Why can't I find the right nasal pillow?!

[GlowGal65]

Greetings.

I was diagnosed with severe OSA in August of 2010 and had to start using the dreaded CPAP machine. At that time, I was given the Zest nasal pillow (Fisher and Paykel) and noticed that I would get up in the morning with a red, sore spot under my nose. I kept using it for about 4 more months when I decided that I couldn't take it anymore. Last week I was given the FlexiFit and I still have the same issue. I've tried the Opus 360, but couldn't get a good seal with the nasal plug things.

I am at a loss as to what to do next. I can live with the marks on my cheeks and even the odd red mark on the bridge ,but not the mark under my nose. It's just too painful.

Is there another type of nasal pillow that anyone out there has had success with?

Any advice appreciated!

[Jersey Girl]

I like the Swift FX for her - a nasal pillow mask. Also, http://www.padacheek.com makes many wonderful comfort products for all sorts of different masks so that your face does not get sore. Of course, my favorite mask may not work for you. Masks are a VERY personal thing and just all of our faces are different, so are our comfort and mask preferences. That said, the Swift FX was the FOURTH mask that I tried. So, sometimes you just need to keep trying to find the perfect mask for you!

Good luck,

Jersey Girl

[Janknitz]

There are also two models of nasal pillows that come down from over the top of your head and do NOT rest on your upper lip at all. You might want to look at those. You can go to our host, cpap.com and look at the variety of nasal pillow masks there.

I personally love the Swift LT and FX masks. The LT has little adjustments on the sides so you can direct the pillow so that it does NOT touch the area under your nose at all. The FX tends to rest very LIGHTLY against that area, but it is like a feather. With Padacheek's barrel covers, you will have a soft surface touching your face, if at all.

[deerslayer]

this one was my holy grail of interfaces
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/aeiome ... rface.html
there are some resourceful folks on here that have improvised a cap system with it to keep it from pulling hair.
ayr gel will help heal your sore nose
good luck

[Pugsy]

I have tried the Opus 360. Great light mask but yep, hard to keep those pillows stuck in the nose even with a lot of lab ratting.
Also tried the nasal prongs. Not bad but gotta have just the right size of prongs or it won't seal good and my nostrils were right in between sizes.

Went back to my trusty Swift LT and then got the Swift FX last summer. The FX has less on the face and I love it but I did very well on the LT.

Never tried those kind that came down over the head. I got lucky with the Swift LT off the bat when I started on the machine. With either one, get the Padacheek extra padding for the side things or make your own. I tend to end up with part of my face in the pillow and the marks are there and stay (at least with me) for a couple of hours. Besides those handy extra paddings are just so comfy.

Don't give up. Keep trying. I bet you can find one that will suit you better. I toss and turn a lot. The FX might move a bit more than the LT but it is so comfortable, I just deal with it.

[dtsm]

Swift LT and Swift Fx are the two more popular ones.

I'd also suggest the Aeiomed Headrest; cpap.com sells it with a 30 day insurance plan - for about $20, if not satisified, return for full refund [less $20 fee].

[sister]

Hi,
I've tried them all and I like the comfortlite 2 the best. Nothing touches the face except just below the nostrils and I made a barrel cover for that so nothing touches me at all!
It comes down over the nose and I really like the hose over the head out of the way.
Very comfortable and I've had no problems getting the pillows to seal and hold throughout
the night.
I also use the swift fx and like it also.
Good LUCK!!

[Pillowtoss]

Greetings.

I was diagnosed with severe OSA in August of 2010 and had to start using the dreaded CPAP machine. At that time, I was given the Zest nasal pillow (Fisher and Paykel) and noticed that I would get up in the morning with a red, sore spot under my nose. I kept using it for about 4 more months when I decided that I couldn't take it anymore. Last week I was given the FlexiFit and I still have the same issue. I've tried the Opus 360, but couldn't get a good seal with the nasal plug things.

I am at a loss as to what to do next. I can live with the marks on my cheeks and even the odd red mark on the bridge ,but not the mark under my nose. It's just too painful.

Is there another type of nasal pillow that anyone out there has had success with?

Any advice appreciated!

I'm having the same issue as you were with the Zest mask. My sore spot under my nose turned to a dark noticeable bruise. What did you end up with for your mask? I'm still on that journey. Hopefully it wont be long.

[Brobbi]

For a year I have been using the Comfort Gel Nasal Mask. In the last 2 months the mask (a new one) began to rub my skin raw around my nose, I have pressure headaches through the day/night and I've noticed that since I began therapy my teeth have shifted from the pressure of the mask laying on my upper teeth. I now have a gap between my front teeth that my parents paid thousands to get rid of.

Yesterday I went to my supplier and when the gal saw what mask I was using she said "I hate that mask, let's give you something better". I was given the Swift FX For Her. I LOVE IT!!! I had a hard time sleeping as its louder than my nasal mask but over all it was very comfortable and light weight and I didn't have any sealing problems at all. I'm excited not to have anything pressing on my teeth, my fore head or a cumbersome head gear...no more hair breaking!! I wish I had been given the option to try this mask when I began therapy a year ago! Guess they just went with what the sleep study attendant fitted me with that night. Oh well...on to a new and more comfortable phase of therapy. Hope you find something that works for you!!