Desperate for a solution!

[KCASANJO594]

OK, maybe "desperate" is a bit dramatic, but I am definitely growing frustrated.

I am a BiPAP user over 5 years, now. After 4.5 years of being on autoset, my insurance finally allowed an in-office titration. The titration showed that I needed to have my pressures increased, and my normal ~9-12 went to 14-17 or something like that. I had used nasal pillows (F&P Pilairo Q) for that whole time, but when they increased the pressures, the Pilairo Q just sort of blew up and I didn't realize (and nobody warned me) that most pillow masks won't tolerate high pressures.

Since then, I've used the Eson 2, mostly, but I have some mask sealing issues that must be resolved-the leak is right across my eyes and I have blephariasis-the air increases the bacterial growth and irritation, and I can't keep doing it.

I bought a few masks since then and they've all failed to seal in one way or another, or just really don't fit my nose. One was the Resmed Mirage Micro and the other was a Philips nasal mask (Respironics comfortgel blue). So I'm back to the Eson 2...but honestly, I have to adjust it and readjust it to try to keep the air out of my eyes during the night.

TIA!

[zonker]

welcome to the zoo!

but when they increased the pressures, the Pilairo Q just sort of blew up and I didn't realize (and nobody warned me) that most pillow masks won't tolerate high pressures.

i use a p10 pillow mask at a min pressure of 18 and a max pressure of 20 with no problem.

what you might want to do is go over to youtube and search out mask fitting videos with the name of the mask as part of the search field. they can help you to figure out what is going awry with your fitting.

good luck!

[mvosborn]

I use the Phillips Nuance Pro and love it. Have used it from the start, tried others, and come back every time. It ships with three different size nasal pillows.
I use mine at 13 and 20, but have been as high as 18 and 20, with no blowout issues.....

Good Luck,
Mike

[KCASANJO594]

I bought the P10 from CPAP.com, but I broke the frame on my Eson2 last night, so I'm trading back and forth between the 2 nasal masks that I really hated, now. Hopefully CPAP.com ships quickly!

[ChicagoGranny]

I've used various nasal pillows at pressures of 18 to 20.

BTW, some of us were able to make big decreases in our pressure requirements by wearing firm foam cervical collars. I've worn one every night for years. The collars hold the neck in the best position for airway patency and also help to prevent jaw drop. I got to 10 - 12 pressure with a collar from 18 - 20 without.

[chunkyfrog]

" . . . most pillow masks won't tolerate high pressures."
BS, but sadly, believable to some.
If the foam collar seems too confining, one member made herself a "brandy keg" ,
possibly from a section of pool noodle.

[KCASANJO594]

I've used various nasal pillows at pressures of 18 to 20.

BTW, some of us were able to make big decreases in our pressure requirements by wearing firm foam cervical collars. I've worn one every night for years. The collars hold the neck in the best position for airway patency and also help to prevent jaw drop. I got to 10 - 12 pressure with a collar from 18 - 20 without.

Interesting on the collar. I do wear a chin strap.

[KCASANJO594]

" . . . most pillow masks won't tolerate high pressures."
BS, but sadly, believable to some.
If the foam collar seems too confining, one member made herself a "brandy keg" ,
possibly from a section of pool noodle.

Well, the F&P Pilairo Q definitely did not weather the pressure increase without coming to pieces, so given my anecdotal experience it was rather believable. I'm happy to be proven otherwise with the P10.

[Dog Slobber]

" . . . most pillow masks won't tolerate high pressures."
BS, but sadly, believable to some.

When I was struggling with CPAP, I wanted to try nasal pillows.

My DME told me that nasal pillows would not support my pressures, and my pressure really isn't very high.

What she had forgotten; a few months earlier, when I went for my initial fitting, and was at the same pressure she asked if I was interested in pillows or a mask. That was the day I realized what a bunch of lazy, liars they were.

Since my DME was disinterested in selling me a set of P10s, I started shopping online. Thats the day I realized how much more expensive Brick and Mortar DMEs are compared to online.

I haven't been back since.

[zonker]

I bought the P10 from CPAP.com, but I broke the frame on my Eson2 last night, so I'm trading back and forth between the 2 nasal masks that I really hated, now. Hopefully CPAP.com ships quickly!

i think you missed my point. i wasn't saying the p10 had a better chance of standing up to high pressure. i was saying that your statement of nasal pillows not standing up to high pressure is not correct.

my main point, however, was to go to youtube and watch mask fitting videos to insure you have your nasal pillows fitting properly.

that said, hope the p10 works for you.