Pilairo!

[Suzjohnson]

New to the CPAP world. I take ownership of a machine and Pilario mask tomorrow at AU220.00 I'm hoping for some good results. I will be on 8cms so not sure if low middle or high so I guess I'll learn a lot as I go.

I will keep you all posted when I begin my new life........

Bye for now

Welcome Dormejo! Look forward to hearing from you soon. How neat you get to begin with a Pilairo mask!

Suz

[Tip10]

Okay as promised I'll weigh in with my thoughts.
For reference my primary number one mask is (and has been for over a year) the Sleepweaver but lately I've been alternating between it and the Aloha on a fairly regular basis (like 2-3 nights in one then 2-3 nights in the other).

Last night was first night in the Pilairo. Note: I used the featherweight tube from the SW with this mask.

The Bad and the Good:

Very comfortable initially -- some issues later in the night after being in it for a while.
Hot -- ended up turning the temp down some 6 degrees in the middle of the night since I awoke to a very stuffy, hot and sweaty mask -- Pilairo seems to hold a lot more heat and humidity in than does the Sleepweaver (since the Aloha is open it was never a problem when switching to it). Once I dropped the temp things were much better. (For reference, at this time of year my normal is climateline set to 78 for the SW -- dropped to 72 for the Pilairo).
Slightly tight but not uncomfortably so. Overall the headgear is by far the most comfortable I've ever been in.
Some slight soreness of the nose in the morning but it went away very quickly -- may just be from "new" mask -- Aloha did the same for the first few days.
Some mask marking on the side of my face -- in all fairness this is most likely because the Pilairo allowed me to fully sleep on my side ON the pillow instead of hanging half off like I do with the Aloha -- smushing into the pillow did not seem to adversely affect the mask (does with the Aloha, doesn't with the SW). Marks faded very quickly.
Sleeping ON the pillow means my neck is not near as stiff and sore as it usually is -- this, in and of itself, might get me to switch to this mask.
Noisy -- the Pilairo is noticeably much noisier than either the SW or the Aloha -- very noticeable on both inhale and exhale. Noisy enough that I had to consciously "tune it out" in order to fall asleep -- usually not an issue and I was able to make this not an issue but it is noisy. If you are looking for a quiet mask this is definitely NOT it.
Noise was such that it was really difficult to tell if it was leaking -- with the SW and Aloha I can hear the leaks and they generally will wake me up -- with the Pilairo the noise tended to mask the leaks. I ended up with a couple of large leaks in the middle of the night that I'd have heard with either the SW or the Aloha that I could not tell with the Pilairo over the noise. Because of that I blew a couple of big leaks in the middle of the night that skewed overall numbers way up. Most of the time the leak line was similar to the Aloha and SW (I'm one of those fortunate ones who run virtually zero leaks with the New and Improved SW).
My numbers were in-line with what I see with both the SW and the Aloha.

At this point I'll still reserve judgment -- definitely want more nights in it so initially I'd rate it a success -- I'll try it some more.
That being said, I think I could easily adjust and make the Pilairo my primary number one mask and do well with it if, for some reason, the Aloha and SW were no longer available but at this time I'd still go with 1) SW, 2) Aloha, 3) Pilairo.

[GrantT]

I found the Pilairo "one size fits all" to be incorrect...the head-band is too tight for me...too much pressure on my nose/cheek. So, I modified my Pilairo yesterday by doing the following:

1) Removed the two little stitches holding the band cover so I could slide it to the side (to get at the middle of the head-band).
2) Cut the headband at the centre point.
3) Sewed on a thin/narrow (to match the band size) piece of velcro to each end of the cut headband...this makes the band length adjustable.
4) Adjusted velcro so head-band is now around 1.25" longer than the factory length.
5) Slid the band cover back over top of the headband (covering up the velcro).
6) Slept GREAT! No sore nose/cheek.

This seemed preferable to cranial diameter reduction surgery!!

Grant

[the_nap_ster]

Thought I'd post the results of the "Mr. Napster tries Pilairo" experiment.

For reference, his Rx range is 7-9, and he normally alternates between Bellas and an Aloha. His numbers are better with the Aloha -- the Bellas leak on him -- but he wears the Bellas more often because he doesn't like much on his face or around his head. He is one of those lucky jerks ( ) who doesn't have to wear a chin strap to keep his mouth closed, so these ultra-minimal designs are especially attractive to him.

The results:

He put the Pilairo strap high on the back of his head. Fit comfortably, not too tight, not too loose.

Note: this is my first time sleeping NEXT to the Pilairo instead of wearing it (I spent the night using Aloha -- the things I do in the name of science! ). I couldn't hear it at all. In fact, I did my normal paranoid routine of holding my hand out to feel his exhaust to make sure his machine was functioning okay. So I think the noise is much more noticeable to the person wearing it, and will probably affect only the most noise-sensitive spouse.

