mask fit and neck movement

[tarzan]

Since my Comfort Gel mask's adjustment depends on a neck strap, it only fits me well when my neck is in the exact position it was in when I adjusted it. Then if I tilt my head back, it pushes too hard on the bridge of my nose, which is probably why I have mask marks on my nose and a sore nose bridge for the rest of the day. If I tilt my head forward, the mask leaks out the bottom. Recommendations on other masks that are snug but flexible when it comes to neck movement?

[rested gal]

Recommendations on other masks that are snug but flexible when it comes to neck movement?

Respironics ComfortLite 2

Aeomed Headrest (Aura)

Puritan Bennett Breeze with nasal pillows (good for sleeping on your sides; not so good for sleeping on your back.)

Puritan Bennett DreamFit (not the Dreamseal for the Breeze.)

The first three in particular might need the tweak of an extra homemade strap placed around the front of the interface and tied behind the head.

LINKS to MASKS - nasal mask, nasal pillows, nasal prongs

[tarzan]

Thanks rested gal. Now one thing I'm curious about regarding the Aura Headrest and the Breeze: Since they don't have neck straps, do they have a reputation for slipping off the head altogether during sleep?

Also, do the ones with the nostril prongs (or are they called nasal pillows?) have more of a chance of leakage?

[rested gal]

The Aeiomed Headrest (formerly called the Aura) and the Breeze both stay amazingly secure on the head. I know they look crazy in pictures, but you really have to put them on (and adjust them, of course) to see how stable and light they really are.

That said, I do add an extra strap around them just to steady them perfectly on my head. However many people can wear them "as is".

If you sleep on your back much, you might find the Breeze shifting forward and backward (the pad on back of head getting shoved against head pillow)...giving you much the same problem you have with your present mask. Leaks when it shifts forward, pulls on the nostrils if it shifts backwards. But for toss'n'turn sleeping from side to side, the Breeze is very good.

Nasal pillows like those used by the Headrest and the Breeze (and the ComfortLite 2) seal exceptionally well even at high pressures, as long as you've adjusted the headgear to fit you securely. Which is why I add that magical "extra strap" around almost any mask I use. I personally think that nasal pillows masks seal better in general than most traditional cover-the-nose masks. Less perimeter "cushion" to have to worry about sealing. And less in front to get shoved against your face by the head pillow when you sleep on your side, even if you hang your head off the edge.

Nasal pillows sit against the outside of the nostril openings, with only a small bit of the open tip being inside the nostrils. Nasal pillows rely almost entirely on the headgear to keep them positioned against the nares (nostril openings.) I find that nasal pillows which most DME's would probably say are "too big" work best...staying more on the outside of the nostrils and sealing better that way.

Nasal "prongs" interfaces are like the NasalAire II, Infinity, Lyra, and Snapp. Prongs are cannulas that are pushed into the nostrils. Prongs interfaces rely partly on a tight fit just inside the nares to hold them in place...using the inside rims of the nostrils to keep them staying put. I personally don't like prongs masks, but quite a few people do get along fine with the NasalAire II.

In addition to finding a mask that suits you, look at ways to manage the main air hose so it won't tug on the mask or the headgear when you turn over:
LINKS to Hose hangers and methods of managing the air hose

There sure are lots of pieces of the puzzle to fit together, aren't there!?

Here are pictures of where I put my homemade strap(s) on the Headrest and on the Breeze. What works for each person can be different:

[z754103]

Since my Comfort Gel mask's adjustment depends on a neck strap, it only fits me well when my neck is in the exact position it was in when I adjusted it. Then if I tilt my head back, it pushes too hard on the bridge of my nose, which is probably why I have mask marks on my nose and a sore nose bridge for the rest of the day. If I tilt my head forward, the mask leaks out the bottom. Recommendations on other masks that are snug but flexible when it comes to neck movement?

I have the exact same problem! Woke up with a blister on my face after I found I'd tightened the straps AND buried my head in the pillow during my sleep in a subconscious attempt to keep the thing on. (Well, at least I've trained my sleeping mind....)