First Mask(s): Looking for advice.

Rabid1 · Post by **Rabid1** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 12:46 pm

Hello to all,

I will be getting my first mask(s) probably within the next 2-3 weeks. I know masks are a very personal choice, but I'd like to at least start in the right direction.

I am a 100% side sleeper with a goatee. I tend to toss & turn, but maybe that changes with better sleep.

Cost is not a factor (within reason).

Thanks!!!

Rick

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 12:55 pm

ComfortLite 2 with nasal pillows and Simple Cushion..Great for side sleeping.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): Nasal Pillows

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): Nasal Pillows

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 1:18 pm

The first and most important thing to take under consideration if you can't afford two types of masks, is mouthbreathing.

I was started on a Full Face Mask, If you can only get one mask, that's the safe way. I was always congested, so I didn't put up a fight, just used it from day one.

After a year, I got a used Remstar APAP, it came with a used ComfortGel "M", Nasal mask. I almost new for certain I was a mouth-breather, and it wouldn't work for me. I was wrong, for the year before I had been parking my tongue, at the roof of my mouth and sucking it there. I credit that to helping, because I was sucessful, didn't even need to tape. I even got by through a terrible cold last month with it. It wasn't pretty but me AHI stayed at .7 for the month.

If you are willing to do what's necessary, a Nasal Mask seems easier to deal with, but taping and the blowfish, have to be dealt with in most cases. Jim

Josh S · Post by **Josh S** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 1:34 pm

I started with the SWIFT Nasal pillows and took to them right away. I am a side sleeper and not a mouth breather. The only problem I have is when congested it can be a bit of a drag, so I am now trying to find a good full face masks as a back up.

Good luck.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 1:34 pm

If cost is not a factor ... try 'em all ... find the one(s) you like best and sell/give away the rest!

Ichabod · Post by **Ichabod** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 2:14 pm

My 2 cents...

I would look for a mask that has the hose that goes straight up between your eyes. My Swift was not conducive to side sleeping for me (others have said they have had no trouble). I recently got the F&P Acclaim2. It works better for me for side sleeping. I give it about a 7 on a scale of 1-10. I think the bridge of my nose is a bit too pronounced for it. I have to keep it a little tighter than I'd like to, but it works.

Rabid1 · Post by **Rabid1** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 4:01 pm

[quote="oldgearhead"]ComfortLite 2 with nasal pillows and Simple Cushion..Great for side sleeping.

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 3:42 am

Rabid1 wrote:How do most people take to having a foreign object shoved into their beak?

About like you'd expect. It'll take some getting used to, no matter what mask you choose.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 6:15 am

I do not have trouble sleeping on my side with either the Activa or the UMII nasal masks. Not sure how those would work with a mustache or goatee though.

TM

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 6:39 am

The Comfortlite2 looks interesting. How do most people take to having a foreign object shoved into their beak?

I notice you are using the Hybrid. Does it work well for side sleeping?

The Hybrid is great for side sleeping. However, it doesn't fit everyone
well. If you have a small mouth and "chipmunk cheeks" it will work fine.

The neat thing about the CL2 is that it comes with 2 interfaces: I sugest
the nasal pillow and the Simple Cushion. The Simple Cushion goes over the
nose.