Searching for the Holy Grail...

[accrn]

Hello all,
Just wanted to start by thanking you for your expertise and willingness to share. I've learned so much reading through the posts here.

As my topic says, I'm in search of the Holy Grail of masks. I am currently using the AirFit P10 nasal pillows which are almost perfect... almost. They dislodge when I sleep on my sides. I am all over the bed at night (bad lower back and sciatic issues). I don't take any meds at bedtime save for the occasional ibuprofen when the back is really bad. Are there any nasal masks that work well for people who sleep like monkeys on crack? (I have tried full face masks and every single one has leaked and kept me awake, so I would like to stick with nasal options.) Is there anything out there better than what I'm using? Brevida? N20? That weird, fabric Circadiance thingy?

[chunkyfrog]

The headgear for the P10 tends to stretch out with use.
Washing it with hot water helps it spring back repeatedly.
I have used this mask for the last 4 years or so, and keep spares,
so I can have the mesh clear and the headgear snug--ready at a moment's notice.

[palerider]

Hello all,
Just wanted to start by thanking you for your expertise and willingness to share. I've learned so much reading through the posts here.

As my topic says, I'm in search of the Holy Grail of masks. I am currently using the AirFit P10 nasal pillows which are almost perfect... almost. They dislodge when I sleep on my sides. I am all over the bed at night (bad lower back and sciatic issues). I don't take any meds at bedtime save for the occasional ibuprofen when the back is really bad. Are there any nasal masks that work well for people who sleep like monkeys on crack? (I have tried full face masks and every single one has leaked and kept me awake, so I would like to stick with nasal options.) Is there anything out there better than what I'm using? Brevida? N20? That weird, fabric Circadiance thingy?

Maybe the soon to hit Bleep mask is for you.

I've heard credible reports that it's going to be great for situations such as yours.

[caroldo]

Been using a CPAP for 6 years and have tried several nasal pillow type masks. For the past year I have used Philips Respironics DreamWare Nasal Mask with Under the Nose Cushion. I really like it. I too change positions many times during the night and can sleep in any position. When I first saw it I thought it would leak, however it has not. The others nasal pillows caused irritation and this on does not. Good Luck in your search.

[accrn]

Thank you all!

I've seen the review Lankylefty did on the Bleep... it may be just what I need.

[greatunclebill]

if there was a perfect mask, all others would soon be out of business. my best mask may be your worst mask. there's really no way to find your best mask, without just keep trying different ones. the mask is the hardest part of the whole cpap thing.

[accrn]

if there was a perfect mask, all others would soon be out of business. my best mask may be your worst mask. there's really no way to find your best mask, without just keep trying different ones. the mask is the hardest part of the whole cpap thing.

So true!
I guess I was just hoping the more experienced here could offer a little insight into the masks I listed... but you're right, even if someone else loves them, my experience could be vastly different.

[TropicalDiver]

I have similar back issues and found *my* dream mask -- a FFM (Airtouch F20 -- with a padacheek stabilizing strap). The p-a-c strap made all of the difference!

Likely of no help given your desire for a nasal mask but just in case....

[accrn]

I have similar back issues and found *my* dream mask -- a FFM (Airtouch F20 -- with a padacheek stabilizing strap). The p-a-c strap made all of the difference!

Likely of no help given your desire for a nasal mask but just in case....

That's good to know! It never hurts to know what's worked for others. And I hadn't considered a stabilizing strap. I'm hanging onto my F30 FFM just in case I get too stuffed up this spring to use nasal pillows/mask. I have raging, miserable allergies every spring. I'll look into a stabilizing strap for my F30.

[TropicalDiver]

Sorry, I meant their anti-leak strap (rather than stabilizing strap)

[kteague]

The TapPap pillows mask is incredibly stable, but not everyone is keen on using a dental mouthpiece to achieve that stability. Are you using any type of hose management? If not, maybe that would be helpful. Tugs on the mask by the hose are notorious leak makers. What type of bed pillow are you using? One your face does not sink into can help prevent leaks. I prefer a flat firm pillow that my face doesn't sink into enough to dislodge a pillows mask. Also could try to sleep on the edge of the pillow with your nose over the edge. Hopefully utilizing some of these user tips could allow you to use most masks with fewer problems.

[realshelby]

I use a P10, have a Bravida. But lately I went back to my Nuance Pro. Been using that for several nights. Pretty much zero leakage on the leak charts. I thought the P10 was pretty good at being buried into a pillow, but you can get some leakage doing it. The Nuance will displace some, but if you scoot your head just a bit it is back to perfect seal. It is harder on your nose than the P10 or Bravida. But the seal and stability are really good. Until the "bleep" becomes available, I would recommend the Nuance Pro to try. The "Pro" has the silicone pieces on the side straps and they do seem to help keep the mask in place. It has the best headgear of any of the masks I have used.

[accrn]

The TapPap pillows mask is incredibly stable, but not everyone is keen on using a dental mouthpiece to achieve that stability. Are you using any type of hose management? If not, maybe that would be helpful. Tugs on the mask by the hose are notorious leak makers. What type of bed pillow are you using? One your face does not sink into can help prevent leaks. I prefer a flat firm pillow that my face doesn't sink into enough to dislodge a pillows mask. Also could try to sleep on the edge of the pillow with your nose over the edge. Hopefully utilizing some of these user tips could allow you to use most masks with fewer problems.

I use a memory foam pillow with cutouts, made for CPAP users. But I don't use any sort of hose management system. That's a great idea as I do suspect that some of my problem is the hose getting yanked while I'm flopping around in bed like a fish on a boat dock. Thank you!

[accrn]

I use a P10, have a Bravida. But lately I went back to my Nuance Pro. Been using that for several nights. Pretty much zero leakage on the leak charts. I thought the P10 was pretty good at being buried into a pillow, but you can get some leakage doing it. The Nuance will displace some, but if you scoot your head just a bit it is back to perfect seal. It is harder on your nose than the P10 or Bravida. But the seal and stability are really good. Until the "bleep" becomes available, I would recommend the Nuance Pro to try. The "Pro" has the silicone pieces on the side straps and they do seem to help keep the mask in place. It has the best headgear of any of the masks I have used.

I tried a Nuance with the fabric headgear, but I haven't tried the Pro with the more substantial "frame." I will give it a shot. I really liked the little gel pillows. Thanks!

[djams]

Maybe the soon to hit Bleep mask is for you.

I've heard credible reports that it's going to be great for situations such as yours.

If you haven't done so, search for the Bleep mask thread here. Watch the video. May be worth waiting for.