Can Nasal Prongs handle high pressures?

[cby1]

Sorry to start a new thread, but didn't want this to get lost in my other thread (pillows vs prongs).

I require high pressures (EPAP 18, Max IPAP 25, PS 3), and have been having a hard time keeping my Simplus FFM from leaking at these pressures. I also want to get the straps off my neck. So I was looking at Nasal Pillow and Prong masks, figuring the prongs might be more likely to stay in, since they supposedly expand inside the nares.

I know there are those who fervently believe pillows can handle any pressure, but that wasn't my experience when I tried them at lower pressures (17-20 CPAP) - but it may have been a mask fitting/adjustment issue on my part. Still, the Prong concept makes more logical sense to me. Probably hurts more too, though.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[Pugsy]

You won't know until you try something if it's going to work for you or not.

We don't have very many prong users here...probably for good reasons. So your number of users to draw experience from is very small and then you want to add in higher pressures comparison into the mix.
And even if you had a sizeable number who met the criteria....still doesn't mean that they will work for you.

I tried the prong mask early in my therapy. I was an in between size. They aren't very forgiving or flexible in the size vs fit thing.
Just a little either way means no seal or pain upon inflation. The pain was from the prong inflating and not the pressure. We never got far enough to really give the pressure a good trial.

[MrsRinPDX]

My pressures are 18/14 and I have no trouble with leaks. I am temporarily using a nasal pillow mask, the Nuance Pro, because of recent surgery. The direct pressure up my nose was an adjustment for me however, compared to the full face mask I usually use. But once I got used to it, it was no problem. Having the right size pillow was essential.

[cby1]

Thank you both - those are useful data points. Good to know that either require some trial WRT sizing.

[chunkyfrog]

Not many makers for prong masks out there.
Nasal pillows are more popular, but they are not all the same.
Softness, stiffness, size availability, and even angle may influence your comfort.
Just keep looking--I did.