What mask for side sleeper

[rhawk204]

I am using an Opus (HC482A) nasal pillow mask. During the night i turn side to side and when i do the hard plastic around the check mask the mask come out of my nose and/or puts a lot of pressure on my nose. For several weeks my nose hurts around the nostrils and have had small sores.
I do not think that i have the mask too tight. If i loosen it up anymore than the prongs will come out of my nose.

Does anyone have some suggestions on some mask that i may try?

[KatieW]

Here's an article on masks and mask solutions:

wiki/index.php/CPAP_Mask

[DreamStalker]

You need a softer pillow maybe?

I use a memory foam pillow, others use buckwheat.

Swift LT has more flexible plastic frame in cheek area than Opus plastic frame.

Keep trying different things and a solution will result.

[rested gal]

I prefer nasal pillows to any other type of mask...for me, that is. Everyone's different and different masks suit different people, uh...differently.

That said, the nasal pillows mask that suits me most comfortably and with less chance of hitting against the head pillow and digging into my face is the Headrest nasal pillows mask by Aeiomed. I do have to put a homemade strap around the front of the nasal pillows area to stabilize them from moving. Very comfy.

Don't be put off by pictures of the "Headrest" mask. It looks heavy, bulky, cumbersome and awkward. It's not. It's very lightweight and unobtrusive.

I'm a toss 'n turn side sleeper, and sometimes semi-tummy sleeper, and even occasionally a back-sleeper. The Headrest mask has been my favorite for the past four years of the six years I've used "cpap."

When sleeping on my side, or semi-tummy postion, I can bury the side of my face into my bed pillow without having the nasal pillows shoved sideways at all, or pushed against my nose.

The biggest problem about the Headrest mask for people who get their masks from a local DME with insurance paying, is that most brick/mortar DME (durable medical equipment) stores have never heard of that mask or the company that makes it (Aeiomed), much less have it in stock. The local DME can certainly order it from Aeiomed, if they're willing to put forth that little bit of extra effort, and the store can bill insurance for that mask just like any other nasal pillows mask. But some DMEs don't like to go to any "bother."

Of course, a person who is willing to buy things out of pocket can always buy the mask from an online store like cpap.com. Or, if you see it cheaper at another online store, cpap.com will price match.

If you go the online store route, it's essential to have a copy of your cpap prescription. You'd need to send the Rx to an online store, since a "cpap" Rx is supposed to be required nowadays for buying a CPAP mask from online stores.

Here are a ton of discussions about the Headrest mask:

LINKS to HeadRest nasal pillows mask topics (same mask has had other names: Aeiomed Aura, then Headrest, then Invacare Twilight NP, then back to Aeiomed Headrest again.)
viewtopic.php?t=3098

Also,.check out the Headrest section on the Lab Rat Awards page, to see creative modifications and fixes some people have done to theirs:

LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards
viewtopic.php?t=15104

[BlackSpinner]

The trick about sleeping on your side has more to do with your pillow then your mask.

Some people take a knife to their pillows and create a space for their mask, others use down or fluffy pillows which they shape to their needs.

For the straps that digg in there are "padacheek" products.

[Lady Marian]

Of course, everyone is different, but I'll share my "extensive" experience from the three whole nights I've been a CPAP user. I use the Activa LT nasal mask and really like it because it has a very soft, comfy configuration, with a sort of double cushion on the part that comes in contact with your face. This creates a balloon-type air bubble within the mask. For me and my particular face shape, it is a perfect fit. (well, it has been for these past three nights) I have not adjusted my sleeping position at all from how I slept pre-CPAP.

Apologies in advance if I seem inappropriately arrogant in sharing my experience. I'm sure you'll find much more valuable info on the article you've been directed to, and on the wiki. This is just one thing that works for one person. Best of luck in your quest!

[Ms.Snuffleupagus]

Actually Lady Marian, I am also new, only 6 weeks or so. But your advice seems right on the money about the Activia Lt mask from what I have read on other posts!

I am just trying out the Opus, only a few days here. The pillows do dig into the nostrils a bit. I leave the hose dangling down instead of attached to the top of the head, as I seem to get less drag on the nasal pillows this way.

[DreamOn]

Hi rhawk204,

Just over 2 months using CPAP, and I have 3 masks (so far ). My vote for side sleepers goes to the AEIOMed Headrest mask, for all the same reasons that rested gal mentioned. And an added bonus is that it vents UPWARD (not out), so air isn't blowing into the pillow, onto the sheets, your arm, or your partner!

I also use the ResMed Activa LT nasal mask and like it very much. It rarely leaks in any position for me. It kind of "floats" on the face. I just recently got the Opus 360. I love how light it is, and it fits me well. I didn't have any problems with the hard straps displacing the pillows, but I use a soft latex pillow, purchased at Sears. I think most masks don't press into my pillow too much, as it has quite a bit of "give" (yet is resilient). Pad A Cheek makes some Opus (and other) strap covers that make it more comfortable, but I don't know if that would help with the pillows dislodgement or pressure on nose. Maybe you can find a solution in rested gal's (very excellent!) compilation of "lab rat" mask/strap modifications: viewtopic.php?t=15104 (scroll down to "Opus 360").

~ DreamOn

[KatieW]

Apologies in advance if I seem inappropriately arrogant in sharing my experience. I'm sure you'll find much more valuable info on the article you've been directed to, and on the wiki. This is just one thing that works for one person. Best of luck in your quest!

Lady Marian, please do share your experience! We all learn from each other. Free speech here, as you may have noticed.

[rhawk204]

thanks for all of the information. I have been on bipap for 5-6 months and it is so frustrating. you have to adjust to the machine and then you have to find a mask that fits.
i think i am going to find a new pillow and see how that works. then i will try another mask.....tire of my nose hurting.

Thanks