To much pressure for Nasal Pillows

[Dog Slobber]

I have a lot of problems with CPAP therapy.

Ultimately my nasal passages are too narrow, combined with inflammation it makes using my Nasal Mask difficult at best and sometimes impossible. I've tried using a Full Face Mask, but that's not an option either.

I've got a referral to an ENT, but looking for other options until then.

One of the options I wanted to try was Nasal Pillows, specifically the ResMed P10 Airfit. My DME suggested I avoid Nasal Pillows because my pressure is too high and it would be too uncomfortable.

My APAP settings are (8-14 cmH20) and she said that I spend most of the night at 13. My sleepy head charts don't support that.

Having said that, I'm interested in hearing from Pillow users, what pressure they are at and at what pressure it is too uncomfortable.

[TASmart]

DME is wrong. You can easily use 14 cm H2O pressure with the P10 nasal pillows, and they are far and away the most comfortable and quietest. The DMEs first priority is to get you to use the most inexpensive equipment they can because there is a common insurance billing number for masks, with a single reimbursement rate. The cheaper the equipment you get the more money they make.

I use a pressure of 14.4 and vary between an ESON 2 Nasal mask and the P10 pillows. I get better flow restriction reduction with the pillows, and breath easier. I have less leakage with the ESON, but it makes my nasal passages swell so there are times I wake and have to switch to the pillows. The leakage issues I have are because I am an active roller and it tends to displace the pillows, not because of a pressure issue.

[BTS]

Again and again ... it never stops .... the DME and Dr's are full of shit! Nasal pillows work fine on high pressures and BiLevel including ASV machines... My pressures go up to 18 and am on the P10 with little to no leaks having an AHI of under 1 most nights now ... Try it out for yourself, don't listen to the DME idiots.. The P10 is a very comfortable mask...

[chunkyfrog]

Again and again ... it never stops .... the DME and Dr's are full of shit! Nasal pillows work fine on high pressures and BiLevel including ASV machines... My pressures go up to 18 and am on the P10 with little to no leaks having an AHI of under 1 most nights now ... Try it out for yourself, don't listen to the DME idiots.. The P10 is a very comfortable mask...

Your DME is nucking futz!
Or a GREEDY LIAR,
since the PROFIT is lowest on nasal pillow masks.

[BTS]

[Jussumguy]

I can't keep a mask from leaking at anything higher that about 9.5. I set my machine there and it's the best compromise

[chunkyfrog]

So, tell us the specific mask, please.
Maybe we can help . . .

[palerider]

My DME suggested I avoid Nasal Pillows because my pressure is too high and it would be too uncomfortable.

My APAP settings are (8-14 cmH20) and she said that I spend most of the night at 13. My sleepy head charts don't support that.

Someday, things will be better and either a) DMEs won't be so full of male bovine excrement, or 2) People will learn to ignore them.

Your DME is full of caca.

I've got a P10 (Nasal pillows) and my pressure *starts* at 13.

[MrsRinPDX]

Although I don't agree with the language, I do agree with the sentiment. I have been using Nuance Pro Nasal gel pillows on and off, and I find it quite comfortable. It did take me about a week to acclimate to my pressures of 18/14 however. If you have a ramp feature with your machine you'll be fine.

[loggerhead12]

The Dreamwear gel nasal pillows work fine with my 19-23 pressure.

[TedVPAP]

Using pillows at a pressure 17-20 for eight years - perfect for me.