiety caused the insomnia.

Now you have used a full face mask for a long time so the body is more accustomed to it but there is no reason that the body can't also get accustomed to nasal pillow mask as well. May take a bit a time. Sometimes old habits are hard to break but they can be broken.

Use the nasal pillow mask for a prolonged time without being under the gun to fall asleep....while watching TV or reading...to give the body/brain a chance to get accustomed to the new way of doing things.

FWIW....I have used nasal pillows for over 10 years now....and the nights I have tried using a full face mask I have some trouble falling asleep as well. It's just a new sensation for the body and brain to get adjusted to even if we are totally comfortable with them.

[crab-legs]

Thanks so much Pugsy! Everything you said makes sense. I think I was probably unconsciously nervous. They were new, so I probably was excited too.

I will try going to bed early and reading my phone with them on. The good thing is now I can see fine with them on since they don't interfere with vision like my FFM. I might even try wearing them in the day time at my computer.

The only thing I don't like about the nasal pillows is if I open my mouth purposely at night, like to cough or just to open it casually. The air leaks and I start to choke. So I either have to learn to adjust or take the pillows out before I open the mouth. I have to remember to keep my mouth closed in bed.

The other thing is once in a while my mouth does fill with air from the nasal pillows, and I have to open it to expel the air. But the same occurred with my FFM too.

[Pugsy]

Eventually a lot of us have just got to the point that opening the mouth is second nature with the nasal pillows being used even with pressure.

I know you won't believe me right now but there is a chance that later you can open your mouth and talk and/or even blow raspberries at someone and not even lose any air out the mouth or have air enter the mouth.
I know because I can do it but it probably took 9 to 12 months of use to get to that point.
It's a reflex action that I can't really describe but lots of us here can do it.

[crab-legs]

Eventually a lot of us have just got to the point that opening the mouth is second nature with the nasal pillows being used even with pressure.

I know you won't believe me right now but there is a chance that later you can open your mouth and talk and/or even blow raspberries at someone and not even lose any air out the mouth or have air enter the mouth.
I know because I can do it but it probably took 9 to 12 months of use to get to that point.
It's a reflex action that I can't really describe but lots of us here can do it.

Haha... I believe you Pugsy! I hope I will become that good within a year. You give me confidence to keep using them.