Benefits of going to full face mask from nasal pillows

[billybee]

Hi all - I'm a newbie who's so appreciative of all the wonderful knowledge I've found on this forum - I've been looking for an opportunity to contribute something worthwhile myself, that hasn't been addressed before, and I offer up the following for your consideration:

When I first went to my DME, and saw all the masks displayed, I was immediately drawn to the nasal pillows - they looked so simple, so unobtrusive, and so "right", compared to the nasal and full face types, without that "Darth Vader" appearance. I tried the Opus 360 for a week, then the Swift LT for the next week. Both were OK, for someone who'd never tried CPAP before, but something was nagging at me, and I realized it yesterday - Hay fever season was coming! My nasal passages get so congested when my allergies act up that I can go for weeks being unable to breathe through my nose - and my nasal pillow mask would be useless. "Girding my loins", so to speak, I went back to the DME for a full face mask trial, and used the Resmed Quattro last night for the first time.

I was very surprised to discover some real advantages to the full face mask (I won't attribute these to the Quattro exclusively, even though it's the only one I've tried so far, because I think the advantages I discovered are related to the design concept, not to any particular implementation of it):

- on inhalation, there was NO sensation of pressure, or of "air blowing up your nose" at all - just the feeling of fresh, clean air against your nose and mouth, like being up in the hills on a bright, breezy day. This was my first big surprise.
- on exhalation, there was NO sensation of "breathing against the pressure" at all. Granted, this feeling was diminished using the nasal pillows once I set the EPR to 2 cm H2O, but it was still present and still noticeable with them - and completely absent with the FFM

I believe both of the above make sense when considering the physics involved: in the nasal pillows, the air pressure is concentrated against a very small surface area - the insides of the nostrils. When the pressure acts against a much larger area (your nose, lips, and that part of the face encolsed by the FFM), it's much less noticeable.

One other unexpected benefit: no "air bubbles" forming in your moth when you unintentially open your mouth slightly with the nasal pillows - you can breathe through your mouth completely naturally.

Finally, appearance:
-yes, those nose pillows look sleek, but consider this: you never see a picture of someone using them with the hose oriented upwards over the head (clipped to the top strap in the case of the Swift LT), for good reason - the "creature from the black lagoon" effect. This is, unfortunately, the best way I found to orient the hose, and my wife certainly didn't think it was very complimentary! (of course, she's also not like the spouse of one forum poster who mentioned his partner thought his mask made hime look like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, either!)

Oh - one more thought: I was also surprised to find the mask very comfortable, and no leaks at all during the night, as opposed to having to adjust the nasal pillows several times each night - but that may be simply due to the particulars of my face, not the mask design itself.

Anyway, to sum up: Newbies especially (like me) shouldn't be limiting their mask choices based on first impressions / appearances only - I've found that I really had to try something different to find out what worked best for me, and I encourage everyone to explore all the choices - you might be surprised!

[hose head]

Wow, it sounds like you have a really good DME. Finding the right mask is 90% of being able to succeed with therapy.
I like the nasal interface and came about it exactly the opposite way from you, starting with the Quattro and ending up
with the Swift LT.
Keep up the good work.

[billybee]

Hi Hosehead: actually, the DME had nothing to do with any of the choices or changes - they were completely passive about it. It's only because of my initiative (based mostly on the confidence and knowledge I got from this forum) that I got to try the different items

[robertmarilyn]

Like hosehead, I tried the Quattro first (both small and x-small) and ended up with the Swift LT for Her. After about 8 days with both sizes of the Quattro and never being able to get rid of a number of leaks and making things worse because I am a side sleeper, I was sent home with the Swift LT. The first night with the nasal pillows was painful because of rubbing but I bought lanolin and since then I have been able to sleep on my side with no leaks.

I really would have liked to use the full face mask because then I wouldn't have to worry about breathing through my mouth. But I guess I would have to try another model...one that would let me sleep on my side. The Activa is supposed to be good for side sleepers but I doubt it would be small enough for my face.

