What is the best mask for side sleeping?

[cadamtay]

Hi Everyone,
I am new to cpap in the last two months an I am curious to hear which mask people think is the best fo sleeping on your side. Currently I am testing the Mirage FX and I have found it to leak quite often when I try to sleep on my side. I can sleep on my back but it is not the most comfortable for me and sometimes causes soreness in the morning.

I am hoping with some feedback I can narrow my mask choices down and find the one that works best.

Thanks for the help!

[quietmorning]

What is your pressure? I wear an Opus 360 and have been able to sleep on my side just fine - but this mask has a pressure limit of 12. This is a nasal pillow mask.

[Madalot]

Each person is different so what works for one may not work for another.

I sleep only on my side, but I use a full face mask. The F&P 431 FFM works very well for me. My pressure goes to 19+ frequently and this mask does okay for me.

[jimnsc]

I've had more success with nasal pillows - Swift FX, Swift LT, Swift II and Opus 360 sleeping on my side. Didn't have much luck with the nasal masks or full face masks.

Of course as someone else pointed out. everyone is different. I think face shape, full or thin, and even the bed pillow one uses has their own effects.

[ozze_dollar]

I use a mirage fx and I have no trouble sleeping on the side. Perhaps you need more time.

[cadamtay]

What is your pressure? I wear an Opus 360 and have been able to sleep on my side just fine - but this mask has a pressure limit of 12. This is a nasal pillow mask.

Thanks. My pressure is set at 10. I have a follow up with my doctor this week. I have been considering a nasal pillow mask. I think I will have to bring it up at the appt.

So many darn options and variables! How the heck does anyone ever sift through it all to find out what works best!

[cadamtay]

I use a mirage fx and I have no trouble sleeping on the side. Perhaps you need more time.

That is possible. I have only been using it for a couple weeks now and it is an improvement from my previous mask.

Do you use any special pillow or a hose holder?

[bap40]

I go to sleep on my side but always wake up on my back. After about a year of trial and error testing out masks the one I like and use the most is the Swift LT for her. I have other masks and do switch them out now and then but always go right back to my Swift. I find it easy to go to sleep on my side with this mask. I tried the other Swift nasal cushions but found the only one that worked for me is the Swift LT for her.

Getting the right mask can be frustrating and for some of us the hardest part of therapy but when you do hit upon the right one you will know it. Good luck!

[robysue]

So many darn options and variables! How the heck does anyone ever sift through it all to find out what works best!

The same way you find a really super comfortable pair of shoes: You try out LOTS of different masks until you find one that works for you. It may help to make notes of what's good and what's bad about each different mask. And if a particular mask is promising, but not quite right, be sure to try it on in different sizes.

And if a particular mask is promising, but not quite right because of a specific problem with some part of the mask or headgear causing some irritation, look into mask pads to see if that makes the difference.

[louspeachy]

Personally, I have not found a mask that is good for side sleeping. Adding in a nice buckwheat pillow though has enabled me to sleep either on my side or even on my back, something I have not been able to do for years, in comfort. I added some lavender flowers to the hulls and I love crawling in bed with my head on a yummy smelling pillow.
Louise

[Lizistired]

I fall asleep on my side, but turn over multiple times throughout the night.
I started with the Swift FX, and it was OK, but I have switched to thhe Swift LT and find it much more stable.
The pillows are easier to take remove and replace too!

[LinkC]

I have good luck in ALL positions with the RespCare Hybrid. But we all have different facial contours. YOUR best choice is whatever works for YOU.

[cadamtay]

I'm appreciating all of this good feedback! Thanks everyone. I have a feeling this is going to be a long process. Maybe I will get lucky and hit on something relatively quickly!

[rosiefrosie]

I use the Swift LT for her and this works well for me, sleeping on my side or back. I tried the Swift FX and had problems with leaking in any position. But as a few have already said everyone is different and it may take a few masks before you find the perfect one for you. Good luck!

rosie