Newbie: Advice needed on choosing first nasel mask

[Redshine]

Going to purchase my first CPAP machine and mask. I'm worried about the mask - I had problems in my overnight study with soreness/redness on the bridge of my nose after my overnight study. This seems to be a common compliant based on other postings. Dr. is recommending ResMed S8 Escape II machine and the Activa LT nasal mask. Not sure if I need headgear or without. What are your thoughts on recommended machine and mask? I have mild to moderate apnea and Dr recommends lower setting with no humidifier. Appreciate any advice before purchasing machine and mask that is recommended. Want to ensure I'm making a good choice for someone that seems to have a sensitive nose and desires the most comfortable mask - Thanks Allen

[djr1215]

See if there is some kind of return policy on the mask since few people stick with their first mask (that I've seen anyway). I've been on CPAP for 1 1/2 months and I'm on my 4th mask (my first one hurt my nose very much). You might also want to consider nasal pillows.

[Roman Hokie]

Get the headgear. Otherwise, the thing won't stick to your face.

[WilsonVilleUSA]

I have gone through a lot of masks. I have been using the ResMed Swift FX and love it. Very light weight, allows sleeping on my side without being pushed around by the pillow, comfortable in the nares and no leak problems.

[topdragster]

I'm using a zest plus mask and being its the only one I have tried I'm satisfied with its fit and comfort. I recently got my own machine as I was trialing a machine to see how I responded to cpap. I went with the S9 Auto with the humidifier and climate hose because I only want to do this once and not say "oh I wish I had got this". The humidifier I find doesn't dry me out like not having one, or should I say forgetting to refill it lol. You should really look at that option too. Cpap isn't something you are only going to do occasionally so might as well be comfortable doing it or you won't like it. I'm glad to be on cpap and not afraid to say that it has changed my life. My wife loves it too, cause the couch isn't getting any use. Good luck.

[imtired]

the swift FX nasal pillows dont put anything on your nose, so there are no marks or soreness left from it. when i got mine everyone told me to avoid the escape and ask for the s8 elite II instead. you are going to be using it for a long time so its worth researching the machines to make sure you get something your happy with

[Stormynights]

I don't see how anyone could stand not having a humidifier.

[happysleeper]

Hi Redshine,

Welcome to our community! You'll find lots of helpful folks and information here. Here is a link on this website (from the CPAP Wiki) for information about masks: wiki/index.php/CPAP_Mask

Here's a link to information about CPAP machines: wiki/index.php/Category:CPAP_Machines

I have found the OptiLife nasal pillows to be the most comfortable for my face. I covered the firm plastic stabilizers on this mask with soft fleece tubes which I bought at Pad-a-cheek; some people make their own. There is no contact to the bridge of the nose for any nasal pillow masks, so they can be more comfortable. I agree with Stormynights, I would always want a humidifier to prevent my nose and sinuses from drying out. The Resmed S8 Escape II is built to accommodate a humidifier, and if you're working with a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company, they will probably automatically give you one, unless your doctor has written a specific prescription against it.

Are you going to have a follow-up sleep study yet to find out your best air flow setting (called a titration study--sometimes done at the same time as the initial sleep study)? If you are, when you go for the study, use the chance to try on different masks that they have at the sleep lab.

Happy Sleeper

[zuspun]

Hi Redshine,

I had my first night last night with the S9 and the Swift FX nasal pillow mask. Was quite confortable throughout the night... bottom of nose was a little sore when I woke up where it meets my upper lip. Will make a few adjustments and see how it goes. Overall, felt unobtrusive in bed and am happy how my first night went...

cheers.

[sandster]

I originally was refusing to have another sleep study as when I last used a machine the mask was the issue. In 10 years there have been great innovations. If you are worried about straps and hardware(mask) all over your face I would suggest looking at the OPUS 360. It has minimal headgear, is very lightweight and uses nasal pillows. I have only been using it with a machine for about a week and have been more successful with it than I ever was with a more traditional mask(one which covers the nose totally and includes straps all over my head and face).

The mask is truly most essential part. If you can't keep it on you will not reap the benefits of your machine.

[sjishimoto]

Hi. I've been on cPap therapy for about a year and have been going through mask like crazy. I have found that the best nasal mask for me is the zest https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... -mask.html. The main feature I love about it is that it doesn't go high enough to "blow-out" by eyes if there is a leakage. I was suffering from chronic dry eye when I was using the comforgel. https://www.cpap.com/productpage/comfor ... onics.html That was the one I started with. I think preety much everyone does. The other problem with the comfort gel in my opinion is that the 'hooks' on the end can break off easily. With the Zest, it's easier to replace and not a fragile. The other two mask that I've tried is the comfort full https://www.cpap.com/productpage/comfor ... dgear.html But I had a lot of leakage with that and I also used some kind of nasal pillow one, but that left my nose getting real dry even with a humidifier. I'm thinking that because you said that you had a dry nose to begin with that you should request a humidifier.

[DreamOn]

Welcome to the forum, Allen!

The ResMed S8 Escape II machine you mentioned is NOT capable of reporting any therapy data other than the hours you used the machine. That machine cannot give you (or your doctor) any helpful information if you have problems with therapy. Most of us here would recommend that you get a machine that's fully data capable, which means it can report things like your AHI (average hourly apneas and hypopneas) and leak rate (which can help you figure out if you're losing therapy air through open mouth or mask leaks). Refer to this list of machines to find one that is fully data capable (the ones typed in blue): viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168.

As far as masks go, if you prefer a nasal mask, the Activa LT is a popular choice. If you get the correct size (most important!) it usually seals very well, and the straps can be worn quite loose so it's comfortable. If you want to consider a nasal pillows mask, then my personal top recommendations would be the Fisher & Paykel Opus 360 or AEIOMed Headrest. The Swift FX is also popular. With any of those masks, watch for signs that you're losing therapy air from your mouth, which can affect therapy effectiveness if excessive. That isn't a problem that's always apparent at first (and you may sleep right through any leaks), but if your machine can report the leak rate there can be clues there.

Please let us know how therapy goes for you. And if you have any questions, be sure to ask! There are lots of helpful people here!

[sleepmba]

In the sleep lab, the most popular masks are the Swifts(Nasal Pillow Type) and Fisher-Paykel Zest (Nasal/Triangle Type).