What masks work well for serious side-sleepers?

[Sandra]

Good morning! (Gee, nice to be able to say that!)
This has been my first week on CPAP. I have always slept snuggly on my side, and tend to "nuzzle" my face into the pillow. I know one can try sleeping this way or that, but once asleep, my body makes it's own choices of how it ends up! In a week or so (as I'll be away) I will have the opportunity to try other pillows or nasal masks. To those avid sidesleepers, what mask works well for you?

[Sandra]

I've had 2 nasal pillows to try out this week. The Swift FX: I am leaning toward this one of the two for comfort, but it seems no matter how I adjust it, the "flimsy-ness" of the pillow - which I guess is what makes is so comfortable - means it is frequently shifting out of position from my nostrils, particularly when I snuggle my face more into the pillow. It doesn't come off, but I frequently hear the hissing of it starting to leak, and end up spending too much time fiddling with it to get it just right again.
The LT For Her, feels much more secure but a lot less comfortable for me. Kind of rigid, feels much like something is stuffed up my nose (giving a blocking sensation, even though I know it's not necessarily blocked) and had a terrible-feeling sleep that night with an increase in events. Not sure if I should just keep trying or if it's just not the one for me.

I totally realize that what works for one does not necessarily work for another, but wondered if there are certain types that generally seem to suit sidesleepers. Would love to hear your feedback.

Also - still having trouble understanding the leak reports (median, 95th percentile, maximum values). Obviously 0 leaks would be ideal, but what range would be considered acceptable?

Thanks!

[wabmorgan]

I am a serious side sleeper.... can't stand to sleep on my back. My favorite mask... and I have tried a LOT of them... is the Resmed Activia.

[Wulfman]

In my opinion, the more important question to ask is "What bed pillow are you using?".
"Standard" pillows can allow your head to sink into them......thus causing the mask to be shoved out of position when you move your head around during the night......which will make it leak like crazy.

Using a pillow that is relatively firm, so your head doesn't sink into it, will allow you to wear almost any mask.

Edit: My bed pillow is listed in my profile.


Den

[rubymom]

Good morning to you too!

I am a serious side-sleeper as well. I use the Mirage Liberty Mask (mouth breather here). I agree with Den. The pillow for you head makes a big difference. I have the Regenesis pillow filled with buckwheat hulls. I hated it at first, because it felt too hard but eventually adjusted to it because it worked for me mask-wise. I am able to snuggle my head into the pillow without my mask being jarred because this pillow enables me to make a little well or opening for my mask. There's plenty of posts on the board about this pillow. You might want to consider it.

Take care!

[KatieW]

I agree with others about the mask and head pillow. But also look at your hose management--the weight of the hose can pull on your mask and create leaks. I use the Activa Lt, Papillow and Hozer system, and you see these items on cpap.com. But others are happy with other systems, including home-made systems. Do a search for previous threads.

[nanwilson]

Hi Sandra
Do not despair, things will get better. I have both a Swift LT and Mirage Quattro,
I have a regular firm pillow, with the LT I can smoosh into the pillow as much as I want, no problem, but the quattro I need to sleep with my face at the edge of the pillow so my mask hangs over the edge. You will get used to whatever it takes.
It will take time and lots of tweaking, but you will get it, keep up the good work.
Cheers
Nan

[dtsm]

You actually ask multiple questions

1. I'm a side sleeper, tried Fx, LT and Headrest. Settled btw Headrest and LT but as you indicate, what works for some doesn't work for others. The Fx is the most comfortable but can't get that sweet spot, plus hose management is a problem (although now there might be a solution with the "pap cap plus 4" from Bret - see website referenced below).

2. KatieW makes great suggestion - look at Bret's CozyHoze Boss at http://www.pur-sleep.com, he has video that shows how it works. Might make a huge difference in how your nasal pillow actually 'rests' on your face while you sleep. Bret has a full satisfaction or get a full refund policy, not super expensive, ships out quickly (I ordered another set recently for colleague - placed order on Tuesday night, arrived Friday morning!). Also, sign up for their newsletter to get 10% discount code.

3. Pillows - other's already responded...i use cpap pillow from buy.com, Hudson Medical brand. Others swear by pillow from Bret (don't mean to keep plugging him!)

4. As far as data management, you really need to use the ResScan 3.1 software. Check your in box for pm.

[GumbyCT]

A couple things can help.
1. Try using a larger (Nose) pillow - you should have received 3 with the mask.
2. Use a knee high nylon under the pillows wrapped around the head to support a little more.
Or try a hair scrunchy to do the same.

The Swift FX is a good choice. I use the Aeiomed Headrest with a homemade head strap (similar to the Swift made from a knee-high and hair scrunchy) which works in most any sleeping position. You will likely have to make something that will work for you.

[M.D.Hosehead]

Hi, Sandra.

I'd be surprised if any mask is as comfortable as Sleepweaver for side-sleepers. Do a search for "Sleepweaver" (in the box at the top left of the screen), and you'll find that, like all masks, some love it and some just can't get the leaks stopped.

I'm pleased enough with the comfort that I'm putting some effort into getting it to work for me.

One noteworthy thing: it's the only mask from CPAP.com that has a 30-day FREE trial. If you send it back, you're only out of pocket shipping one-way.

[Emilia]

I am predominately a side sleeper, but I do also spend some time on my back. I ordered the micropedic pillows from HSN when they had a special. I took my pillow with me to the sleep lab to test it out with the mask during my titration. I had no shifting of my mask at all..... truly one of the best pillows I have ever owned, and I've tried so many kinds!! http://www.tonylittlestore.com/mp-jumbo.html Check out Amazon or HSN for a better deal on pricing.

[Janknitz]

I'm a total side sleeper and I use the Swift LT for her and the FX (my current favorite).

Here are my suggestions:

1. I snug the FX tighter than others suggest so it doesn't slip around. I've also used UFO13's excellent suggestion of sewing some velcro hook tape (the stiff side) to the inside back of the back strap to keep the headgear from sliding around.

2. I use a homemade hose management system with the hose hanging from a lamp over my bed. That negates the weight of the slinky FX hose.

3. I stack two pillows. A soft and very thin pillow underneath an "orthopedic" Tempurpedic pillow. The headgear is in the "ditch" of the Tempurpedic pillow and doesn't press hard into my face. I "hang" the front of my face off the edge of the Tempurpedic pillow and it has a little room before it presses against the lower pillow. You can sort of see how my pillows are slightly "staggered" but I lie them flat, not up like they are for purposes of showing the bear in the photo

It is INCREDIBLY comfortable, I love to lie there when I wake up and just enjoy how nice I feel.

[Amigo]

It's very "retro" I know, but I've used only the Adam Circuit for seven years. The headgear is so unobtrusive (for a side-sleeper) I hardly know I have it on.

That said, the correct pillow(s), hose arrangement, and correct nasal pillow size can probably make many other headgear types equally comfortable for a side-sleeper.

[TheTwinsMom1]

I am another quattro user and a side sleeper. I did not get the leaks to stop until I got my regeneris pillow. I would also look at your hose and pillow set up also along with your mask

[Jay K]

I agree with those who have focused on the pillow rather than the mask. I have used both the Regenesis and a standard CPAP pillow, such as those available from cpap.com, or even overstock.com (at times). And I have used both a total face (Fittlife) and full face (Mirage Quatro) mask without problems.

Both pillow types have been effective for me, although I use the cpap pillow more often than the Regenesis. The one pain is that I travel a lot, and end up taking the pillow with me, as for me it is nearly inconceivable to now use a standard pillow.