My new OptiLife mask arrived today - I'm excited!!!

[zhotster]

I'm so excited, I got my new Optilife Nasal Pillows mask today. I'm only a few weeks with my APAP, but I would have an itchy nose, due to the airflow, when wearing my ComfortGel nasal mask. I just hated the fact I couldn't scratch the outside of my nose during the night, so I ordered a Optilife this past Sunday.

On first fit, it appeared to be too easy to adjust. Many here have stated that it was hard to adjust. I've tightened the straps reasonable, but I don't feel too tight. It seems that the pillow interface is very stable. I actually fired up my APAP and laid down while adjusting it and it didn't leak at all when going from side to side.

I can open my mouth if I want, but there is a nice hold with the chin strap. The pillows fit well and seal, no matter if I'm on my side or back (I never sleep on my stomach).

Is there anything special I should look for on adjustments? I can't wait to get to sleep with my new toy, it seems so much more comfortable than the mask! Thanks in advice for any tips, I'm going to be in about an hour and 1/2 I'm so tired!

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): seal, Nasal Pillows, APAP

[RichCMH]

Just keep playing with the adjustments to get it just right for you. Small adjustments at a time in case you have to reset it. I've found mine to be better if the side straps were shorter, bringing the wings up higher, not down on your jaw, gets a better no leak fit.

Have fun and good luck - keep in touch!

[Jim Bassett]

What size pillows are you using? I have a petite and a medium. I would like to trade for a large. I tried the medium once and then went to the large. The petite has never been opened. Trade anyone?

[SleepingBeauty]

I have a large I am not going to use! I use the small. You listed petite and medium...did yours not come with a small?

[Jim Bassett]

Yes it came with a small and I traded that one for a large already. I see no reason for the other two to be laying around when someone can use them. I know my large won't last forever so just being frugal. Let me know if you want to trade. jimbassett33@yahoo.com

[zhotster]

I went to bed real early (8:30 PM) and woke up last night at about 1:30 AM and found the Opti straps on top of my head slipped and the pillows were pulled down a bit. I'm guessing I need to tighten down the straps a little bit. I tried going back a sleep, but one of the pillows didn't "seat" properly, so I took the mask off for the night. I'll be adjusting it tonight, thanks Rich.

As far as pillows, I'm using the 2nd smallest pillow, so I'm guessing that is a small. I believe I have the 2 largest pillows unopened and would be willing to trade those to someone with the 2 smaller pillows unopened. I'm not at home right now, but can check when I'm home.

[RichCMH]

One fitting technique that works for me.

Go to a mirror
Loosen all straps
Hold interface up to nose and fit pillows
With one hand hold interface firmly in place
Tighten straps as needed
Go hook up, get in bed and test for leaks

Also - The tighter the top strap is, that is, the more the strap is pulled thru buckle the more it should pull side straps forward away from the ears.

[jeanc]

If you go to the respironics site they have fitting tips along with common mistakes in fitting as well as a couple of videos about how to wear the mask. I found this very helpful since I have very thick shoulder length hair and I didn't know that I was supposed to put the strap for the back of my head underneath my hair to get it to stay in place. It kept slipping up all night. Now I have to put my hair in a scrunchy first, then put on the mask, then take the scrunchy.