Rotating between Nasal Pillows and Nasal Mask

[Fropa]

I've been using the Swift FX for 2 years. I didn't have any problems until a few months ago. The edges of my nostrils started getting very sore and sometimes crusty. I'd have to not wear the mask for 1 or 2 days a week to let them heal. I thought it might be a good idea to get a nasal mask to wear if my nose got sore. I saw my DME today and tried a Respironics Wisp and an Airfit N10. I liked both masks. I didn't like the older nasal masks with the big forehead extension, but the new soft masks were very comfortable. Of course I only had them on a few minutes. I was wondering what people who have had these masks a while thin of them. Any problems with the magnets on the N10? Is switching between pillows and masks common or do most people stick with on or the other?

I also tried the Respironics Nuance. Would the way they sit on the outside of the nostril help with the soreness? Do they have more problems with leaks because of this design?

Thanks for the help.

[Pugsy]

I have been using nothing but a nasal pillow mask of some sort coming on 5 years next month...except for one week last year while I trialed the Swift FX Nano cushion mask.
My nostrils never get sore. Makes me wonder what is going on with yours. If properly sized and fitted the nasal pillows should cause any abrasions or sores or crusting or whatever.
So I don't rotate...never needed to...I have changed masks as new models came out and I liked them better than prior model but that a normal progression as the masks have improved a lot. Always been a nasal pillow girl though. Don't own a full face mask but I did keep the Swift FX Nano cushion mask. I liked it and kept it. I did not have good luck with the Wisp though but that may have just been due to a little quirk I have.

The AirFit N10...was just released last week so you won't likely get many people responding just yet to that question. A few people are buying but since it is so new there's not a lot of experience to draw upon.

I don't know if the Nuance will help with the soreness or not because I don't know why you are having so much soreness.
It shouldn't be happening if properly fitted and sized. Most common problem is people over tighten the straps which applies too much tension to the nostril area...some look in the mirror and immediately thing "piggy nose"...that's from the strap being too tight and most often the top strap.

[chunkyfrog]

I switch when needed. Due to allergies or cold sores, there are times my nose needs a rest. Then I have my Wisp.
Once my nose heals, I switch back to the P10, as my eyes are more sensitive to the turbulence from the Wisp's exhaust.
The flatter pillows of the Nuance are not as stable on my nose as those on the P10 or Swift FX, but they are incredibly soft.
I found the Swift FX Nano does not work for want of a smaller headgear--(my size).

[bbf]

I switch off between the Swift fx and the Swift Nano. If congested,the Nano works better for me. I also use the Bella Loops with the Nano.

[Janknitz]

I used to love the Swift FX, it was my favorite mask ever, but I got a bad sinus infection and ever since the edges of my nostril have been very tender. I can tolerate the Swift FX only for short periods of time--the silicone really irritates my skin. So I've been using a Quattro with a Padacheek liner. It works, but a LOT of leakage. When the PRS1 is showing 20%- leakage, that's a LOT.

This week I went in to the sleep clinic at Kaiser and they gave me two new masks to try. The Whisp and the Quattro Air. I love BOTH of them. The Whisp especially is as light and comfy as the Swift FX, but more stable and doesn't touch my nares. But I could only wear it for a few hours last night before the silicone became irritating. I ordered a Padacheek cover, which might help. Same with the Quattro Air, it weighs about 1/3 of what the Quattro weighs. So comfy. But I've ordered a Padacheek for that, too.

I think the lightness of the Quattro air may help with the leaks. Since I can't lie on just one side anymore, I end up on my back and that's when the Quattro leaks like crazy. The Air is more stable and the weight of the mask itself doesn't pull it down to cause leaks.

[Thewino]

Fropa,

Yes, I frequently switch between masks. I've been on steroids for about six years and my skin is easily irritated. My rotation of masks include the Airfit P10 (my favorite), the AirFit N10 (yes, the magnets work fantastic), Swift FX, and lastly the Nuance ProGel.

But, the switch is not even as I utilize the P10 about 75% of the time.

Be good,
TheWino

[Fropa]

Thanks everybody. Nice to hear people do switch between masks.

Pugsy - I actually wear the mask a lot looser than when I started. I talked to a friend on CPAP and he took a 5-day break to let his nose heal. Maybe the Polar Vortex with the long period of cold/dry air caused extra problems here in the North.