Nasal pillow selection/advice please

peterl · Post by **peterl** » Thu May 29, 2008 3:55 pm

I have tried the Resmed mirage micro nasal mask but despite me modifying it with a Padacheek nose bridge protector plus using silicone ear plug putty inside tthe mask to reduce pressure to my nose and upper lip it is still giving me red sore marks. So given this is my first mask (I have been using CPAP for 4 weeks now). I have decided to try a nasal pillow setup. Can anyone advise me with selection of a brand/model. Are there any pros or cons with a nasal pillow? I am on 7cms pressure using a resmed S8 Autoscore series 11 (two). I have a very high nasal bridge and this is part of the problem also I am wearing orthodontic braces on my upper and lower teeth fun-huh. Thanks for any advice ):

countman88 · Post by **countman88** » Thu May 29, 2008 5:01 pm

Totally happy with my P&B Breeze Nasal Pillow mask which I have used for 6 years, after a short trial with an Ultra Mirage. Took a little getting used to I guess but it is just a matter of experimenting to get the pillow holder locked into the right angle for the individual. No contact with the nose or face other than the two pillows inserted lightly inside the nostrils. Occasionally had some slight discomfort with the pillow irritating a nostril but a smear of a lubricant for one night usually overcame that.
I am not really qualified to speak about which is best only ever having tried just one NP mask. Maybe I was just lucky that it was the only mask available at the time or that I just adapt to situations easily.
The Ultra Mirage was ok but the appeal of the Breeze was that it was so easy to put on and didn't feel like I had much on my face.
Good luck

KenD
Brisbane

Panhandler · Post by **Panhandler** » Thu May 29, 2008 5:07 pm

I really like nasal pillows or nasal prongs. My current favorite is the Fisher & Paykel Infinity, but it's being phased out. The NasalAire II also works well for me, though I've modified it by shortening the tubes and making a custom headgear that puts the connection at the top of my head. It doesn't rest very firmly on my upper lip. Some people don't like the idea of stuffing the tubes up their nose, but I sleep on my side or stomach, and appreciate that the mask stays put.

I just got the Fisher & Paykel Opus 360 and tried it for the first time last night. I think it may become my new favorite. I don't have any recollection of how much pressure it put on my upper lip. Not enough to notice, but I don't wear braces.

peterl · Post by **peterl** » Fri May 30, 2008 3:26 am

Thankyou for the replies does anyone else have any advice as I want to purchase a pillow mask ASAP as I cannot continue with my current \resmed mask. THANKS for any advice,comments,suggestions etc. PLEASE HELP ME WITH EVERYONE'S COLLECTIVE WISDOM THANKYOU FOR ANY REPLIES
Peter

tangents · Post by **tangents** » Fri May 30, 2008 8:19 am

Hi Peter,

My favorite is the Aeiomed Headrest. Very comfortable, great seal. A good number of us have decapitated the Headrest (ie, taken off the head gear) according to Rested Gal's instructions, which you can find under the yellow light bulb. Even if you leave the head gear on, a strap that cradles the nasal pillows and ties behind the head makes the seal very stable. Rested Gal uses tights, and I use a soft strip of suede-like fabric. Also, remember to apply a thin layer of natural chap-stick to your nares at night.

Good luck with your selection,
Cathy

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri May 30, 2008 9:47 am

I'm a big advocate for the Nasal Aire II. Everything I know about it can be read here on my Tip Sheet:

viewtopic/t23207/Babettes-Nasal-Aire-II-Tip-Sheet.html

Good luck!
B.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Fri May 30, 2008 10:39 am

I think that if I were wearing orthodontic braces the Breeze (which I have used a lot and liked) would not work for me. The Breeze's pillow are inserted into a hard plastic shell, and that shell sat on the area underneath my nose, near my teeth. There was no way I could get rid of that weight.

The Headrest on the other hand has only its light, soft nasal seal part touching your nostrils. I haven't used the Breeze in a year since decapitating my Headrest. I used to altrenate before that.

How are you routing you hose? I found it made a tremendous differnce to have it hanging down from a hook in the wall above my head.

On a pressure of 7 you will find the Headrest prone to rainout. Rainout is always worse for those of us with low pressure. I use a heated hose in the winter, with an additional (snuggle hose) cover on that hose, and I also cover the Headrest's narrower tube. It think the newer seals which are slightly thicker are better isolators so the rainout is better controlled. The Headrest is worth the additional investment in the heated hose and extra covers.
O.

peterl · Post by **peterl** » Fri May 30, 2008 2:52 pm

3 weeks ago I hung via a hook the hose from the back of my bed so that it comes over the top of the beds headrest and made a small rubber bungee cord for it. Yes it made a difference but still not enough to eliminate my problem. Thanks Peter

_________________

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Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri May 30, 2008 3:14 pm

The Headrest is the way to go. I'm at 8 cms and do experience rainout once in a while, but this mask is so dang comfortable and stable it's worth it.
I can sleep face down into my pillow or roll around in any direction and I have never lost a seal.

Pretty much everyone who tries the Headrest ends up loving it. And those that try it do so because they already tried many of the other nasal pillow masks and couldnt get a good fit or seal (I tried 6 different masks before getting a Headrest). This mask is often a last resort because many DME's won't get it for you...and if that's the case, fire your DME, call around, and find a better one.

All that being said...if you have a larger than average head like I do, it should work great for you right out of the box. If you have a smaller head, you'll probably need to make a modification or two to get it to fit properly. Do a search for Rested Gal and you'll find her popular mod and a few others.

peterl · Post by **peterl** » Sat May 31, 2008 5:21 pm

Thanks everyone for the replies. I live in Australia and cannot get the AEIO Headrest here but I have ordered one from America it was out of stock but I will have one air freighted and delivered in about 7 days time. I will give it a go and have taken note that I can also modify the mask using "Rested Gals" instructions so that will also be another helpful thing in case I find that straight out of the box the mask is not fitting me properly. Once again THANKYOU!!!

peterl · Post by **peterl** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 2:32 am

I have received my headrest mask... WOW BRILLIANT!!! I have only used it for one night and boy it is fabulous. I will probably do as "Rested Gal "has done and modify it as per her instructions.THANKYOU everyone for your replies/suggestions and helpful hints. I am very grateful for all of your collective wisdom and replies. Peter

Nasal pillow selection/advice please

Nasal pillow selection/advice please

Thankyou for all the replies and advice