His report: the tiny strap around his head felt precarious, but as he rolled around, the seal around his nose stayed constant. He slept well, and in the morning, did something he's never done. He didn't feel his mask and so assumed he'd taken it off during the night (he does this in his sleep with masks he doesn't like). So he rolled out of bed to go to the bathroom and... almost brought the machine down with him! He was still wearing it, but it was so light and comfortable that he didn't realize it! No problems inflating fully with his lower pressure, and no issues with sore nose.

Sleepyhead numbers confirm an excellent night. AHI under 1 (normally he's between 1-2), and most importantly, he slept about 45 minutes longer than he normally does. He doesn't need much sleep, usually between 5-6 hours a night, but I can always tell when the sleep is great, because he's closer to the 6 hour mark than the 5 hour mark. Last night was 6.5 hours.

For him, the Pilairo is much more comfortable than the Aloha, about the same comfort-wise as the Bellas, but with better leak numbers. So an order has been placed at cpap.com, and I think we will become a two-Pilairo household.

[the_nap_ster]

I found the Pilairo "one size fits all" to be incorrect...the head-band is too tight for me...too much pressure on my nose/cheek. So, I modified my Pilairo yesterday by doing the following:

1) Removed the two little stitches holding the band cover so I could slide it to the side (to get at the middle of the head-band).
2) Cut the headband at the centre point.
3) Sewed on a thin/narrow (to match the band size) piece of velcro to each end of the cut headband...this makes the band length adjustable.
4) Adjusted velcro so head-band is now around 1.25" longer than the factory length.
5) Slid the band cover back over top of the headband (covering up the velcro).
6) Slept GREAT! No sore nose/cheek.

This seemed preferable to cranial diameter reduction surgery!!

Grant

What a fantastic DIY tutorial, thank you!

I find it interesting that we're getting quite a few reports of headgear being too tight. I am someone who always wears mask headgear on close to the smallest setting (and I have a GIGANTIC hat size, so I'm not sure quite what this headgear size correlates to), and the Pilairo works perfectly for me at factory-setting. If people tend to wear the headgear for other masks at medium-to-fully-extended settings, they should perhaps be careful about the "one-size-fits-all" Pilairo -- or be ready to modify it!

I know I am one of the Pilairo ravers, but I also want to be as objective as possible. So for the record: if you tend to wear larger mask headgear, size large nasal pillows, or are very sensitive to noise: the Pilairo might not be your ideal mask. At the least, it might be worth buying insurance if you try it out.

[cherylgrrl]

You love it and that is wonderful. I happen to love the Bella Loops and many people hate them. Such is the cpap way of life. One person's treasure is someone else's discarded trash. I know that just because I really like something doesn't mean that everyone else will. Just because you love the mask doesn't mean everyone else will.

Thank you for the additional information. I wasn't trying to be argumentative, just interested in getting more input on mask issues. I love the headgear on the Bella Loops "for her" model, I wonder if they really hold it on your head. It would be wonderful not to have the bands around the back of the head. I also wonder if I would have a better experience with this or the Pilairo than I did with the Mirage Liberty Nasal Pillow mask. Even with swapping the various size pillows in and out, I couldn't do better than an AHI of 19 with it.

[Pugsy]

I love the headgear on the Bella Loops "for her" model, I wonder if they really hold it on your head. It would be wonderful not to have the bands around the back of the head. I also wonder if I would have a better experience with this or the Pilairo than I did with the Mirage Liberty Nasal Pillow mask. Even with swapping the various size pillows in and out, I couldn't do better than an AHI of 19 with it.

The Bella Loops are surprisingly stable for what they first look like they would do. I know I thought "man, these things are going to flop around all over my face" but they didn't. A bit of a PITA to get the adjustments just "perfect" because a tiny adjustment makes a huge difference in comfort. Biggest issue I had was that on the left ear the loop keeps wanting to slide out of the groove. I think my ears don't match. When the loop slides out of the groove then it tends to rest on the top of the ear with top of the ear being folded over and that sort of pinches. If I wasn't such a restless sleeper (toss and turn all night) the Bella Loops wouldn't ever move but that also holds true for any mask out there.

I think there are trade offs and compromises with any mask out there. We all have individual preferences too.
My leak line looks real ugly sometimes but I don't wake up with leaks so I don't worry about them. Sleeping through the night comfortably (or mostly through the night) is more important to me than seeing a nice perfectly flat zero leak line.

Have you used any nasal pillow mask with any level of success or has your only experience been with the Liberty?

[KimberlyM]

You love it and that is wonderful. I happen to love the Bella Loops and many people hate them. Such is the cpap way of life. One person's treasure is someone else's discarded trash. I know that just because I really like something doesn't mean that everyone else will. Just because you love the mask doesn't mean everyone else will.

Thank you for the additional information. I wasn't trying to be argumentative, just interested in getting more input on mask issues. I love the headgear on the Bella Loops "for her" model, I wonder if they really hold it on your head. It would be wonderful not to have the bands around the back of the head. I also wonder if I would have a better experience with this or the Pilairo than I did with the Mirage Liberty Nasal Pillow mask. Even with swapping the various size pillows in and out, I couldn't do better than an AHI of 19 with it.

