Looking to get new mask...

[Wedge]

So, pretty much what that subject says. I'm currently using the original Mirage Swift. I was okay with it until I really started looking in to things. It seems as if I could have gone better. One, I'm a side sleeper, but since the vents are sort of loud and blow enough to be annoying to my wife, I slept away from her and solved that problem. Not that I want to always do that. Two, I'm picking up from some research that it's louder than it needs to be. Also, I may be a mouth breather, but I don't think I have been since starting treatment. I mean, let's just say I ruined plenty of pillows from drooling before, but now, nada. I'd have to think if the mouth was open, I'd still drool. I should probably ask my wife if I am or not.

Anyway, any suggestions for a primary side sleeper? I also sport facial hair, so nasal pillows or similar construction would probably be best, though if someone with facial hair can recommend something good that isn't pillows I'd listen.

Also, since this is my first mask change, I have to ask a stupid question: Is tubing relatively standard? I happen to be using ResMed stuff right now. I figure you can mix and match, but I don't want to dive in without asking and finding out the hard way that you can't.

[SleepingBetterNow]

I have a reasonably short beard and the Respironics ComfortFull 2 works perfectly for me. I'm almost exclusively a side sleeper too and no problems there either. I change positions through the night and still don't lose the seal.

I have tried the Resmed Quattro and the F&P 432 and they both leaked badly for me unless I really cranked down the headgear. With the ComfortFull 2, I get a perfect seal and the best AHI numbers. I'm not sure why more people don't recommend it. They're pretty inexpensive on cpapauction.com even for new ones.

[Wedge]

Wow, a full with a beard? Not sure how comfortable I'd be with a full. Not that I think I'd be claustrophobic or anything, just overall comfort. I should probably test that at my sleep lab, if they'll let me.

[ozij]

Tubing is standard.

You'll find a list of nasal pillows mask systems here https://www.cpap.com/advanced-find-cpap ... sk-Systems

I've used 2 of them: The Breeze, and the Headrest /Aura - both excellent for side sleeping. The Breeze is an asocial mask and will blow air at your bed partner, the Headrest blows the air directly upwards.

Peoples faces are very different, so finding the mask that is comfortable for you is very much a trial and error thing.

If your mouth was still open you wouldn't necessarily drool, because the pressurized air rushing out of it would dry it - a very dry mouth may be one of the indicators of mouth breathing. You may have been opening your mouth before because of the obstructions, and maybe you no longer do because the treatment is working.

O.

[Wedge]

Well, I asked the wife, and her response was basically "well, I sleep better myself now that you don't snore anymore, but there are times when you seem to breathe out of your mouth" and listed things like not sleeping well in general, being sick, and other things of "distress." So perhaps I should go hybrid at the very least. I have noticed dry mouth on occasion. But I'm so allergy prone that I always sort of chalked that up to allergen irritation.

Too many freakin' choices!

[RobertinTX]

For whats it's worth... I have a full beard and a side sleeper...
I use the Flex Fit HC 405 and don't have any problems.
I've used several different mask and for me this is the best.