Nasal Aire

[NeurosurgeryNP]

Dodes anyone out there use the Nasal Aire or Nasal Aire II? Looks like an interesting interface. I hvae tried the Swift and don't like it at all - too much upwards pressure on my nares. Also, very loud when compared with the Activa. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jen

[WillSucceed]

I found NasalAire II to be unstable -it would pop out during the night. I also tried the Tiara Snapp (similar to NasalAire) and found that it would not keep a seal either. I also tried Infinity but it was totally unstable if you move in bed at all. I ended up giving them all away.

I have a Swift and think it is a great interface for back-sleepers, but not as good for side-sleepers. When on my side, the Swift puts sideways pressure on my nares that is painful. It keeps a good seal, and is not overly noisy, but just not stable enough for me.

These are just my personal opinions and everyone has a different experience to share. The only way to know what is best is to try them all. Expensive, but fool-proof.

Have you checked out the Breeze? I find it to be very comfortable, quiet and, great for side-sleeping. The jet of air that it shoots at your bed partner is a pain, but... gotta' sleep..

Good luck.

[Gil]

I use the nasal Aire II and Like it very much. Very light weight and comfortable. But the head gear is useless. I have had some trouble with the nose prongs slipping out but if I use a chine strap of good quality it keeps the mask stable and the nose prongs do not slip out.
This is a link to show the different ways to wear the nasal Aire II
http://www.innomedinc.com/content/files ... adgear.pdf
At the bottom of the page it shows a figure 8 Loop which I use a long with a chin strap and works very well. One improvement I have taken the strap behind my head and replaced it with the two top straps on the head gear. I fasten the one strap as tight as I can around the hose on the right and the other strap around the hose on the left and fasten them to gather. It looks like the picture of the figure 8 loop but the strap is tight around the those. Not tight enough to mash the hose but tight enough to grip the hose that I can slide the strap upward and it holds the mask much firmer then just having a loose strap and in the figure 8 loop.

Hope this helps
Gil

[neverbetter]

I am a NasalAire II user , as well. I love the little mask. Once you have the right size , it's heaven. It's a very stable mask. I did use the Swift for a wile. I could not get use to the noise and the pillows would leak a bit, but all in all it was a good mask ,too.

[Guest]

If you sleep on your side, doesn't the tubing cause discomfort? Looks like it could be troublesome with it going over your ears like it shows in the photo.

[wildangel718]

I've recently switched from the Breeze (which I loved by the way) to the Nasal-Aire II. I wear the Breathe Band with it instead of the band that came with the interface. I had to change sizes once, but once I found the right size I really like it a lot. I've tried different ways to wear it like found on the site listed in another post, but I think I like the one that fits like a normal nasal cannula would (over the ears). I've rigged up a little sleve of sorts to pad the tubing so it's more comfortable for me, but it's not so bad without it. I'm a side sleeper by the way. Of course, like most nasal interfaces it's hard on the nose in the beginning. I've been one of the fortunate ones that have not had too many problems with CPAP and interfaces. It's been a God-send to me and so has this site....so much good information to learn from! Thanks all!

[Linda3032]

I used the NasalAire (original) for 3 years. I just switched (maybe) to the Aura yesterday. The NasalAire was the only interface I've ever used, but it was fine with me - with modifications. Here are my experiences with it:

1. The prongs must get stuffed up into the nares tightly, so your nostrils flare out - as if you were wearing a "breathe-right" like the football players wear. If the prongs are not snug, they will leak and come out easily. I never experienced sores or a painful nose. I wore the size Large prongs.

2. I made a thin elastic band to go over my head from ear to ear, with loops over the ends to hold the little hoses up over the ears. Later, Innomed started using that design using much larger elastic and velcro - which is an overkill in my opinion. The elastic only holds the hoses lightly to keep them from falling down under the ears.

3. I crossed the little hoses behind my neck, instead of using the velcro strap. They stayed more stable that way, plus the velcro strap scratched my neck.

I found the NasalAire to be very comfortable. It was nice not having a bunch of headgear on my head. I never felt the little elastic strap I made - it loosely held the hoses over my ears in place.

I am a side sleeper --- no, the hoses over the ears never bothered me. You do have to get used to changing sides and keeping the main hose with you under the covers. And cover your hose with a soft material - like fleece. A canvas or nylon material is cold, scratchy, and noisy.

But ----- if your blanket or pillow get close to the exhaust ports, they will make a whistling noise. Some people say the hoses over the ears are noisy - I didn't notice.

My husband says the Aura is quieter than the Nasalaire, but he never complained for 3 years - he's just dang grateful that I'm compliant and no longer snoring.

Hope that helps,
Linda