Good nasal pillow mask for side sleeping?

[fuzzyjon]

My current mask, the Opus 360, has been working pretty well for me when I sleep on my back, but when I shift to my side, the side straps push on my (memory foam) pillow and often cause leaks. I notice that I also like to sleep with my nose inclined towards (and even burrowing into) the pillow, which can push the nasal pillows out of place enough to cause leaks.

(I have also tried the Mirage Swift II, but didn't like how it put pressure on my upper lip.)

So I am considering trying a different mask. What masks do people recommend for this style of sleeping?

[TheDreamer]

I had this problem, and went with the ComfortLite 2.

Other possibilities I've looked at are Headrest and Breeze.

The Dreamer.

[cassaro]

I use the Swift LT and have not had a problem with side sleeping. It did take awhile to find the right strap adjustment for it to work but that is true of every mask.

Chuck

[Muse-Inc]

OptiLife...great mask! They even show a guy side sleeping in the pics; it's that comfortable.

[garymbsail]

Hi all,
I've had good results with my Swift LT. I occasionally stir after switching sides to tweak it a bit, but I can even pull the sheet or a pillow over my head -- street noise in summer.

Good luck,
Gary

[Kiralynx]

I'm a serious side sleeper.

I started with the Comfortlite 2, tried the simple seal (cover-the-snoot), nasal pillows, and the direct seal, which another kind of nasal pillow. I think this is a wonderful mask because of the ability to switch to three different kinds of interface with the same mask.

I am currently testing out the Aeiomed Headrest, with my own modifications (like cutting off the rubber straps and substitutiong a CL2 strap....). This, too, is a great mask for side sleeping.

I will probably end up using the CL2 in late autumn and winter, because of its larger headpiece, and the Headrest in the spring and summer. But that's just me.

Both are excellent masks for side-sleepers.

[greyhound]

I have no problem with my Swift LT when I sleep on my side.

[m4k4evr]

Try the Swift LT, it's the new style

[Babette]

Try the Nasal Aire II. No pressure on the upper lip, very comfortable, very little facial contact at all.

I'm a full-time side sleeper - I can't sleep on my back or stomach. This is my only mask. I don't even have a backup.

I run a free test drive for it, so you can try it before you buy it. Read more about it in the links below in my signature block. If you're interested, PM me.

Good Luck!
Barbara

[gasp]

I am strictly a side sleeper and love the CL2. It does have facial contact on the forehead in a very comfortable way. I use the nasal pillows. I like that I can easily adjust the nasal pillows for just the right feather touch - what I call a 'dream seal' to my nostrils. The touch is so light I can hardly tell it's there. I think some may adjust the mask to press the pillows too tightly into the nostrils and then it unseats or leaks and a strap is needed to keep them in place, maybe they are active sleepers ; ), or some other reason. Some have found they have to use a strap to keep the pillows seated. Not me.

You will need to change nasal pillows every few weeks to get this 'dream seal'. My insurance and as I understand the standard medicare coverage allows for a new nasal pillow every two weeks. I change mine most often every 3 weeks, but sometimes 2 and sometimes 4.

The CL2 looks gigantic and I avoided it for around a year - but in use I have found it feels like it's not there. I also like that the hose goes upward so I don't have it in my way.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Comfor ... P-Mask.htm

Let me know if you need any further information and best wishes on finding your favorite mask.

[sleeplessinaz]

I have no problem with my Swift LT when I sleep on my side--I used to use the Opti Life but the tube is too stiff and when I rolled over it dislodged itslef. The Swift LT for her is the way to go for me--been so happy with it!!
Carrie

[2flamingos]

I toss and turn from side to side - and LOVE my Swift LT! Of course there are times when I have to tweak it - but is there a mask that does not ever require tweaking?

[fuzzyjon]

Wow, thanks for all the recommendations! Lots to choose from.

Maybe we can narrow it down a bit:

I apparently have small nares The size small Opus pillows work great me. I had issues with both the small and medium Mirage Swift II pillows - they would be OK for a couple of hours, and then start leaking. So if the Swift LT has similar pillows, I am wary of using them.

The Headrest only has sizes M and L - will they be OK for me of the small nares?

The Optilife comes with four sizes to choose from!

I also have a couple of nits about the Opus:
If I turn the humidifier above 1, I get a little water in the pillows and in my nose (but not in the hose).
The vent can be noisy. Sometimes its noise sounds like leaks when there are in fact no leaks (as verified by both my data collection and by careful feeling around all joints and pillows).

Are any of the other masks recommended superior in these respects? (Of course, I might be trading the devil I know for one I don't...)

[vipertec]

OptiLife...great mask! They even show a guy side sleeping in the pics; it's that comfortable.

I agree 100% ,I also have a swift LT which I don't like nearly as much as the opti life , imo the opti life is an awesome mask!

[TammyT]

I apparently have small nares The size small Opus pillows work great me. I had issues with both the small and medium Mirage Swift II pillows - they would be OK for a couple of hours, and then start leaking. So if the Swift LT has similar pillows, I am wary of using them.

The Headrest only has sizes M and L - will they be OK for me of the small nares?

I have XS nasal pillows for the Swift LT.