Another Mask Post - FFM has a couple issues

[JayDee]

Each night is getting better. I'm having recurring dreams and I'm taking that as a good sign I'm sleeping deeper! I can't remember the last time that happened!

The main issue with my FFM is when I sleep on my side, the pillow pushes the mask enough to make it leak pretty good. I have cranked down on the straps -- most likely too tight -- but it has (I think) minimized the leaks when I side-sleep. Leaves some wicked "sleep-lines" on my face in the morning though.

The other issue I'm having, a few times a night, my nose will decide to have an itchy-fit and I can't get to it through the mask, especially since I have it tighter to minimize leaks. But, I don't want to completely get rid of my FFM as I think it will come in handy during cold/flu season (just in case my nose is stuffed-up).

I'm thinking I want to try one of the nasal-pillow masks. I understand how everyone's face is different and mask-fit is a highly subjective, personal thing. But given that understanding, in the galaxy of make/model nasal-pillow options out there, are there one or two that lead the pack in "...if trying nasal-pillow masks, try this one first..." recommendations?

I've searched the forums for mask recommendations, but the results seem mixed. And looking at Amazon reviews, it's as bad a Ham Radio gear reviews: Every item is seemingly both, "the best thing since sliced bread & super awesome!" -as well as- "the worst piece of junk ever that doesn't work and should be a crime to sell!"

I guess that's the nature of public product reviews online these days. The good news is CPAP.com has that insurance! Even so, I don't want to abuse the privilege, so if there exists two leading nasal-pillow mask contenders for customer satisfaction, I'd appreciate the forum's advice.

Thanks,
-JayDee

[Nick Danger]

I use the Resmed P10. A friend really likes the Pilaro.

I like the minimalist nature of the P10. I like the exhaust port diffuser - you can hardly feel the exhaust from more than an inch or two away from the port. I used the ResMed Swift FX before I started using the P10 and my partner complained about the exhaust hitting her in the face.

[Pugsy]

My preferences for nasal pillow masks.

ResMed AirFit P10
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... dgear.html
It's about as nothing on the face and head as you can get and the venting is essentially silent. Can't even feel it unless your hand is about an inch from the vent holes.
Main drawback...if you have a bigger than normal head. The headgear stretches but sometimes not quite enough for comfort. You can speed up the stretching though by putting it over something large like a basketball.

ResMed Swift FX...headgear is more adjustable and the pillows are very similar to the P10 pillows but it isn't silent venting and your bed partner could potentially get a cold blast of air on them since it isn't diffused venting.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... dgear.html

If you think you might like the softness of gel pillows (and it's kinda nice) The Respironics DreamWear gel pillows
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/pr-dre ... -pack.html
With the added plus that if you ever want to try the Dreamwear Full Face mask you can use that frame.
Venting not diffused but it is spread out over 2 places so not quite so annoying.

F & P Brevida
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fp-bre ... dgear.html
Diffused venting and similar to the Pilairo but the cushion/pillow is smaller so less on your face.

Of all these...I prefer the P10 because I have this thing about having as little on my face and head and nose as possible...and I love the diffused venting. That's why it is my primary mask. I have tried all the others and successfully used them but I just prefer the P10.
Until you actually get a chance to try different masks you won't be able to learn what your own personal preferences/wants/needs might be. They may or may not be similar to other people's wants and needs.
Which is why there is such a big YMMV sticker with masks. One person's treasure sure can be another person's trash..

Heck, I even had great success with the Tap Pap and used it for over a year until the P10 was released.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/tap-pa ... roved.html
No headgear at all on my head. Only the little mouth guard which ended up being a non issue for me. It disappeared in my mouth once I got used to it.

[JayDee]

This thought occurred to me as a side-sleeper when I was looking at the (I think it was) "DreamWear" model with the tubes running alongside your cheeks: If the headgear has a rigid (or even semi-rigid) frame/holder running alongside your cheeks, do they tend to dislodge the seal when the side-sleeper's face presses into the pillow?

It may be a non issue as I lack first-hand experience with them, but this had me wondering if I should get a model that only has fabric/material type straps with no hard-frame on your cheeks. Better yet, perhaps instead of wondering, I should ask you kind folks about it. Am I over thinking the seal being broken by side-pressure on a frame?

[Pugsy]

Overthinking things.

I have used all 3 of the DreamWear mask models...under the nose cushion, gel pillows and finally the full face mask version.
The frame itself is the same in all 3 models...those silicone tubes that go down the cheeks.
I am primarily a side sleeper but I toss and turn a lot going from one side to another and even spending some time on my back (back pain causes me to not be able to stay in any one position very long).

Mask movement was a non issue as long as I was using the correct size frame. For me the medium is too large and I couldn't adjust the adjustable part of the headgear enough to make up the difference.
The fleece side covers helped a lot but not quite enough. I really needed the small frame.
These things...and not included in all the available mask packagiing.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/pr-dre ... wraps.html

When laying on one's side the side of the frame that is compressed against the med pillow doesn't diminish the air flow either. It just goes to the other side. It's a non issue.
Only drawback...some people say they can hear the breathing noises more through the frame. I never could really notice it myself.

That silicone frame with the DreamWear is very soft...not rigid at all. I can scrunch it up into a ball with my hands if I make a fist around it. Very pliable.

[JayDee]

AHHH! It's flexible! The "polycarbonate" had me thinking it was rigid plastic.

Thanks for the info!!
-JD

[zonker]

I've searched the forums for mask recommendations, but the results seem mixed. And looking at Amazon reviews, it's as bad a Ham Radio gear reviews: Every item is seemingly both, "the best thing since sliced bread & super awesome!" -as well as- "the worst piece of junk ever that doesn't work and should be a crime to sell!"

don't you just HATE that? or the ubiquitous "it's the bomb!" without one shred of supporting evidence. well, i suppose the kids don't say it's the bomb anymore, but you take my point.

bearing in mind that we are all different and like that, i prefer the P10 also. i've learned to sleep on the edge of my pillow with my honker over that edge. i've not had any leak problems with it. i like that it's light weight. it seems to stay pretty much in place as i go from different sleep positions.

i also use a soft cervical collar to help keep my chin up and scunci hairbands to keep my lips together.

good luck!

[JayDee]

...and scunci hairbands to keep my lips together.

I was tracking right along with you until riiiiight there. Boom! Cornfuzed me good!

But other than that, based on the advice here on cpaptalk and the reviews elsewhere, I think my first roll of the dice will be for the P10. I appreciate the input from all.

Thanks!
-JD

[Pugsy]

Scunci head band trick. Something that Jay came up with to help him keep his mouth shut.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=112758&st=0&sk=t&sd ... i#p1086296

[zonker]

...and scunci hairbands to keep my lips together.

I was tracking right along with you until riiiiight there. Boom! Cornfuzed me good!

But other than that, based on the advice here on cpaptalk and the reviews elsewhere, I think my first roll of the dice will be for the P10. I appreciate the input from all.

Thanks!
-JD

i do beg forgiveness, not my intent to confuse! but i see that pugsy has explained. truly, if someone has trouble with mouth breathing, jay's trick can work wonders.

or at least it has for me.....

[JayDee]

HA-HA! I was thinking it was the little bands used for a pony-tail and I could only imagine you were puckering up and somehow rubber-banding your lips shut! After reading Pugsy's link, that's a welcome clarification! It's not *near* as frightening as what I had envisioned.

Thanks,
-JD