Need suggestion for a nasal mask

[Minky]

I started using CPAP this week and am one of the lucky ones and have taken to it easily. I'm using the P10, which is great. However, I have very sensitive skin and my nostrils are irritated. I do use Lansinoh, which helps a lot, but I still think that every few nights I need to switch to a nasal mask. I tried the Swift FX Nano and had to change back to the P10 at 1:00am because the mask was cutting into the area between my nose and upper lip and the pain woke me up. I also found that it leaked and blew air into my eyes. Thanks to return insurance this one is going back.

I know that all faces are different and what works for one person may not work for another, but I'm brand new to this and would appreciate suggestions for nasal masks.


Thanks!

[RicaLynn]

Might I suggest that you bear with it a bit longer? I started CPAP in August and my DME warned me there would be a break in period with the nasal pillows. Sure enough, three days in and my nose was broken out like a teenager after a chocolate binge. I had a couple nights where I couldn't tolerate the mask for more than a couple hours, but by diligently cleansing face and pillows for a few nights, I got through it and my skin acclimated. I don't have any trouble with the P10 any more (but I haven't had a head cold yet either...)

[Pugsy]

You might look at the Wisp or the Eson.
I haven't ever actually seen the Eson but I have seen and tried the Wisp which comes with different sizes of cushions when the Nano doesn't. Maybe the discomfort is related to sizing of the cushion...and having different sizes available to try might help sort out the issue better.
Or the new AirFit N10 nasal cushion...I haven't seen one of those.

[49er]

I started using CPAP this week and am one of the lucky ones and have taken to it easily. I'm using the P10, which is great. However, I have very sensitive skin and my nostrils are irritated. I do use Lansinoh, which helps a lot, but I still think that every few nights I need to switch to a nasal mask. I tried the Swift FX Nano and had to change back to the P10 at 1:00am because the mask was cutting into the area between my nose and upper lip and the pain woke me up. I also found that it leaked and blew air into my eyes. Thanks to return insurance this one is going back.

I know that all faces are different and what works for one person may not work for another, but I'm brand new to this and would appreciate suggestions for nasal masks.


Thanks!

I love the Elan Nasal Cloth Mask listed in my equipment profile. I settled on this one after trying a "million" masks.

I have found it very easy to adjust so the leaks are limited. Of course, your mileage will vary.

49er

[Guest 2]

I've never tried the pillows so no help there, but I've only used nasal mask.
The one I used on my sleep study (Don't even know the brand but It was so large it made me feel claustrophobic and leaked a lot) the one that came home with my machine was a Resmed N10 and I really like the mask only a little soreness under the nose but was improving with time, but I had a problem when my pressures were higher the mask won't vent fast enough so my lungs would fill up and wake me , I was always having to burp the mask and exhale then repeat in 5 - 10 mins. So that issue made me try an F&P Eson nasal mask and for me it was BINGO! .
What a wonderful mask that would be my suggestion for you to try, remember so you don't get mad at me that everyone will have a different opinion on any mask out there, want works for one won't work for another. It's a good thing there are so many different options for us.
Good Luck!

[englandsf]

Sometimes using bigger pillows on the P10 can make the pillows move and chafe less, too.

[EstelleS]

Wisp nasal mask might be a good alternative for you. It is the mask I started with before switching to P10 (because I slept better with less face pressure and headgear). At least for me, though, the Wisp never caused skin irritation and it has a great, barely noticeable venting system like the P10. You would have to start out with the fit pack to find out which mask size works best.

[Amenite]

I started out with a Resmed Mirage Micro nasal mask and it's worked very well. The adjustment on the forehead helps deal with eye area leakage. Headgear is comfortable. Never used anything else. I was concerned about my occasional nasal congestion at first but that has turned out to be a minor issue at most.

[Minky]

Thanks, everyone, for all of your help. I'm going to figure out which of the masks that you suggested have return insurance available and will try all those that do.

Thanks also for the advice that I may be using pillows that are too small. When I went for a mask fitting the tech told me that I have a very small nose (I've never thought so) and I need small pillows and cushions. I've been using the small pillows and have not only had chafing, but also feel like the pillows go too far into my nostrils, which I know means that they may be too small. I just tried the medium pillows and they're a lot more comfortable.

Thanks!

[bwexler]

I used the "No Mask" nasal pillows my first few months but my nostrils never got used to them.
I have used the Elan and the Wisp successfully but the Elan could not handle pressure above 12 very well for me. That was why I switched to the Wisp.

If you ask 100 people, you should get 110 answers.

[englandsf]

Minky - great news on pillow size - I'd even try the large too. When "pushed" they seem to stay very still, give better air flow and even wedge my nose open. YMMV

[damburke]

I also use the P10, which I really like. It is extremely important that you have the right size pillows for this mask. It comes in small, medium and large. The medium is perfect for me. I remember when I tried to use the small one night, the next day my nose was really sore. I personally don't think you can find a more comfortable mask than the P10, but using the right size pillows is extremely important.

[englandsf]

The P10 is the second best selling pillow at cpap.com but I think it may be the number one choice on this board, judging by the profiles I've seen

[sleeplessinaz]

The P 10 is one of the best masks out there! Try going up a size in the nasal pillow - it might be just the thing you need to make a perfect fit.

[CPAPER Paul]

I started with the P-10 and find it comfortable, but only after I changed to a larger size pillow. The medium size which I started with rubbed my upper lip and nose and was downright painful. After changing to the Large size pillow I found it kept the hard part of the pillow away from my upper lip and still stayed in place in the nostril. I have yet to have any significant leaks or discomfort after making that change.

To echo what others have said, it's a great place to start, but you might have to change pillow size to be comfortable. Remember that adjusting the elastic bands can make a big difference as well. The front band goes over the top of your head, but the back band can be adjusted by moving it from the top of your head (the most upward pressure on your nose) down to the lower, back part of your head near your neck, to relieve the upward pressure against your nose. The pillow doesn't have to be very tight, just snug against your nose. I believe that ResMed has a video about the mask which shows how to adjust the pressure.

In any case, it should not be so tight that it causes irritation or soreness.

Good luck,

Paul