Nasal pillow preference/fit question

[DaleK]

I could use some advice on your nasal pillow preferences. I have LOVED my original Opus (pre-360) nasal pillow mask for far too long already, but haven't yet had success finding a new nasal pillow mask that fits. The angle, distance of prongs, etc in the small Opus fits me perfectly. With the new Opus 360 the angle is wrong, the small pillows end up inside my nostrils without a good seal, and the medium are too far apart and pop out sidways after a few minutes. The prongs in the hybrid mask are also too far apart for me. I have long slotted, but fairly close together nares. Any thoughts on the next mask for me to try would be appreciated! From reading some older posts the Headrest seems like it might be a good possibility with the adjustable angle, and from reviews it seems that the Swift FX might also work since people for whom the Opus 360 fits the Swift FX doesn't. Thanks for your help!

[sleeplessinaz]

Hi--you might want to try the Swift FX or the Swift LT for her. I have the "for her" version and it comes with 3 diff. sizes of nasal pillows to try and the headgear is so light and comfortable--you hardly know it is on. The Swift LT has the option of adjusting the angles of the nasal pillows too---whereas the FX might not do that by the looks of it--I am not sure about that tho.. You could ask someone that is using the Swift FX.

Good luck--finding the perfect mask is what we all dream about--LOL!

Carrie

[Muse-Inc]

...The prongs in the hybrid mask are also too far apart for me. I have long slotted, but fairly close together nares...

I have nares like that too and the RespCare Hybrid large pillows work great for me...maybe you need to change the angle when you pop them into the oral cushion so they more closely match the angle of your nares. The strap that connects the pillows can be cut...I tore mine when I was washing the pillows when I got my first mask (wore out my first OptiLife waay too soon too) and separate pillows does not work for me. Are you wearing the Hybrid or the Liberty? I can't make the Liberty work for me, the fit just doesn't work for my face.

[rested gal]

It might take some creative lab-ratting to figure out how to add an extra strap to cradle nasal pillows just right without blocking an exhaust vent on some masks, but you might be surprised at how well an extra strap can turn an unusable mask into a favorite.

I love my Headrest nasal pillows mask, but I wouldn't be able to use it at all if I didn't add a homemade strap to stabilize the nasal pillows. I use the leg cut off a pair of tights as the extra strap.

Using one or two homemade straps with the Headrest nasal pillows mask.
http://www.tnlc.com/Lara/laura/osa/aura-strap6ways.jpg

DoubleStart Knot How to tie a flat knot behind head when using a homemade strap.
http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/doublestartknot.htm

Love that "princess and the pea" picture you're using as your avatar, Dale!

[DaleK]

Thanks! The genius of you experienced CPAPers on this forum never ceases to amaze me. I wouldn't have thought of extra straps, but now that I see how it could work it makes so much sense.

I've always been a princess about my sleeping arrangments, but it has only been since my Sleep Apnea diagnosis that I understand why. Of course now there are far more things to adjust and get just right. Thanks again!