Glad things are going so good for you,
mar

[hose head]

mar
The activa is my "other" mask. I have the first one, not new one. Leak rate was really good,
it was "hotter" than Swift LT and I sweated with it on. It also moves in and out on your face,
more so with EPR on. Kind like it is doing pushups on your face. Really weird, but something
that you get used to. The Swift is still my fav.

[billybee]

Dget me wrong - I'm keeping the Swift LT too, and planning to alternate between them. BTW, I was surprised how well the Quattro stood up to tossing and turning (I sleep on my side), given that that was supposed to be one of the advantages of the nasal pillows. That's probaboy because my DME fitted it to be quite snug (contrary to what I've seen posted on this site) - just goes to show we all react differently.

Again, I think the lesson is: keep trying, not only different manufacturers, but different TYPES of masks, too - especially when you're just starting out

[robertmarilyn]

Dget me wrong - I'm keeping the Swift LT too, and planning to alternate between them. BTW, I was surprised how well the Quattro stood up to tossing and turning (I sleep on my side), given that that was supposed to be one of the advantages of the nasal pillows. That's probaboy because my DME fitted it to be quite snug (contrary to what I've seen posted on this site) - just goes to show we all react differently.
Again, I think the lesson is: keep trying, not only different manufacturers, but different TYPES of masks, too - especially when you're just starting out

You know the joke thread about having surgery to fit your face to your mask? The Quattro had to be fitted so snuggly on me that I had grooves on my face most of the morning after I took it off. (I know it is supposed to 'sit' over your face but it just wanted to 'fly' off my face). But I would really like to find a full face mask that fits me too for any stuffy nose days I might have. I have only gotten to try a few masks so far (one comfort gel that didn't fit and the two sizes of the Quattro were the ff masks I've tried) so there are a lot more out there for me to try. I'm sure I will find a ff that will fit me...just have to try more of them.

mar

[Uncle_Bob]

Dget me wrong - I'm keeping the Swift LT too, and planning to alternate between them. BTW, I was surprised how well the Quattro stood up to tossing and turning (I sleep on my side), given that that was supposed to be one of the advantages of the nasal pillows. That's probaboy because my DME fitted it to be quite snug (contrary to what I've seen posted on this site) - just goes to show we all react differently.

Again, I think the lesson is: keep trying, not only different manufacturers, but different TYPES of masks, too - especially when you're just starting out

i use the swift Lt and like it. Although i notice the pillows need to be replaced every 3 weeks as they start leaking.

[SharkBait]

Dget me wrong - I'm keeping the Swift LT too, and planning to alternate between them. BTW, I was surprised how well the Quattro stood up to tossing and turning (I sleep on my side), given that that was supposed to be one of the advantages of the nasal pillows. That's probaboy because my DME fitted it to be quite snug (contrary to what I've seen posted on this site) - just goes to show we all react differently.

Again, I think the lesson is: keep trying, not only different manufacturers, but different TYPES of masks, too - especially when you're just starting out

i use the swift Lt and like it. Although i notice the pillows need to be replaced every 3 weeks as they start leaking.

Every 3 weeks? I've gone a lot longer with mine. Are you cleaning them good? Or maybe, too good???

[KengEsq]

I would love to find a nasal mask that works for me. I'd also love to find the "perfect" full face mask. So far I have tried the following masks:
1. ResMed Mirage Liberty - leakage and pain between upper lip and nose and inside mouth under that area
2. ResMed Mirage Quattro (medium) - sores on the bridge of my nose
3. Fisher & Paykel Oracle 452 oral mask - sores inside my mouth
4. Probasics Zzz-Mask (medium) full-face mask - works best of all so far
5. Innomed Hybrid mask - horrible fit and feel
6. Hans Rudolph 7600 Series V2 Mask - the straps on the V2 Mask have to be adjusted too tightly to prevent leaks making it uncomfortable to wear
7. Respironics OptiLife Nasal Mask with pillow cushions – caused discomfort in nares and used with cradle cushions – excessive leak
8. Probasics Zzz nasal mask (large) – uncomfortable and leaked
9. ResMed Mirage Vista nasal mask – could not use, impossible to get adjusted for comfort and to control leaks

I am still looking for the perfect mask - nasal or full face but so far the Zzz full face mask works best for me, in part because it is simple and flexible enough to conform to the shape of my face. I wish you well finding masks that work for you, including a full face mask.

