What's your favorite over the nose nasal mask?

[Ramie]

What is your favorite traditional, over-the-nose nasal mask?
WHY do you like it better than the other ones you've tried?
If you have problems with your masks pushing on your teeth, which is the most comfortable?
I'm most curious about the N20, the Dreamwisp, the Eson 2, and the gel masks, but open to hearing about whichever ones you like.
Just traditional, over the nose though. Not the under the nose type (n30/n30i/dreamwear).

[Julie]

But many of the 'over the nose' ones are 'full face' as well (cover the mouth) and it's best to sort out which are which when you ask about them. There are none called 'over the nose' as such but you can see all types on Cpap.com to help you help us identify what you mean.

[Ramie]

But many of the 'over the nose' ones are 'full face' as well (cover the mouth) and it's best to sort out which are which when you ask about them. There are none called 'over the nose' as such but you can see all types on Cpap.com to help you help us identify what you mean.

I am specifically asking about nasal masks. Not full face masks. I'm using the term "over the nose" to distinguish from the ones that just push up under the nose, as I'm already familiar with them and don't like them very much. The N20, Dreamwisp, & Eson 2, and Phillips comfortgel nasal are examples of some that I am considering. So "over-the-nose nasal masks" or "nasal masks that cover the nose."

[bwexler]

My daily driver for years has been the Sleepweaver line.
Current version is the Sleepweaver 3D cloth nasal mask. I like it because I am a side sleeper, and being cloth it is very compliant and does not dig into my face.
What I don't like about it, it is prone to leaking and requires very delicate adjustments to hose placement, tension between face, mask and pillow.
My second choice is the DreamWisp. I like the top of head hose connector and light weight hose extension. Not crazy about how thick the mask frame is, in order to contain the airway from top of head to nose.
I also used the original Wisp, but not after trying the DreamWisp.
Also an occasional endeavor into the F&P full face 431, when my nose is too stuffed to breathe with a nasal mask.

[ChicagoGranny]

What is your favorite traditional, over-the-nose nasal mask?

Go to cpap.com and sort Nasal Masks by Most Popular. Find photos, specs, dozens of customer reviews, ...

[babydinosnoreless]

I love the N-20. Have been using it exclusively for over a year now. If you have any specific questions about it I would be happy to answer.

[lc96]

I used the Eson2 for years. What I liked about it was absolutely no pressure on my nostrils. Breathing through it was really easy.
I wanted to try something smaller, so now using the N20. I like it, too, but I did pull the old Eson out of the closet for a night recently and realized I still like it, too.

[Ramie]

Thanks for your replies. I had my appointment, and was actually allowed to test out some masks (I didn't know if I'd be able to do that - haven't in over a year). I tried the Dreamwisp, Eson 2, and N20, and the N20 was the most comfortable for me, because it touched my nose the least and put the least amount of pressure on the upper lip/bottom of nose area. What's funny though is that according to the sizing template, and according to my facial/nasal structure, I should definitely be in a small cushion, but I'm actually far more comfortable with the large. Here's hoping this one keeps working!

[ChicagoGranny]

I'm actually far more comfortable with the large.

You're more comfortable with the large, but the big question is whether the large is comfortable with you. Or, will it insist on leaking?

BTW, did they let you try masks with a CPAP machine running to check for leaks?

[babydinosnoreless]

Thanks for your replies. I had my appointment, and was actually allowed to test out some masks (I didn't know if I'd be able to do that - haven't in over a year). I tried the Dreamwisp, Eson 2, and N20, and the N20 was the most comfortable for me, because it touched my nose the least and put the least amount of pressure on the upper lip/bottom of nose area. What's funny though is that according to the sizing template, and according to my facial/nasal structure, I should definitely be in a small cushion, but I'm actually far more comfortable with the large. Here's hoping this one keeps working!

I got the medium at first but had a lot of trouble with leaking, went down to the "for her" small and got the leaks under control.

[zonker]

I'm actually far more comfortable with the large.

You're more comfortable with the large, but the big question is whether the large is comfortable with you. Or, will it insist on leaking?

BTW, did they let you try masks with a CPAP machine running to check for leaks?

oh! this makes me think...did ramie try on the masks laying down?

[raisedfist]

Evora is a fantastic nasal cradle mask. Fits like a comfortable glove. I cranked the pressure up to 20cmh2o with zero issue just for fun.

[Ramie]

I'm actually far more comfortable with the large.

You're more comfortable with the large, but the big question is whether the large is comfortable with you. Or, will it insist on leaking?

BTW, did they let you try masks with a CPAP machine running to check for leaks?

oh! this makes me think...did ramie try on the masks laying down?

I tested them with a machine running. I wasn't lying down, but did tilt my head to the side against my hands (to simulate the side sleeping position). None of the 6 different cushions I tried leaked. The person who helped me was surprised that they all "fit." So my choice was all based on what felt most comfortable. The company messed up a billing issue, which affected my insurance eligibility, so they let me borrow a mask while they cleared up the issue. I borrowed the n20, and brought a medium and a large cushion home. I've alternated using them, and even while side-sleeping, they they had virtually no leaking (better than any previous mask). When I get my official 3 month supply, since it will come with 6 cushions, I'll ask for a small and a medium along with the larges, just to be sure that time and experience doesn't change my preference.

[RogerSC]

For me, the Dreamwear nasal mask is the best. I'm also a side sleeper, and the AirTouch N20 just didn't work for me for side sleeping. Too much leaking when the mask was pushed around on my face by my pillow, had to have it too tight so that it would have a good enough seal...I do move a bunch when I'm sleeping. The Dreamwear is quite tolerant of being pushed around *smile*...my leak number is between 0L/min and 5L/min all the time, usually more towards 0L/min. While I'm not aiming for 0, it isn't a bad thing to end up there. I'd be happier with the Dreamwear if they'd go for more diffused venting on the nosepiece, but no, of course not *smile*. Nice having the tube coming off the top of the mask as well, rather than the nosepiece. Combined with the "hose holder" that I use, never see or have any problems with the tubing.

I've also spent time with the N30. Again, too much leaking when I move around on my side at night. I'd love for the N30 to work, very lightweight and quiet, but no, of course not. I usually ended up with a leak number of about 16L/min, which seems too high for effective therapy...although ResMed cpap is okay up to 24L. I could use it in a pinch, but really doesn't seem as effective as the Dreamwear, for therapy.

[rubystandingdeer]

I have kaiser and they did not let me try it on, they just sent me one. I bitched enough that I have an appt in a few days.