Do I need a different style mask?

[mikein3d]

I started out with the airfit p10 nasal pillows. Aside from the whole new CPAP experience common issues, the mask started working for me for short time until the pillows started really irritating my nostrils, with a lot of pain. I was also waking up 2 or 3 times a night and finding the mask had come off. I don’t the straps use the best design.

So they switched me to the Nuance Pro nasal pillows. This style is so much more comfortable! Like absolute heaven compare to my old one. It worked well for a few weeks, although my leak rate has been around 30 ml. This past week however, I’ve been waking up after sleeping 5 or 6 hours, and I can feel and hear air coming out between the pillows and my nostrils. I try moving the mask around a little and it gets better for a few minutes, but the issue soon returns. It’s weird because everything seems fine when I get into bed and fall asleep, but crops up after I’ve slept a while. I’m also experiencing chipmunk cheeks much more than normal during these episodes.

I’ve tried new pillows as well as all 3 sizes. Nothing seems to work, a couple nights this week I had 38 ml leak rate. Do I need to try a new style of mask? I do very much prefer the idea of the pillows, if I can somehow resolve that.

[ChicagoGranny]

I do very much prefer the idea of the pillows

Yes, they were a nice innovation.

Do I need to try a new style of mask?

Youtube has fitting and adjusting videos on most models of masks. It's recommended that you study three or four videos. Some of the videos are quite good.

Also, pay attention to hose management. Observe how the hose runs from the machine to the mask. The hose should not pull on the mask. Think about how you move in the bed. Arrange things so the hose moves with you without pulling on the mask and doesn't interfere with any bed covers.

Stay in this one thread. Come back to it for an update or with additional questions.

[zonker]

I do very much prefer the idea of the pillows, if I can somehow resolve that.

me, too! and the p10 is THE one for me. i understand that what works for me may not work for thee and vice versa. but you may want to try some lansinoh lanolin cream on those pillows. keeps them nice and soft. guards against soreness. and adds a wee bit of "tackiness" to help seal the pillows to your nose.

it's sold in grocery or drugstores in the infant care aisle. it's meant for nursing mothers to help prevent sore nipples but works a treat on your schnozz.

whatever you decide, good luck!

[mikein3d]

I do very much prefer the idea of the pillows

Yes, they were a nice innovation.

Do I need to try a new style of mask?

Youtube has fitting and adjusting videos on most models of masks. It's recommended that you study three or four videos. Some of the videos are quite good.

Also, pay attention to hose management. Observe how the hose runs from the machine to the mask. The hose should not pull on the mask. Think about how you move in the bed. Arrange thinks so the hose moves with you without pulling on the mask and doesn't interfere with any bed covers.

Stay in this one thread. Come back to it for an update or with additional questions.

Thanks so much for the advise. Most of the things I know in life I learned on YouTube. I will report back my experiences.

[mikein3d]

I do very much prefer the idea of the pillows, if I can somehow resolve that.

me, too! and the p10 is THE one for me. i understand that what works for me may not work for thee and vice versa. but you may want to try some lansinoh lanolin cream on those pillows. keeps them nice and soft. guards against soreness. and adds a wee bit of "tackiness" to help seal the pillows to your nose.

it's sold in grocery or drugstores in the infant care aisle. it's meant for nursing mothers to help prevent sore nipples but works a treat on your schnozz.

whatever you decide, good luck!

I have tried some vaseline a couple times, with mixed results. I’ll look for some lansinoh lanolin cream. Thank you!

[chunkyfrog]

How is your hose routed from your mask to your machine?
I ask because the p10 has no swivel, like some older masks.
A swivel makes the connection flexible--reducing strain.
When I suspend the hose, it does not pull on the mask as much.
A hose hanger can help prevent the pulling caused by a stiff connection.
Any hose hanger can help--one can be fashioned from girl's hairbands
and duck tape stuck to the headboard or wall.
If the bed is below a curtain, pins (safety or clothesline) can be used.
Good luck with this little bump in the road.

[zonker]

I have tried some vaseline a couple times, with mixed results. I’ll look for some lansinoh lanolin cream. Thank you!

let us know how it goes.

[mikein3d]

Last night I made the following changes based on advice here and watching a number of videos:

I used lansinoh cream around my nostrils
I used small size pillows
I loosened up the strap slightly on my Nuance Pro mask
I employed a strap around the hose and anchored it my shirt, so that it would move with me

The results: I slept much better last night, a little over 9 hours worth. I don't know how the MyAir results translate to Oscar or vice versa. MyAir reported my leak rate of 25 L/min significantly improved over what it has been the past week, actually might be my best ever since using CPAP. It also reported Mask off at 7, which seems a little odd. Most of the time when I review the report, I remember the number of "masks off"most of time its due to waking up to use the bathroom, which is normally 1 to 2 times a night. Last night I got up only once to use the bathroom as far as I remember.

this is my Oscar from last night:

screenshot-20210808-142120.png (411.5 KiB) Viewed 621 times

The night previous to last night, MyAir reported a leak rate of 31 L/min and Mask off at 3. The last screen shot is my Oscar report from that previous night. I can't figure out why it's displaying my first screen shot twice?

screenshot-20210808-142120.png (411.5 KiB) Viewed 621 times

Thanks again to all who have replied to me and offered advice, this forum is awesome!

[zonker]

Last night I made the following changes based on advice here and watching a number of videos:
<snip>
Thanks again to all who have replied to me and offered advice, this forum is awesome!