How was your expereince with either the N20, Wisp or both?

[_JT]

I have been switched to a Dream Station Bi-Pap/AVAPS machine. I have been using nasal pillow masks with regular C-Pap therapy for years. Unfortunately, because the pressure is set so in a way that allows it to get above 25 at times I am having trouble with the pillows. I am not receptive to FFM therapy at any point. I also am not one to have straps and pieces of hardware touching my forehead. That being said, my RT has suggested I try either the Air Fit N20 or the Wisp. I am wondering what folks have discovered either works or doesn't about either or both of them. I am hoping to get into see someone by Friday of this week. (12/15/17) Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I would be really excited to hear from other folks who are on AVAPS therapy too. It is new to me and I am trying to embrace that it is essential to my medical and mental health to learn to use this machine just as I did my C-Pap. This is the last option for me so I am here asking for support and information. Hopefully, I can be helpful too.

Thanks,

_JT

[bwexler]

I use the PRS1 960 ASV machine. My pressure seldom gets above 18.

The Wisp is probably my second favorite mask.
My favorite is the current Sleepweaver Cloth mask. I don't think it would work well above 20.

[heyslick]

I tried the wisp, while it fit better, it gave me bags under my eyes, i guess from the air hitting me in the eyes, and it left a red mark across the bridge of my nose. I then tried the N20 no air in the eyes, and a AHI of 0.2 they both disconnect easily if you need to get up in the middle of the night, the N20 don't click into place as easy as the wisp , but not bad. The N20 has a better thicker nose cushion, and gives a better seal, at least fro me.

[chunkyfrog]

I loved the Wisp--but only with the silicone frame!
The fabric frame was the shoddiest POS I have ever seen.
Eventually, though, the leak into my eyes became too much for my poor eyes.
(Maybe my nose got skinnier--why nowhere else?)

[InnerGlow]

I'm using the Wisp and I like it, although I've only been on CPAP for 2 months. I had problems with the air getting in my eyes in the beginning when I was wearing a cushion that was too large for me. Once I switched to the smaller cushion and tightened the straps slightly, I didn't have that problem anymore.

[_JT]

Thanks for all of the great feedback. My machine is set to run between 16 and 26. I think the high is 26. I am sure the low is 16. My C-pap was continuous at 15. The RT is pretty sure that long term use of the nasal pillows I love will cause more problems that I don't need to add to my already long list unnecessary frustrations So, I am so grateful for you all taking the time to respond to me.

Have a great evening.

JT

[Pugsy]

The RT is pretty sure that long term use of the nasal pillows I love will cause more problems that I don't need to add

And what problems does the RT think the nasal pillows will cause at the higher pressures?
We have people using well over 20 cm pressure all night long and successfully using nasal pillows.
Yeah, a little more challenges with those pressures but it's not like there wouldn't be the same challenges with a nasal mask if not more because there's more real estate needing to be kept sealed.

Some DMEs, doctors, RTs, etc still believe that old wives tale that nasal pillows can't be used at the higher pressures and it's simply just an old wives tale with no truth to it.

At least give your P10 mask a good try with your new machine and new pressures. It might work out a lot better than you think and better than the nasal cushion masks. Got nothing to lose.

[_JT]

My RT suggests that because the pressure is continuously changing I may develop more nosebleeds and dryness than usual. She also has a concern about the pressure causing more leaks or for me to begin opening my mouth when the pressure gets around 26. I am also just having difficulty with the AVAPS quick pressure changes.

Having said that, I have decided to try either the Wisp or the N20 for a month and decide whether I want to switch or remain on the P10. I appreciate that the DME program and company I use is willing to allow such a trial.I feel gifted that they only do Oxygen and Sleep DME. The specialized care is amazing. I am actually already having nasal issues so it will be interesting to see what comes from this trial. I have an appointment next Monday to fit a mask. I am so undecided between the Wisp and the N20. I may fit both of them and then decide. I am just processing all the information folks are sharing here to help me decide.

[Bobby269]

The N20 works great for me. little or no leaks . Very low AHI'S. Very easy to fit.

[Soothest Sleep]

I've used only the Wisp mask, so can't compare with others. However, some aspects I like about the headgear are no forehead straps; quite a stable seating of the mask, due to four adjustable straps to balance the positioning; the headgear doesn't shift much or slide up the back of the head; there's an option to run the hose up over the head using the loop on the top-of-head strap (could be good for hose management issues). I love the quick-release on the short hose; makes my midnight trips to the bathroom very convenient with no fussing about equipment to distract from getting back to sleep.

