Nasel Mask vs Pillow Poll

[crankybear]

I starting using a cpap a few weeks ago. My DMI told me that he to uses a cpap machine and that the nasal pillow was his favorite type and was the way to go.

I will be going back for my 30 day follow up shortly and would like some feedback on what most people prefer. I am not sure what to think of the nasal pillow.

Please let me know if you prefer the nasal mask or the nasal pillow and why. Also what the pros and cons are for each.

Thank you for the help.
Crankybear

[acdodd]

I like my pillows.
Less head gear strapped on, light weight, and they work great for me.
Easy to put on and take off.
I have used nasal masks and did not like them.

[crankybear]

Thank you

[Xney]

Pillows are great if you get a good fit and your nose can take it. Don't wear them too tight!

Try them out, if you get the chance. Some people still will prefer the nasal mask, though.

[SleepingUgly]

Depends on your pressure. Very high pressures I'd encourage nasal mask first.

[JO'M]

I tried the Swift FX for her and they didn't work for me, the insert part were too big for my nose. I use a nasal mask , the F&P ESON .

[ems]

I use the Swift FX with the Bella Loops. The less on my face and head the better. If they come out with something with even less on face and head, I'm buying it!

[crankybear]

What are bella loops

[JohnO]

Please let me know if you prefer the nasal mask or the nasal pillow and why. Also what the pros and cons are for each.

I'm on day 39. My pressure range is 10-15.

I used a TrueBlue nasal mask for the first 32 days. It was pretty good, very comfortable on my face, and the breathing was easy. The quality of that particular mask was very good. The downsides were that I sometimes had leaks up by the bridge of my nose that would gently blow air into my eyes. When I flipped from side to side, I would have to poke at the mask to adjust. It would usually seal up pretty quickly, but there were 4-5 nights out of the 32 that were frustrating in the amount of time futzing with the mask.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/TrueBl ... dgear.html

On day 33 I started using the Aloha nasal pillow mask. While my head is generally considered small (I use a size small TrueBlue mask), I found the large size pillows worked best for me. My sleep doc asked me to try the TrueBlue for 30 days, as in her experience, many people don't like having something poking in their nostrils. I do not have an issue with the nasal pillows poking into my nose. They really are cones that rest up (and only slightly into) the nostrils. I really like the Aloha! I have many fewer leaks, and if it does leak, it is down by my nose, so it does not bother my eyes. The headgear and mask does not go near my eyes, so it feels less clumsy. It is easier to get one and take off the Aloha. I can wear my glasses with the Aloha on. I could not do that with the TrueBlue. Wearing the Aloha, my nose does feel to take a more abrupt hit of air right when I turn the machine on (even with a ramp set). After 3-4 deep breathes, it seems fine. When I flip from side to side, I still do have to move carefully, otherwise I can re-seat the pillows. Also, I can feel the side straps when I first flip on a side. The feeling of the strap goes away quickly. When I wake up in the morning, it feels like I am not wearing a mask. I did not feel that way with the nasal pillow.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/devilb ... -mask.html

John

[Pugsy]

What are bella loops

Loops that go around the ears to hold the nasal pillows.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... -cpap.html
Can be bought separately for those who already have the traditional headgear Swift FX for about $25

[Komodo]

I alternate between nasal (Comfortgel) & pillows (Swift FX) on a regular basis.
Pros & cons for both style masks, but you get that with any mask. Overall, they both work fine for me.

[Pugsy]

I have never used a nasal (over the nose) mask. Only used a nasal pillow type of mask. I have tried many though. Some worked good, some great and some were dismal failures.
I can't wear a mask with a lower strap that comes around the base of my skull and upper cervical spine due to issues with my neck. That pretty much eliminates any mask other than a nasal pillow mask.
Also the least little pressure on the bridge of my nose and sides causes immediate congestion.
So it is nasal pillow only for me.

[xenablue]

I use Swift FX and Swift LT nasal pillows and SleepWeaver cloth nasal mask and love them all!

Cheers,
xena