I wonder why we all have to have such difficulties finding the "perfect" mask. It seems to me we need better advice and care from our DMEs and doctors as well, an perhaps mst importantly, a source for custom made and custom fitted masks. After all, why do we all have to be limited to the masks we can find off the shelf. I would not think anyone would expect us to accept off the shelf dentures (lucklily, I don't need them) or eye glasses (I do need them) so why is there not a source for custom made and custom fitted CPAP masks?

[LinkC]

...why is there not a source for custom made and custom fitted CPAP masks?

Two words: ComfortGel Nasal (done properly)

[alexcue]

i use the swift Lt and like it. Although i notice the pillows need to be replaced every 3 weeks as they start leaking.

WOW, 3 weeks!!! I've gone at least 2 months before i noticed deterioration as far as leaks. I know i can switch them out about once a month, but i've tried to build a backup supply of them, and haven't had any issues. I know when i was using the general hand soap to wash it it did seem to break down quicker. I've since used baby shampoo and have noticed the wear and tear to be significantly reduced.

i actually appreciate the comment tho, as i really never had a general idea about how long they should last.

[builta]

I would love to find a nasal mask that works for me. I'd also love to find the "perfect" full face mask. So far I have tried the following masks:
1. ResMed Mirage Liberty - leakage and pain between upper lip and nose and inside mouth under that area
2. ResMed Mirage Quattro (medium) - sores on the bridge of my nose
3. Fisher & Paykel Oracle 452 oral mask - sores inside my mouth
4. Probasics Zzz-Mask (medium) full-face mask - works best of all so far
5. Innomed Hybrid mask - horrible fit and feel
6. Hans Rudolph 7600 Series V2 Mask - the straps on the V2 Mask have to be adjusted too tightly to prevent leaks making it uncomfortable to wear
7. Respironics OptiLife Nasal Mask with pillow cushions – caused discomfort in nares and used with cradle cushions – excessive leak
8. Probasics Zzz nasal mask (large) – uncomfortable and leaked
9. ResMed Mirage Vista nasal mask – could not use, impossible to get adjusted for comfort and to control leaks

I am still looking for the perfect mask - nasal or full face but so far the Zzz full face mask works best for me, in part because it is simple and flexible enough to conform to the shape of my face. I wish you well finding masks that work for you, including a full face mask.

I wonder why we all have to have such difficulties finding the "perfect" mask. It seems to me we need better advice and care from our DMEs and doctors as well, an perhaps mst importantly, a source for custom made and custom fitted masks. After all, why do we all have to be limited to the masks we can find off the shelf. I would not think anyone would expect us to accept off the shelf dentures (lucklily, I don't need them) or eye glasses (I do need them) so why is there not a source for custom made and custom fitted CPAP masks?

Hi,

Like U I like the Probasics ZZZ FFM. But, I was supprised that your list did not include the Fisher & Paykel HC431. The 431 covers you mouth and nose and fits under your chin. It comes with three sizes in the box (small, medium and Large)--so you can fit yourself! lt tollerates significant pressure changes in my auto-BiPAP and doesn't have to be adjusted really tight.

[KengEsq]

...why is there not a source for custom made and custom fitted CPAP masks?

Two words: ComfortGel Nasal (done properly)

Thanks - I'll add it to my list of masks to try.

[KengEsq]

Like U I like the Probasics ZZZ FFM. But, I was supprised that your list did not include the Fisher & Paykel HC431. The 431 covers you mouth and nose and fits under your chin. It comes with three sizes in the box (small, medium and Large)--so you can fit yourself! lt tollerates significant pressure changes in my auto-BiPAP and doesn't have to be adjusted really tight.

Thanks - I'll add the F&P HC431 to my list of masks to try even if it is not a nasal mask. In fact, I have considered trying the HC431 many times but so far I have decided to try others.