Nasal Pillows or Nasal Mask?

[KatieW]

Rested Gal, when I first started reading this forum, I would cut and paste posts that I wanted to keep for future reference. Today, (can you tell I have more energy after a month on cpap?) I organized them and filled a 3 ring-binder.

The majority of them are written by you! I especially appreciate your articles on lab ratting the Comfort Lite 2 and Aeiomed Headrest; they have added to my comfort and successful therapy. I am so grateful for all your contributions to this forum, and to my cpap education.

[DreamOn]

....I really like the Mirage Softgel. Can you describe how the Activa Lt is different?

It's difficult to describe. Take a look at the photo of the Activa LT cushion here: https://www.cpap.com/viewImage.php?PNum ... on-top.jpg. You can't really tell from the photo, but there is a very thin, pliable layer of silicone against your face. There is another slightly thicker, but pliable layer of silicone below that (with space in between). The mask "floats" well and seals great, whether I'm on my back or side. I can leave the headgear straps quite loose. I think I tried the Mirage Softgel during titration and/or mask fitting. As I recall, it didn't have quite as much "give" as the Activa LT. Perhaps another Activa LT user with better descriptive skills can explain better than I can.

I just ordered the Papcap, and am looking forward to trying it. Are we on parallel paths?

I do think that we are on a similar path, yes! I recently got an oximeter too!

~ DreamOn

[montana user]

I think alot depeds on your pressure settings. I have noticed the higher pressures (8cmH2O and up) don't work well with the pillows. I am a sleep lab coordinator and 95% of my patients use a nasal mask. But if your pressure is low, give them a try!!!

[Muse-Inc]

...the higher pressures (8cmH2O and up) don't work well with the pillows...

I wore the Respironics OptiLife at 11 cmH2O for 23 months without a single problem, great from night 1. After losing a lot of wt, I started losing therapy air and now wear the RespCare Hybrid. Don't be so sure that folks with pressures >10 cannot successfully wear pillows regardless of what the mfgs say. Many here are like I was, successful wearers with 10+ pressure.

[DOHboy]

Great response what a great online community!

When i say average results i am referring to my success with this mask to last full nights. I would say im lasting on average %20 full nights, the others i will wake up at some point and tear the mask off in a dazed and uncomfortable manner. I often wake up in the morning with no recollection of taking it off but with the clips still done up and the mask thrown to the floor i know i have just ripped it off. I normally wake up to it leaking or high pressure points from the mask on my face. My wife tells me that im not mouth breathing.

My thinking is to ask those who have been at this point before of looking for other options for interfacing with my CPAP machine. While its very clear that different nasal masks work better for different faces i was thinking how different? and what exactly is different about these totally different interfacing categories. I haven't had pressure sores yet.... but i have been unsatisfied with the amount of pressure on the face that a nasal mask gives. To my way of thinking nasal pillows look so different and minimal in there physical contact they have to be a winner. Is the grass greener on the other side?

How many CPAP users use more than one type of mask? I have read a few posting of people who chop and change their mask daily depending on that evenings situation or the night before, any truth in this?

For the nasal pillow users out there is your story similar to mine? Why did you make the change or leap from one mask category to the next? and when did you discover the nasal pillow option?

Thanks once again for all this advise.

DOHboy