Pillow mask

imonfire · Post by **imonfire** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:42 pm

Hi all, I have been lurking here for some time learning all I could. I have been on cpap for about two months and have had no problems with compliance. I am used to having a mask on my face with some pressure on it (firefighter). I use a full face mask and it is okay, but I would really like to try some type of pillow system. I have tried looking at cpap.com and their mask suggestions for me do not recommend nasal pillows. I have large slotted nares. Does anyone have any suggestions on a nasal pillow that I might try that would work on my nares?

Rick

Bonnie · Post by **Bonnie** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 9:44 pm

Hi Rick,
I can't help you out with a suggestion but want to welcome you to the forum. I'm sure you'll get help from those who know more about what will fit you. I use the Swift II but I think my nares are ordinary ...what ever that means.

Nodzy · Post by **Nodzy** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 10:00 pm

Rick.... welcome,

Did you look at the Opti-Life by Respironics? Qestions are: Do you mouth vent any air when sleeping? Or mouth breathe during sleep? If so, you'll leak air out the pie-hole and have ineffective therpay.

There are many other nasal masks besides the Opti-Life, but I haven't tried them all.

Nodzy

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 12:06 am

Hi Rick,

You've definitely been doing your homework here on the board...already got yourself the Aussie heated hose.

Large slotted nares. You know, the cpap.com thingie discourages people that don't have round nostril openings from trying nasal pillows masks. I think what matters more than the shape of the nares is the smushiness of the nasal pillows themselves.

Nasal pillows should do most of their sealing on the outside of the nostril openings. If they "smush up" nicely against the outer rim of the nostril openings, it doesn't much matter (imho) what shape the openings are.

Of all the nasal pillows, I think the Breeze has the smushiest pillows. Except for the Breeze's "Medium" ... the silicone used in the clear "Medium" is stiffer for some reason. But all the other sizes, which are colored silicone, are very soft and flexible. Very smush-able.

Another thing about the Breeze pillows -- I think most people, including a DME "fitting" you -- choose nasal pillows that are to small to seal well. Bigger nasal pillows for the Breeze than you'd think you need seal better and are more comfortable, imho. I think most women should choose the "Large" (pale green) pillows, and men should get the "Large" or "Extra Large" (lavender.) Since you described your nares as slotted and large, I'd bet on the "Extra Large" size suiting you, Rick.

The Breeze is great for side sleepers. Not so good for sleeping on your back. Unless.... unless you do some real lab ratting on the back of the headgear. You can find some very cool fixes for the Breeze here:

LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards
viewtopic.php?t=15104

The Breeze was my favorite mask for a long time, until I started using the Headrest nasal pillows mask. The smushiness of the Breeze pillows is why I think the Breeze might do better for you than my top favorite, Rick.

But, heck, you'll end up trying a good many more masks before you're done, even if you like one early on. I guess I see a bit of "this is fascinating stuff" in you. You won't be able to resist trying other masks down the line.

I'll bet you've already rigged the main air hose up out of your way.

michaelho · Post by **michaelho** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 6:17 am

I agree with RG, the Puritan Breeze pillows (large) usually seal very well and are excellent for side sleepers. I use this as my 'second' mask but over the last week it has been my 'favorite' again. This happens once you are in this 'business' (haha). In fact the mask seals with hardly any pressure , and if you tighten up too much, it ruins the seal. I must try to source some larger ones like RG mentions. I use the 'large' (light green) and am a large male. Occasionally I have seal issues and that's when I go back to the OPUS mask.

imonfire · Post by **imonfire** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 10:37 am

Thanks to all those that replied, and yes RG, I do have a fascination with this process. It stems from a personal belief that "good enough just isn't good enough when there could be a better".

Perhaps a little history might help here. I was diagnosed by accident when I was sent to an ENT for sinus problems. Have been a mouth breather for a long time and my regular Dr sent me to and ENT, who immediately sent me for a sleep study. Next morning I FELT GREAT, I had found the fountain of youth!!! Go to DR. get prescription, go to DME get machine and mask, go home use machine and mask, severly dissapointed, no fountain of youth here!!!

Go back to ENT, tell of experience. ENT does turbinate coblation two weeks ago, WOW, I can breath through my nose!!! Now I want to try different masks, different machines, find my fountain of youth again!!! I will get another machine in about 6 months or so, thinking about respironics M series auto w/aflex.

By the way, what is the difference between C flex and A flex?
Titration was done on a respironics with a Cflex of 3, don't really know what kind of mask other than full face was used. Now I found out that right here in town is a sleep center with Dr. Krakow as the medical direction, but unfortuneatly, neither he or the center take my insurance. So I buy his book as consolation.

I have very little experience to share at t his point but when I do get some knowledge, I will be looking forward to contributing that to someone else when needed. I think this is going to be fun!

Thanks
RIck

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