Nasal pillow Vs nasal mask

[mechanicalguy]

I am new to cpap. Have been using a nasal mask for 6 weeks now. Although it is acceptable, but it is not comfortable. Also recently I started feeling warm in the areas covered by the mask. Slight leakage also follows. I am thinking about buying a nasal pillow system.

Any thoughts on the comparison between the two.

Any recommendations on what type / company of nasal pillows are good

Thanks in advance to all responders

[Pugsy]

Opus 360 nasal pillows
Swift LT
Swift FX

All are very popular. Go to cpap.com and scroll through the nasal pillows to see what perks your interest.
I have used all 3 above. I like the Swift FX best because it is the least about of stuff on the face and the side pieces are silicone and not stiff plastic like.

I have never used an over the nose mask. The least little bit of pressure on my turbinates causes immediate and uncomfortable congestion.

[mechanicalguy]

THANKS FOR YOUR RESPONSE

[rested gal]

The masks Pugsy listed are very good ones.

Another one I'd add to the list is my favorite -- the Headrest nasal pillows mask by Aeiomed.

Unfortunately, Aeiomed went out of business, so my favorite is no longer being manufactured. However, there are still some of them available if a person looks around online. I think cpap.com still has them. The cheapest price I've seen the Headrest (and other masks) at is at cpapshopper.com
I think cpap.com price matches if you find something at a lower price.

The good thing about the Headrest, even though more won't be made, is that its nasal pillows last and last and last. I've used the same nasal pillows seal for over a year at a time, using it every single night.

It's a crazy looking mask - looks bulky and heavy, but it's very lightweight and unobtrusive. Especially if you "deconstruct" it (remove the headgear completely and add your own soft homemade straps.)

The Headrest is by far the best nasal pillows mask I've ever used -- and I do keep trying new ones as they come out.

LINKS to HeadRest nasal pillows mask topics (same mask has had other names: Aeiomed Aura, then Headrest, then Invacare Twilight NP, then back to Headrest again.)
viewtopic.php?t=3098

[Pugsy]

The good thing about the Headrest, even though more won't be made, is that its nasal pillows last and last and last. I've used the same nasal pillows seal for over a year at a time, using it every single night.

I thought about the Headrest but figured not much use since it is out of production. That one is probably the only one I didn't try back when I went through all the other nasal pillow and prong masks during my experimental phase.
I guess I never spotted on on the cpapauction or I would have tried it.

You know I have always got months and months of use from the Swift nasal pillows. First the LT and now the FX.
Currently using FX pillow that I got in Dec last year. It seems fine. No leaks and quite comfortable still. No collapse.
Nothing to make me think it is getting tired at all. Maybe I am just lucky. It sure isn't because of any special treatment. I long ago gave up washing them every day.

[rested gal]

I long ago gave up washing them every day.

Me too.

[Resister]

Really? I thought I was just being gross on the days I skipped washing

[DaveLP]

I have two Opus 360 masks. The first one fell victim to the straps delaminating ... the outer stretchy part came loose from the inner padded liner. the pillows were still good and I ended up using the medium pillow from the old one because the new one seemed to have a different angle that irritated my nose.

I like the Opus 360. I have a Swift FX nasal pillow mask being shipped right now since I've heard so many good things about them. If I could use only the NP mask without a chin strap, I'd be in CPAP heaven. Just the mask alone feels almost like you aren't wearing anything. But ... I get mouth leaks and the chin strap helps eliminate that.

I'm one of those who don't mind a FFM, but have issues with leaks caused by my beard breaking the seal. I'm also a side sleeper and the mask hits the pillow and opens the seal sometimes. Tightening the straps helps, but it's uncomfortable if I tighten them enough to overcome the beard issue. I use a 2mm guard on my beard trimmer, but any facial hair contributes to poor sealing.