That's weird. Somehow this shows the quote coming from me and that wasn't my post. I don't even own the Bella mask.

[KimberlyM]

I found the Pilairo "one size fits all" to be incorrect...the head-band is too tight for me...too much pressure on my nose/cheek. So, I modified my Pilairo yesterday by doing the following:

1) Removed the two little stitches holding the band cover so I could slide it to the side (to get at the middle of the head-band).
2) Cut the headband at the centre point.
3) Sewed on a thin/narrow (to match the band size) piece of velcro to each end of the cut headband...this makes the band length adjustable.
4) Adjusted velcro so head-band is now around 1.25" longer than the factory length.
5) Slid the band cover back over top of the headband (covering up the velcro).
6) Slept GREAT! No sore nose/cheek.

This seemed preferable to cranial diameter reduction surgery!!

Grant

What a fantastic DIY tutorial, thank you!

I find it interesting that we're getting quite a few reports of headgear being too tight. I am someone who always wears mask headgear on close to the smallest setting (and I have a GIGANTIC hat size, so I'm not sure quite what this headgear size correlates to), and the Pilairo works perfectly for me at factory-setting. If people tend to wear the headgear for other masks at medium-to-fully-extended settings, they should perhaps be careful about the "one-size-fits-all" Pilairo -- or be ready to modify it!

I know I am one of the Pilairo ravers, but I also want to be as objective as possible. So for the record: if you tend to wear larger mask headgear, size large nasal pillows, or are very sensitive to noise: the Pilairo might not be your ideal mask. At the least, it might be worth buying insurance if you try it out.

The mask is too tight on me too, but I wear my Swift FX for her on the middle settings and wear medium nasal pillows in everything I try. All the masks I tried on during my initial CPAP use were mediums, whether they were full face masks or nasal. I am tall (5'9 female) but average weight.

[Pugsy]

That's weird. Somehow this shows the quote coming from me and that wasn't my post. I don't even own the Bella mask.

Not to worry. Sometimes when quotes are made within quotes this happens. Sort of a multiple quote problem when snippets are quoted instead of the entire post. Sometimes the names change and the person doing the quoting doesn't catch it. We all know it was my comment that was being quoted. Kinda confusing sometimes but not a huge deal.

[Dormejo]

I have my new Pilairo mask and cpap machine ready for action.

Its amazingly light....during my sleep studies when I was wearing a full face mask(not sure what brand) the weight of the plastic was noticible
not with this little cutie. Although the sensation of the those nasal things is like a been stuck in a shower curtain!

Ready and waiting for action

I will post tomorrow my thoughts on the mask and my sleepytime adventures

[TiredTooLong]

I'm into 25 days on CPAP and feeling much better. I got my Pilairo Monday and started using it. I had started with one of those plastic nasal masks. I love the Pilairo, so comfortable. It's just the right size. I do wake with a bit of soreness in especially my right nostril, but it soon goes away. I have small nostrils. All of my stats have gone down drastically. Last night the AHI was .1 and other were only one or two events during the entire night. This is only my second and will be my last mask. I sent the first one back since it was still covered by the insurance.

[sylvie]

This is only my second and will be my last mask. I sent the first one back since it was still covered by the insurance.

I'm so glad it works for you! I totally feel your enthusiasm.

One thing: I have started to use the Mask Fit Check feature on my auto. I never used it before. But the feature is reassuring to me now, since sometimes I'm not sure I've got the Pilairo fitted leak-free at first, as it's sometimes hard to tell. Then I'm good to go.

[kellygary]

Been using the pilario for 4 nights now. Fit is a bit different, but I like it.

BUT - it is blowing lots of air out at the elbow. We have to put a pillow between my wife and I. After using 4 other masks, we never saw this much airflow. Wondering if I have a defective unit?

Downloaded Sleepyhead software and noticed a few things.

Leaks actually dropped - or at least the stats say so.

Not sleeping well.

Thoughts?

[portiemom]

I finally was able to get and new DME supplier, and wow what a positive experience this was! I got my new PCP to fax a mask of choice script to this new DME, but had some issues with the insurance co. they refused the order and told me I had to get the old DME to call them and tell them I cancelled my service with them. I told the ins. co. I am the subcriber and I am canceling with the old DME and logically that should be enough for them to put it on file and NOT accept any bills from them. No don't try logic, so I again called the old DME as they have to telephone the ins. co. to notify them of my cancellation. Then told "we don't make phone calls" I asked to speak to her supervisor and he told me the same sh_ _. I asked him if he could please make an exception and finally he agreed.
The new DME is great, they saw me today, (1 day after this ins. stuff), I went home with a Pilario and am excited to try it! I have to have the featherweight tube to come in. Yes I am excited, as sleep for me has been hard these last few weeks.
I'll post my first try with it tomorrow.