Mask Decision Based Upon Trial & Error

[DNAClone]

I have been using a Swift LT NASAL Pillow Mask and seem to have figured out how to make it work along with an SP Super Deluxe Chin Strap. I find that the chin strap material helps keep the mask headgear from sliding during the night.
My data on Encore has been quite good overall, with one exception.
Every night about 4-5 hours of sleep I wake up with some moisture in my nostril and cannot get the seal back in place. This causes large leaks and spikes in O.A. I use the humidifier on 1 and have a hose huggie. The temp in my room is usually 70 degrees. My AHI is usually between 2-4 with a an average pressure of about 15.5 & a 90% pressure of 17-17.5 which is definitely in response to the leaks.
The daily average leak ranges between 38-42 which is decent for a Swift LT. The daily max leaks usually range from 60-100 for short periods of time. I believe the break in the nasal seal is the main contributing factor as opposed to mouth breathing.

I take nasal sprays and antihistamines for years.
When I wake up after 4-5 hours my nose is itchy and moist.
Perhaps there is too much pressure in my nose. I have an Activa LT which I have only tried for several short trial periods. I believe mine is the wrong size and will wait to try a larger size.
Another option is a Liberty which I do not have.
I am purchasing a FF Quattro this week

Perhaps these options will disperse less pressure in the nose and be less likely to cause these leaks followed by interruptions in sleep.

BTW, I feel pretty good overall. Should I stick to the Swift LT or move to a nasal of full faced mask?
Any thoughts? Thanks.

[JRI]

Your subject header says it all:"Trial & Error."

I'm using the Quattro FF and at times it drives me nuts getting a good seal while other times it's great and I'm not even aware I'm wearing it. I just hope that when I find the "perfect" mask they don't discontinue it!

[DNAClone]

I am hoping to get good results with the nasal pillows before venturing to the nasal and FF masks. One step at a time I guess. Perhaps the high pressures make it more difficult to keep a seal on the nasal pillows. I guess I could also try the Lasinoh that everyone writes about. Why not, what the heck!

[Pugsy]

I use the Swift LT for Her and I use Lanisoh when I can remember. I also have tried a chin strap, taping and Polygrip. Not a full fledged mouth breather but seems like sometimes I like to open my mouth.

I have the software so I can see when I have little leaks or big leaks. The Lanisoh did seem to help with the little leaks as did the other tools. I toss and turn a lot, with that I have seen some large leaks which I assume are the pillows being unseated. While these "large" leaks show up on the data they do not seem to be affecting overall therapy because I seem to re-seat the pillows in my sleep. The time in large leak is relatively small. My overall leak averages are decent and I feel good so I don't dwell too much on it. My pressures haven't reached your levels but I have reached 15 cm and I have not noticed that I got any larger of a leak there than I did at the lower pressures.

I do plan to investigate using the hybrid FF mask but I got an AHI of 0.7 last night with an average leak of 35 L/min (yes, couple of larger leaks messed with average) using the Swift LT for Her at 90% pressure of 12cm. I feel good today. As long as I get good results and feel good, I will keep using the pillows. The hybrid is going to have really excel to beat that. You will just have to experiment with the FF mask and see how it goes.

[twokatmew]

I've been trying out this mask since last Saturday, and out of five nights, two I've had to change to my nasal mask during the night. (That was the first night and last night.) The first night I had trouble with the mask slipping, the pillows irritating my nostrils, and of course, refusing to seal properly. My nose ran, and it was pretty awful. After asking for tips here, I snugged up the mask and moved to a larger pillow. That seemed to work much better, till last night when my nostrils were sore. My nose ran a little, and I felt some stinging where the pillow seals against the nostrils. Finally I switched back to my nasal mask. I figure I'll give my nose a break for a night or two and try again. Another thing I've noticed is that if I remove the mask to visit the bathroom, when I return, the pillows don't want to seal again. So, I just unhook at the hose and wear the mask to the bathroom. I know a lot of people love this mask, and I'm hoping I can make it work, too. Especially since I have sinus problems, I'm careful to blow my nose thoroughly before I put the mask on, and last night I even took a decongestant. So I'm not sure why my nose was runny last night -- perhaps from irritation.

Anyway, I hope this helps!