Thinking of trying a new mask for summer - nasal pillows

[birdygirl38]

Looking for information from nasal pillow users. I have used the Mirage FX mask (nasal only) for 6 months but with it getting hotter out I was wondering if nasal pillows would be more comfortable/less claustrophobic on those extra humid summer nights. Let me know what your experience is.
My CPAP supplier, noted that my pressure is 11 and they usually only recommend a nasal pillow for pressures 10 or under. Anyone have any experience using one above a 10 pressure?
If I were to try one and it didn't work, would the suppliers usually swap back to new mirage fx to replace it without charging again???

[SomeJoe7777]

My pressure is also 11, and I use nasal pillows. I wear the Opus 360. I get no leaks at all unless I accidentally open my mouth. A friend of mine also uses the Opus 360, and his pressure is 15.



I'm a side sleeper and the Opus 360 works well for that. I route the hose over my head as shown in the picture, and I then route the hose in between the pillow and the headboard of the bed. It then runs between the headboard and the mattress to the nightstand. This way, I can flip side-to-side and the hose just rotates up at the top of my head, completely out of the way. (The top of the hose on the Opus has a rotating coupler).

On the Opus, it comes with 3 pillow sizes, and they're kind of deceptive. I immediately picked the medium, but in actuality that was too big for me and the small works much better. Don't tighten the Opus straps too much -- they don't need to be tight to seal. They just need to hold the nasal pod in place, and the pillows will seal themselves.

A lot of other nasal pillow masks are available -- that same friend that now uses the Opus used to use the Swift FX, it's a very common nasal pillow mask. A lot of people also like the Aloha.

[Pugsy]

I routinely see pressures pushing 20 cm and I have never used anything but nasal pillow mask. I hit 19.60 inhale pressure last night and that makes my exhale 15.60. Slept right through it.
We have some forum members using over 20 cm pressure and loving the nasal pillow mask.
That "pillows can't be used with pressures over 10 cm" is nothing but a myth. It's done all the time.

You would have to ask your DME about swapping out a mask that didn't work. They all make their own in house rules.

[archangle]

I love my Swift FX. Maybe it's just a question of happening to fit right, but once it "settles in," it's like it's part of my body.

I had to sort of switch slowly by using my old mask when the new one irritated my nose. Sometimes I'd switch during the middle of the night, but now it's pure joy.

[John from Brookston]

I love my swift FX, too. As for pressure, I run 19 inhale 13 exhale and it stays sealed.
You'll love it, it's like wearing nothing.

[caffeinatedcfo]

I use the Swift FX Nasal Pillow mask with a pressure range of 10-13cm. No issues handling that pressure. My pressure adjusts to 11-12cm routinely.

DMEs are self-glorified used car salesmen and useless for treatment advice.

[Snowwhite999]

I'm also an Opus 360 user and my pressures run 22 inhale and 18 exhale - hurricane. Leaks are reasonable in most positions and my AHI went from 113 on my split study night to an average of under 0.5 since I started 2 months ago (6 nights at 0.0 so far). It can'r hurt to try some pillows, they really are the most comfortable.

[KenH]

I too was a Swift FX. Loved it.........until i got the Wisp mask.

[Tino2You]

I use the Swift FX and love it. Pressure 9.5 - 15 mostly in the 11 range now. I also have the Bella Loops and I must admit that that is a comfortable addition. I still switch back and forth because as comfy as the loops are, in the middle of the night when I take off the mask to make a potty run, I can put the Swift headgear on correctly without a light. With the loops, you can put it on upside down and it *almost* works....almost.

-tino