Selecting a new mask

TommyG · Post by **TommyG** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 9:17 am

I've been using a CPAP for the past two years with fairly good results. It's been one of the best things I've ever done.

The only problem is that I'm having difficulties with a mask I can live with.

I initially started with a mask that covered my entire nose, but I guess because I sleep on my stomach/side, I kept breaking off the plastic tabs that hold the headgear on. I also had a hard time with having that thing sticking a couple of inches off of my nose, making it harder to sleep with the side of my face on the pillow.

I switched to an Adams Circuit and I've been using that for about a year and half. For the most part, I really like it. The problem I run into is that the headgear just won't stay tight against my head, it's continually slipping up which breaks the seal on the pillows. I wind up waking up early fighting to put the darn thing back in place.

Question: Does anyone know of a system that will allow me to sleep on my stomach/side and not keep slipping off?

arteecat · Post by **arteecat** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 9:28 am

the breeze is good for side sleepers. only issure is that they will break pretty easily

Optilife seems to work pretty good. Jury still out on the opus.

Swift pillow may be an option but you generally have to sleep on one side or the other

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 11:12 am

Tommy, the #1 best nasal pillows mask I've used for sleeping with side of face flat against the head pillow is the Twilight NP (formerly called the "Aura" and the "Headrest.")

Twilight NP is carried by Invacare.

Here are drawings of ways to use an extra homemade strap to steady the Twilight NP if need be. I use the leg cut off a pair of pantyhose tights, but any soft stretchy material can make a nice strap.

Pictures -- ways to route one or two homemade straps to steady nasal pillows masks.
http://www.tnlc.com/Lara/laura/osa/aura-strap6ways.jpg

This kind of "knot" for tying a homemade strap in the back will stay flat, easy to adjust, easy to remove in the morning:
How to tie a double-start knot
http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/doublestartknot.htm

The ComfortLite2 nasal pillows mask would be my second choice. I chopped off the clunky swivel elbow on top of that one.

Here are links to a lot of discussions (and pictures of some fixes) for the two masks I mentioned:

LINKS to Invacare Twilight NP (Aeiomed Headrest- Aura) nasal pillows mask topics
viewtopic.php?t=3098

LINKS to Respironics ComfortLite 2 nasal pillows mask topics
viewtopic.php?t=8066

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 12:17 pm

As RG has noted ... most pillow interface masks can be hacked up, redesigned, and rebuilt to suit your personal needs. If you are the handy type ... that is the route to go. Just find the right pillow design that you like best and get the buzz saw out ... and don't forget the panty hose

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 12:25 pm

And you might simply be able to use the "home-made strap" to stabilize your current mask. It works great. Just make sure you don't block the exhale vent holes.

Catnapper · Post by **Catnapper** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 12:35 pm

Hi
I picked up my new auto bipap this morning, and an Aura mask. (My DME has a drawer full of the older version.) This post from RG is just in time for me. RG to the rescue, again! I think of her as Rescue Gal!

TKU,RG

Catnapper- Joanie

Selecting a new mask

Selecting a new mask

good timing