CPAP Mask

[rmet229diab]

I have been using a " Res Med - Ultra Mirage" full fase mask for a week now. I have become dicouraged because of the lack of comfort. I am a side sleeper and the mask seems to push against the side of my nose causing discomfort which wakes me up not to mention fighting air leakage. Has any else experienced this problem and found a solution ?
Also, has anyone used a " CPAP PRP Nasal Pillows CPAP No Mask" ?

[Janknitz]

Not every mask works for every person. It sounds like the Ultra Mirage is not working for you. Major manufacturers like the one who will not be named (the company that makes your mask) have a "buy back" program that allows DME's to return masks within a certain period of time if they did not work for the CPAP user.

Generally you have 30 days to return your mask and get another in exchange. So Monday you should call your DME and arrange to trade this mask for another--you'll want to try on other masks to find one that might work better for you.

DME's don't like to bother with mask returns, so be aware that your DME may stall you and make it difficult to return the mask in time. Don't let them play that game with you, and don't let them charge you for another mask.

If you can avoid breathing through your mouth, as a side sleeper you may be more comfortable with a Nasal Mask like the Activa LT which seals to the nose with plenty of play if the pillow pushes against it. Many of us side sleepers prefer nasal pillow masks--they are generally the most comfortable for side sleeping.

Also, has anyone used a " CPAP PRP Nasal Pillows CPAP No Mask" ?

Never heard of it.

[LoQ]

I have been using a " Res Med - Ultra Mirage" full fase mask for a week now. I have become dicouraged because of the lack of comfort. I am a side sleeper and the mask seems to push against the side of my nose causing discomfort which wakes me up not to mention fighting air leakage. Has any else experienced this problem and found a solution ?

Yes. While you are lying down on the pillow, when you feel it touching your nose, without lifting your head at all, reach up and grab the mask forehead support and move it toward the pillow. That is all I have to do to get it off of my nose, and then I can go to sleep.

Also, has anyone used a " CPAP PRP Nasal Pillows CPAP No Mask" ?

Yes, it's been talked about repeatedly in this forum. I think you could just search on "CPAPPRO" to find threads on it. I have not tried it, but I believe the reaction is mixed, with most being negative about it and a few being ardent supporters. It's pretty expensive, and I probably wouldn't turn to that except as a very last ditch effort. It sounds like you need a full face mask, and I'm betting that the "No Mask" won't work for you, but I don't really know for sure.

[Wulfman]

I have been using a " Res Med - Ultra Mirage" full fase mask for a week now. I have become dicouraged because of the lack of comfort. I am a side sleeper and the mask seems to push against the side of my nose causing discomfort which wakes me up not to mention fighting air leakage. Has any else experienced this problem and found a solution ?
Also, has anyone used a " CPAP PRP Nasal Pillows CPAP No Mask" ?

It's NOT the mask! You need a different BED PILLOW.......one that your head doesn't sink into and push your mask out of alignment. There are any number of bed pillows that work better with this therapy. The one I use is in my profile. Other secondary factors could be having the proper size mask and having it correctly adjusted.

The reason I know it's the bed pillow is because two years ago I decided to try an experiment with a "standard" bed pillow after using my Chiroflow pillows for many years. I only lasted about a night and a half before I had to give up on the standard pillow and go back......the leaking was horrible.


Den

[Hawthorne]

Could be the bed pillow but could ALSO be the cpap mask. Both things have to be considered.

[rmet229diab]

Thanks for all the answers and support.
Has anyone had any experience with a product called REMZZZS ?
These are some type of disposable liners .

[Hawthorne]

I have Remzzz for my full face mask and have used them. I find them very helpful for leaks and not leaving red marks on my face.

The can be ordered at ww.Remzzz.com or, I think cpap.com carries them now.

Some people on the forum have made their own from old cotton T shirts. I don't use them for often so a package for full face mask goes a long way. A search here should tell you how to make your own.

[kempo]

Some of the forum members are giving good reports on these: http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html

[Beachmeezer]

I use Remzzz. I bought the 6 day supply and really liked them. I took one to a fabric store to match up the fabric and then used one as a template and make my own. I don't find they help much with leaks. However, I prefer the feel of cotton vs the mask on my face and I can wear moisturizer at night without the mask sliding around.-Kim

[katoney]

I now use the Optilife nasal pillow and i use a chin strap to keep my mouth closed. I have never used a ffm but i am thinking of trying the Hybrid. Please give me your thoughts.

[nanwilson]

Hi
Those of you that use a full face mask and are side sleepers, try sleeping on the EDGE of your pillow, that way your mask is not being pushed or moved by it...the mask is sort of hanging in mid air above your mattress. I use a regular pillow, am a side sleeper and have no problem with my mask slipping or moving.
Cheers
Nan

[rmet229diab]

Thanks Nan and all who have responded. I have tried sleeping on edge of pillow as well as using different types of pillows and without relief. I am happy to report that I will be fitted with nasal pillows tomorrow and will report back in a few days.

[torontoCPAPguy]

I vote for the Mirage Quattro full face mask with forehead brace and spend time adjusting it at night putting it on. The last thing I do is pluck it... pull it away from my face and return it gently to ensure that the double layer of silicone is sitting squarely and flat against my face. My leak rates are nominal and that is with smooshing my face against the pillow (I refuse to change my pillow!) from all angles... side, stomache, upside down.

If you are able to breathe through your nose only try the Mirage Activa LT... I have the same great success with it as well.

No luck with nose pillows yet.

Not every mask will work for all and not every size fits all... in fact, I find that the two masks mentioned work at their best in different sizes on the same face (mine).

Have a friend who got so frustrated with masks that he just ductaped the hose right to his nose. No leaks! Takes WD40 (as we all know) to remove the tape residue in the AM. No CPAP user should be without ductape and WD40. Both are on sale at Harbour Freight right now.