I have used the same nasal cushion and headgear for over a year; still little if any sign of yellowing or other signs of deterioration on the silicone. I use the fabric frame and am now beginning to notice some minor wear and tear around the hole where the cushion snaps in. The frame structure has softened just a little in the same area, and I just replaced the short hose last week (due to the quick-release hose click-arm breaking). Otherwise all is in good working order. There are magnetic fasteners available (at extra cost, I believe) which can be swapped in for the regularly provided headgear clips, but I don't use them. I wash the cushion every day, and the rest of the set-up once a week, all by hand and air-dried. I'm in a soft water area; hard water may possibly affect the speed of wear and tear.

Over time, and as I have gotten more familiar with the whole xpap process, I have made tiny adjustments to the fit here and there, and I think I have reduced noticeable leaks to a very low amount. I have never been wakened by a leak, although on some nights just getting to sleep has been disrupted a few times by a case of the leakies. Any irritation about that has been due to my mood at the time; usually it takes no time at all to simply shift my head position or re-seat the cushion so the flanges can roll properly on my face when inflated. Sometimes I have noticed air getting in my eyes, and I was able to use a fabric eyemask to block that until I could take time to re-jig the mask fitting. And of course ensuring that the CO2 vent is not aimed directly at sheets, pillow, etc., causing air to bounce back on me and be noisy.

Good luck with whatever mask you choose,
Jean

[apuaplz]

I have experience with both. I would be the first to say that one man's trash is another man's treasure, but for me, the Wisp is far superior, with advantages as follows:

The wisp does not leak for me, while the N20 leaked a lot. I can easily sleep on my side and flip back and forth with no problem. The wisp is somehow double-gasketed (?), which I think helps.
The wisp is much more comfortable for me. I don't get red marks, and I can keep it loosely connected to my face.
The wisp stays farther away from my eyes. It is a much smaller footprint on my face.
The quick release on the wisp is truly much quicker and easier than the N20's.
The soft frame IS soft and comfortable, and unlike the N20's rigid frame, doesn't dislodge the cushion from my nose as I turn from side to side. It's also reversible, giving you two options for fabric.
The tube on the wisp seems more flexible than the N20's, which also helps keep the cushion in place.
The headgear on the N20 stretched out for me, imperceptibly, but in less than 6 months, and at different rates of stretching within the different parts. This made the cushion leak, but the more I tightened one part, the more it caused the whole thing to tilt/pivot on my nose, never solving the leak but creating a lot of pain on the bridge of my nose.
The tube(?) seems to dry faster after washing, I assume because it is less 'corrugated'. This is an issue because for me, I had constant rainout with the N20. I have no idea why the wisp solved the rainout issue in general (not just the tube, because I would dry the N20s out every night, and I don't dry the Wisp's) and I can't assume that would be true for everyone, but for me, it works.
The wisp is easier to disassemble/assemble for washing.
The loop on the top for the tube is a great idea, and it can keep the hose/tubing away from you so that you are not even aware of it.
The wisp has several options for the connecting clip/attachment system.

So, I see this is a lot to throw at you, but it could be summarized as much greater comfort with the wisp, and no leaks.

Good luck with whatever you do. With an inquisitive spirit and persistence, you can get things better than you would have ever thought possible.

[_JT]

Thanks to all of you for your help. I am going to go and fit both masks and see which one feels ok. I will try it out and if in 15 days I am unsatisfied I will try the other. Your feedback has given me insight all the company and YouTube videos don't. I am so grateful that I returned to the group. I will let you know how it goes. Once again my gratitude for your taking the time to share your real life experience has proven an immense help to me.

JT

[alfa]

I currently use a resmed confortgel mask. If I switch to the wisp or n20 nasal mask do I need to change my hose. Are th hose attachments the same?

[Pugsy]

I currently use a resmed confortgel mask. If I switch to the wisp or n20 nasal mask do I need to change my hose. Are th hose attachments the same?

With a couple of exceptions pertaining to the hoses on some travel machines.....all masks will fit all hoses.
When they won't seem to fit it is almost always because a tiny part of the old mask came off the mask and got stuck in the long hose and is blocking the hose from coupling with the new mask attachment feature.

I have used all sorts of hoses with all sorts of machines and with well over 50 mask trials and they all attached just fine with the old long hose.
So if you get a new mask and it wont' fit on the old hose...look closely inside the mask end of the long hose for a tiny little piece of plastic being stuck in there so tight you thought it came with it....it didn't.... it came off your old mask and got stuck in the long hose.