Still Seeking the Right Mask

klady · Post by **klady** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 7:41 am

I'm thinking of trying either the Aura, or the Comfort Curve. I'm currently using a small Breeze Nasal pillows, which seems to irritate my nose after several nights. The medium is too big. The Mirage Swift (small) is much more comfortable in my nose, but the interface is too wide for my face, and I'm a side sleeper.

I've also tried Resperonics Comfort Gel, but I'm between a petite and a small. Their quality control also leaves a lot to be desired, which sort of discourages me from trying the Comfort Curve.

The good news is that I finally won The Battle with my DME. They did come over to pick up my Breas and deliver a new APAP. Would you believe it took almost a year?

I now have a Remstar Auto Pro with Heated Humidifier and it also records what's happening while I sleep (I forget what you call that) ~ just love it. At times I felt like Don Quixote fighting windmills, but this ol' gal won! Assertive persistence does pay off, but it's so exhausting!

Any help ~ advice ~ will be so appreciated. Thanks.

biggziff · Post by **biggziff** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:16 am

Kind of off topic, but would you like to trade your medium for another small for the Swift? I use the mediums so the smalls will go to waste for me.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:30 am

If you only proble with the Breeze is irritated nostrils, try using KY Jelly or Ayr Gel just before you put on the mask.

My nostrils were painful after the first week, even though I used KY Jelly. My RT recommended a 2-3 night break, which considering my mild apena was no medical problem.

That solved the mask problem - my nostrils toughened, I still used KY jelly for months, but the Breeze was and is excellent. So, don't give up on it of the only problem is the irritation - it's a natural reaction to something touching you where nothing has - remember how it firs felt with glasses? Or what happens to the tip of you nose when yo wipe it, and wipe it, and - atchooo - wipe it again?

The Aura's ("Evrest nasal seal", ugh) pillows are softer, but I think I would probably have needed KY even with them, had they been first.

O.

klady · Post by **klady** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:34 am

Under normal circumstances, I would be glad to. However, with all the stress I've been through, I've lost at least 5 lbs., and am now currently using a small. I was using a medium, so my medium is not new. I'm sure you would not want that. Sorry I can't help you.

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:35 am

For nostril irritation you can also use Neosporen with Pain Relief. I seem to have sensitive nares and it does do the trick. But if it hurt too much, I would suggest getting the Activa. Yes it is a nasal mask but it works great for side sleepers.

klady · Post by **klady** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:44 am

I'm going to take your advice and give it a try. I wish the Swift would fit my face better because it's so comfortable in my nose. I guess I'll just have to play around with both of them and see which will work out best for me.

klady · Post by **klady** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:47 am

Is the Activa heavy?

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 9:22 am

I don't find it to be so. But then I tend to snuggle it into my pillow since it is so flexible in maintaining the seal. Definitely lighter than the Vista and any Gel mask out there. I actually switch off between it and the Aura to give my nostrils a break.

klady · Post by **klady** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 9:39 am

Well, with all the great tips I've received, I think I may be all set. I am most definitely a side sleeper. If I could, I'd love to practically dig my nose into my pillow. But, them days are gone forever.

The first thing I'm going to do is pick up a tube of Ayr and get started with that. Then, I'll see if I can somehow find a place which will fit me for an Activa. It would be nice to have a break from nasal pillows.

What a great group! Thanks for all your tips and support. I shall follow through.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 1:52 pm