Nasal mask vs Pillows

[B Tired]

I have a nasal pillow style mask. The problem that I am having is, my nose holes are long and so is my nose. So it tends to make the end of my nose hurt because I have to keep it kinda tight so it will not leak as much. I was thinking about tring a nasal mask. Does anyone have some advice? I am kinda shy about tring a mask because during my sleep test this was the first mask they tried on me, and it hurt my forehead. Was the mask maybe on wrong or something? I stopped using my CPAP because my nose hurts, so I feel like it is time to try something new. Thanks for any advice

[Gaga58]

Let me suggest before you try the nasal mask to try a different size pillow. There are two of us here on the forum who have found that what we started out with really wasn't what we needed and the change made a big difference ( viewtopic/t70427/Size-does-matter.html ). Many on here also use a cream called Lanisoh to help with nasal sores...I can't find it in my area, but I do use the Ayre nasal gel and so far no irritation or sores from the pillows. It does sound like your mask may be too tight as well. For myself, I found tightening the top strap almost all the way up (but I'm petite) and loosening the side straps a little gives me just what I need to seat the pillows without them feeling crammed into my nose. When I went up in size it now actually feels like they just barely hang there, but the seal is good. Once the machine is going, I kind of pull out on the pillow, then adjust a tad upwards before seating them back.

I also have a nasal mask as a backup (which I do like as well) and am currently awaiting the Sleepweaver to try, but only for those times I may be too congested to use the pillows! Good luck to you and hope some of this might help!!

[B Tired]

I have tried a bigger pillow and it leaked more. Something I need to add, during the sleep test there was a wire running down my forehead, maybe that had something to do with it hurting. I really don't know.

[SMenasco]

I had an FX or at least I think it was. I gave it to a friend with a smaller nose. It was the one that has the air hose coming over the top of the head. This thing had a piece of plastic in front of the pillows that made the end of my nose really sore in the morning, along with a crease. Of course, EVERYTHING is made for the average person; male, 5'9", 160 lbs. That's cars, chairs, majority of everything else. The Swift II solved the problem for me. It has the air hose entering the side, and can be changed to enter either side. No more sore nose. Good luck.

[ThirdOutOfFive]

I started out with the Swift FX for her, but I had fit problems -- XS was too small for one nostril & S was too big for the other. . . . I switched to the Zest nasal mask, and I am much happier with it. I no longer feel that air is being shot out of a fire hose down my nose. My inhalation and exhalation feel much more normal with the nasal mask. And, interestingly, Hubby says that the nasal mask is quieter. One thing that I especially like is the fact that the Zest mask has hooks on the lower strap -- I can release one to take off the mask, and not disturb the velcro fasteners. No readjusting the mask after taking it off.

Of course, we are all individuals, and what works for me might not work for you. I hope you can find a solution to your problem soon.

[B Tired]

I recently bought the Mirage FX. I am loving it. I feel like I can breathe so much easier than I could with the Nasal Pillow. It does not hurt my forehead, upper lip area or my nose. It does not have to be on very tight in order to seal. I can sleep on my side or back without any problems. I believe it is a fairly new product, so I have to say that it is a very good Nasal Mask.

[cherylgrrl]

I'm a newbie and started getting a sore nose from my Mirage Quattro full mask. I switched to the Mirage Liberty with nasal pillows and mouth mask. Much more comfortable, plus I can read or wear an eyeshade if I want. Unfortunately, I have twice the AHI index with nasal pillows than with the full mask, even after switching out pillow size and getting a good seal. So I think I'll try a gel mask now.

[avi123]

I am happy with my nasal mask (not pillows). It fits nicely around my nose and does not leave any marks. I use it with the straps completely loose. My leaks are almost zero when I use a chinstrap.




I have yet to see a Pillows mask user showing decent leaks graphs. Those pillows are vibrating in the nostrils, and loosening.

Here is my leak graph from when I tried a Pillows mask:



And here is my leak graph from when I used my non Pillows mask:

[Pugsy]

I have yet to see a Pillows mask user showing decent leaks graphs. Those pillows are vibrating in the nostrils, and loosening.

Well, just because you think you haven't seen decent leak graphs with nasal pillow use doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
Nasal pillow masks offer very effective therapy despite your prejudice.
How about this from my last night.
I used the BiPap so here is Encore report....showing total leak and unintentional leak.
Same report. I just changed the leak report value.

[cherylgrrl]

I am very happy to report that the SleepWeaver mask is a dream come true. Small, soft, far fewer leaks than the other "hard" masks I've tried. I hardly know I have it on. Best of all, my AHI came right down and now I'm at 5 AHI, unbelievable when I was at 12 on the Mirage Quattro and 24 on the Mirage Liberty (nasal cushions with full mouth!) Best $99 I'll ever spend -- and you have a 100% money-back guarantee.

- Cheryl

[Maxie]

I don't have a graph handy to prove my point but I have minimal leakage with nasal pillows. I've tried a full face mask and a hybrid but the minimum amount of "stuff" on my face is better for me. I love the Swift FX bella because I hardly feel it at all.

[sol]

I started out with FFM but had a leak problem ....switched to Softgel nasal mask much better but not very comfortable and on jmelby suggestion tried the Activa LT nasal mask ......much happier and never looked back. Thanks jmelby

[jen4700]

I couldn't use a pillow mask because my nares are very long and narrow. I couldn't get a good seal. I started with the TrueBlue nasal mask which is very comfortable.

But then I tried the Sleepweaver Elan. I've had ZERO leaks and my AHI is no consistently under 1!!! I like that there's no forehead brace and that there's no plastic. You can smoosh your face into your pillow!

[teachcsg]

Everybody is different, so what works for one person may not work for the other. If you are within the first 30 days of receiving the nasal pillow mask ask your DME provider to switch it out (exchange it). Most manufacturers have a 30 day trial period.