Best masks for HME use?

[jpek]

I would like to try to experiment with HME (heat moisture exchange) as an alternative to using a humidifier, but neither of my current masks is a good fit for using HME. Wondering what masks would fit the following criteria:

* Attaches directly to the main tubing (no connector tubing and the mask itself is close to the tubing)
* Has minimal footprint on face. The kinds of masks I can tolerate are, for example, the Wisp and the Dreamwear. No big masks with lots of straps on face.
* Appropriate for side sleepers
* Probably a nasal mask is best as pillow masks require more humidification for me. (Not even mentioning full face masks as I've never used them.)

Are there masks that are good candidates?

[Janknitz]

Never heard of that and I had to look it up. CPAP.com has them: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/heat-m ... hange-unit.

It's inexpensive enough that you could get it to try on masks you already have and that would inform you about other mask choices if it doesn't work. My one concern with the dreamwear is whether the second vent in front would negate some of the benefits. And whether the weight on the top of your head would be uncomfortable.

Do you mouth breathe?

[jpek]

Never heard of that and I had to look it up. CPAP.com has them: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/heat-m ... hange-unit.

It's inexpensive enough that you could get it to try on masks you already have and that would inform you about other mask choices if it doesn't work. My one concern with the dreamwear is whether the second vent in front would negate some of the benefits. And whether the weight on the top of your head would be uncomfortable.

I have tried it on my masks, and that's how I know I need something different. Part of the something different is that the mask itself (the part that's up against my nose) has to be very close to the source of the heat, which is the tubing. Neither the Dreamwear nor the Wisp fits that description. In the case of the Wisp there is a connector tube that's fairly long. In the case of Dreamwear there is the hollow frame through which the air travels from the main tubing at the top of the head down to the mask.

Do you mouth breathe?

During the day I partly mouth breathe. I used to mouth breathe while sleeping, but I've taught myself to keep my mouth closed while using a CPAP.