Mask recommendation help...

[Bytor]

I am a new CPAP user and am (of course) having trouble finding a mask that works for me. First, some info, I'm using a M Seriues Auto CPAP w/ A-PAP machine, with the built in humidifer and smartcard. I have OSA although my last sleep study indicated a small posibility of light CSA.

Anyway, here's my problem with the masks. The full nose mask prevents me from scratching my nose, which happens a lot, especially when there is condensation, which happens even with my humidifer set at 1. The mask I tried with that was:

Mirage Activity

Then I tried a nasal pillow mask (OptiLife Nasal Pillow), trying every single size the item came with. The problem here was that, in every size, after much fiddling and adjustment to get the best air flow and best comfort and best seal, the air flow was severely restricted. I have extremely small nares and had to use the petite fitting in the end, maybe that's why. I tried upping the pressure on the machine and that helped a little bit, but I had to get it ridiculously high to match the air flow of the Activa, which was fine at a baseline of 4.5 (using APAP here).

So now I just ordered the Nasal Aire II with the Extra Small, Small & Medium fittings. Maybe this will work better... I sort of have my doubts because of the flow issues with the last one, but I was thinking that my nares are small, but the inside of my nose is bigger, so maybe the flow issues wouldn't be so bad. Also, being able to sleep in any position with this thing is an attractive option.

So, in conclusion, I have two questions:

(1) Based on what I said about regarding masks, does anyone have some advice on how to proceed? I am fully aware of the fact that there is no perfect mask for everyone and I just have to go through a lot of trial and error. However, all the return insurance I'm buying has already added up to the price of another mask, so any and all advice is accepted at this point.

(2) I keep taking the mask off at night, about 2 hours after putting it on. Completely subconsciously. I even turn off the machine, completely subconsciously! WTF? Any tricks on avoiding this one? Maybe I'll quit doing it when I find a mask that works for me.

Thank you all for reading this lengthy post. This forum seems like a great bunch of people.

[soulrhythm]

I am a relatively new CPAP user as well. I began with the Opus Nasal Pillow System but had to tighten the straps down so hard to keep it from leaking my nose would be very sore in the morning. I then tried the Swift nasal pillow system and had better luck with it. However, like you I would inadvertently take off my mask during the night and/or turn off the machine. I also began struggling with mouth breathing.

I now have the Mirage Liberty full face mask with nasal pillows and like it much better. I have not struggles with taking this one off as much (don't know why), but was turning still off my machine during the night. The best solution I have found is to cover the machine buttons to make it more diificult to turn off. I currently open a hard back book and allow the cover to be over the machine. It makes it awkward enough that when I have tried to turn off the machine in the night, I wake up and keep myself from doing so.

I struggle a little with nose leaks as well. I have traced much of this leakge due to oils on the mask and my face. Washing my mask each morning warm water and basic (moisturizer-free) soap and my face with the same soap each night is critical. This keeps a good seal for most of the night, but I am still have some leaks after about 4am. My guess is that oils built up through the night are causing the nasal pillows to slip down a little (the leak is out of the very tip of my nostrils). After reading other posts I am going to try some surgical tape on the nasal pillows/nose tonight and see if that keep them from slippings.

Hope this is helpful.

JIM

[ozij]

There's more rainout when the pressure - consider using a heated hose (tube) which can be ordered from http://www.sleepzone.com.au.

Gloves on your hands may make taking off your mask more difficult too. Or a bandaid that keep you from using your thumbs?

O.

[lcozzarelli]

BYtor, have you seen this 'mask'?

http://www.nomask.com/

The initial reviews are great (just ordered but haven't received mine yet) and it may help with you taking your mask off while you're asleep..

[DragonFire]

Bytor,
I am new to CPAP and still adjusting but used to work with masks on.
Therefore I am kind of used to it, nevertheless my provider told me, when I went to select the gear, that there are masks that have a bite and have you breathe through your mouth (like a scuba diver).
The draw back is you need to wear a nose clip to prevent leaks.

Just a tought in case you prefer to bite something rather than wear headgear. The difference with what Kozzarelli suggests is you would breathe through your mouth and keep the nose shut. Rainout would not be an issue here

[Snoozy Q]

Bytor,
The 'nomask" thing mentioned a few posts up is pretty much universally regarded as a bad idea. I'd recommend you pass on that one.

I'm a bit confused as to why there'd be a problem with air flow with nasal pillows. I thought any size nasal pillow ought to provide the same air pressure as any other. If I understood your post, you mentioned a pressure of 4.5. A pressure of 4 is pretty low, and can feel as if there's not enough airflow. It may be sufficient airflow but it can subjectively feel like not enought 'til you get used to it. What pressure were you titrated at?