Any thoughts or ideas?

[stormchaser2]

I have used cpap for about 6 years. I have tried a full face mask and could not use it due to the feeling of being closterphobic. I then tried the nasal pillow system and found one that worked for me. The last six months or so, the nasal pillow system i have used for years, now feels uncomfortable, and i feel i need to switch to something else. My doctor suggested trying a nasal mask system that covers the nose only. I was given a res med soft gel nasal mask to try. I have used it 2 nights so far, and find it more uncomfortable than the nasal pillow system i was using. Any thoughts or comments?

[New User]

Perhaps if you were to title your thread something more specific than "any thoughts or ideas"...you would get more responses. Just a suggestion....

[sleepmba]

I've got a few suggestions for you:
Have you tried replacing your nasal pillows? Perhaps your set is worn out.

Maybe you need to adjust the headgear on your nasal pillow set up.

Swift makes some good nasal pillow masks. Check them out.

Let us know how your quest turns out.

[KatieW]

I use the SoftGel mask, and alternate between that and the Activa Lt which fits the same frame. They have a totally different feel, and I like them both.

What is uncomfortable? Did you adjust the forehead dial so the angle is correct for you? Are you tightening the bottom straps too much? You should be able to put your finger between the bottom strap and your cheek. When tightening it, just do a tiny bit at a time, and just enough to stop the leaks. I do find the SoftGel is heavier, and can shift if you turn onto your side, so strap adjustment is very important. And your head pillow can easily shift it, so I use a PaPillow, which had cut-outs, so your mask can hang off the side.

You might also try the Activa Lt--you wear the straps even looser on this one--2 fingers. After you have adjusted the straps, lie down and turn your cpap on. Air will come into the mask, then lift it 1/4 inch off your face, let it inflate, and settle down. It's much lighter than the SoftGel.

Also, both masks have to be squeaky clean, to ensure a good seal. I've recently switched from Ivory Hand Soap to Dr. Bronner's--and it made a huge difference.

[newname]

The Activa LT is the most comfortable mask I've tried and I've tried many.

Another one I liked because of it's "freeing feeling" has a piece that goes over your head and the air tube comes down to your nose and only covers the tip of your nose. I can't remember its name, but most of your face is unrestricted.

now I remember, its the Comfort Lite 2. It has 3 different sealing methods so you might find one you like, the pillows, the cushions, and simple seal which only cover nose tip.

[Muse-Inc]

Try a hybrid-style...pillows and and oral cushion. I love my RespCare Hybrid, comes with 3 sizes of oral cushion, 3 sizes of pillows that can be set at 2 heights...lots of sizes to try out to get a good fit.

[Janknitz]

Can you give us some more information? What nasal pillow system were you using? Why has the nasal pillow system become uncomfortable after using it well for so long? What specifically is bothering you?

Make sure you are replacing your nasal pillows and headgear regularly. Swift nasal pillows are the most comfortable and the most fragile. The pillow part should be replaced MONTHLY (if you have Medicare, new pillows are covered monthly). The headgear needs to be replaced every 3-6 months or so. It may not seem to be worn out, but it loses elasticity and doesn't hold the position of the nasal pillows as well over time.

Some people alternate masks to give their nose a rest, but that means you need another comfortable mask to try. If we can get some more info on what you've tried and the problems you're having, we may be able to help.

[stormchaser2]

Thanks for all the replies ive read. I will be a little more specific this time. I have used cpap for about 6 years. Tried full face mask, dont remember the brand or style, but found it to be closterphobic, could not use. Tried nasal pillows system from res med, great for about 5 years. For the last six months, it now feels very uncomfortable at night, brusing marks on face, sweating around straps, nose feels cold, etc. I use a humidifier.I have readjusted the face straps, and that has made a difference. So went to my doctor and he suggested i try a nasal mask. So i have been using a res med soft gel nasal mask and it feels worse. Have used it about three days, and the seal came apart,brand new mask. So i started using another mask i have, an opus 360 nasal pillow mask, works ok but my nose gets cold most nights. Gonna go back to my provider and try to get fitted for another mask, not sure what to try next. I am not sleeping well at night, the masks are really a bother now. Any suggestions or ideas would be helpful.