Best mask for side sleeping?

[jacoby75]

Hey everyone,

As a newbie to the "wonderful world of sleep apnea", I am still experimenting with masks trying to find the right combination of comfort and seal, and not having much luck. Is it normal to have so many issues losing a seal over the course of the night, particularly when changing positions? If I go from one side to the other, or roll over, I get a leak somewhere and have to keep fidgeting with the mask, or tightening the straps, which of course wakes me up. Or am I just not using the right mask? I have used a Resmed Mirage Micro, which seals great, but is too small and pinches off my nose. And a Respironics Comfortgel Blue, which is much better, but I have way too much trouble with leaks. I think it's too big and I need to get the next size down, because I have to have it really tight to avoid leaks from the sides or bottom, and I wind up waking up in the morning looking like I lost a bar fight, with all the red marks around my nose.

I particularly like to sleep on my sides, or 3/4 of the way onto my stomach with my head turned to the side. Is there a "best mask" for sleeping on your side?

Thanks

Rick

[robysue]

I am a side sleeper.

It takes a while to learn how to turn over without disturbing the mask too much. A hose management system can help. Or learning how to sleep with one hand on the hose to guide the hose with you when you turn over. Your bed pillows and their placement may also need to be examined.

Tightening the straps is usually not the best idea. Not only does it make everything more comfortable, but also over tight straps can cause more leaks. Many modern masks are designed to be worn with loosely fitted headgear---the seal comes from allowing an air filled cushion to fully inflate against your face. When such a mask springs a leak, it can often be fixed by gently pulling the mask away from your face just a wee bit and then gently resettling the mask back onto your face.

Finally, if you haven't tried one, you may find a minimalist mask like the Swift FX nasal pillows mask will work as well or better than a mask with a larger footprint on your face.

[sol]

I,m a side sleeper. The Activa LT nasal mask works great for me but might not be a good choice for you. The SoftGel cushinon fit on the same mask frame.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... dgear.html

[MidnightOwl]

I agree with Robysue's advice about adjusting your mask. Making sure you wash all the oils off your face before bed can also help.

[jacoby75]

Yeah, I learned the hard way about the importance of washing your face. The pulmonologist essentially just sent me home with a machine and mask and said, "here you go," with no manual, or instructions for how to work the mask or clean it. It seemed straightforward enough, but there's obviously a lot to it that I didn't even think about. I didn't even think to wash it for the first few days, and then my upper lip broke out real bad. Well, just a few minutes of research online taught me the importance of washing my face before and after I wear it, and washing the mask daily. Who knew? : )

[MidnightOwl]

Yeah, I learned the hard way about the importance of washing your face. The pulmonologist essentially just sent me home with a machine and mask and said, "here you go," with no manual, or instructions for how to work the mask or clean it. It seemed straightforward enough, but there's obviously a lot to it that I didn't even think about. I didn't even think to wash it for the first few days, and then my upper lip broke out real bad. Well, just a few minutes of research online taught me the importance of washing my face before and after I wear it, and washing the mask daily. Who knew? : )

Strange as it may seem it also makes a difference with leaks. Unfortunately however not your leaks since you're already doing that.

You do get more practiced at adjusting your mask on the fly as you sleep (also as 'Robysue said). However that shouldn't be more complicated that shoving it around a little, not adjusting straps.

[Xney]

I like the overhead routed hose systems like on the Swift LT for side/stomach sleeping. Easier with nasal pillows in general.

Might want to try some nasal pillows, if your nose can take it.

[Conrad]

I'm having good luck with my Swift FX for both back and side sleeping.

[Sheriff Buford]

All masks cause trouble when we side sleep. You may consider a pillow that will accommodate side sleeping. Go to cpap.com and look at the cpap pillows. They have "cut-outs" that accommodate the mask when side sleeping. I have found when the mask or hose comes into contact with the pillow, here comes a leak. I tried a couple of cpap pillows and settled on the Contour pillow. It's a memory foam pillow, so it's sorta hard. There are standard pillows if you like the fluffy kind of pillow.

Sheriff

[chunkyfrog]

All three choices in my mask rotation (see signature) work for me.
I sleep on my side almost exclusively.

[jen4700]

You could try the Sleepweaver Elan. What's nice is that sleeping on your side can actually STOP leaks. You just smoosh your face into the pillow. Plus - no sleeping "of the edge" of your pillow.

[imsleepynomore]

Almost any mask that fits you well would work with a CPAP Pillow if price is to much try cutting a foam pillow at the sides by looking at a picture of a CPAP Pillow, I purchased a CPAP Pillow 2 years ago and my leak rate went way down right away money well spent, I previously had a [ lab rat pillow ] it was better than a regular pillow. Look for a mask that does not stick out way beyond your cheeks. This is a trial and seek process PS if you have red marks on your face your mask is too tight and if you must tight mask that much it is not fitting you. Good luck and keep trying

[jab1972]

I'm a stomach & side sleeper, and have had good luck with the Mirage FX.

[chunkyfrog]

The pillow is key; but it must work with your sleeping style and your comfort requirements.
I tried a stiff foam pillow with mask cutouts--and it was a nightmare. (for me) Others love it.
I prefer a soft, fairly thin pillow (now an inexpensive contour memory foam from WalMart)
My advice is to try everything in the house, and whatever strikes your fancy from retailers that will take returns.

[Sir NoddinOff]

Finally, if you haven't tried one, you may find a minimalist mask like the Swift FX nasal pillows mask will work as well or better than a mask with a larger footprint on your face.

I use the Swift FX nasal pillow and often side sleep. These nasal pillows are generally good for that, but they do have their issues. A big one is that the silicone headgear can get sort of cocked if you lay your head down wrong, this leads to leaks. After using them for 3 months now, I can feel when the headgear isn't positioned correctly and just nudge my head up or down against the pillow to correct the position. At this point it's an unconscious reflex. If I do it right, and I usually do, I don't have to 'break the seal' on the pillows. My only other issue is that the nasal pillows occasionally need to be angled slightly upwards (as illustrated on the package)... this can be easily done by putting a thumb and forefinger on top and bottom of the pillows and tweaking them a few millimeters upwards. That is, towards the top of your head. I do like Lansinol to seal things up and stop leaks (I don't like the $14 per tube price, tho)