new favourite mask review

[Bellcrest]

I am so fickle....I keep changing masks!

I have been on cpap since Dec 20/05. Took a while to get equipment organized and convince Sleep Dr that I wanted/needed an APAP.

Got APAP Jan 17/06. Originally started with FF mask, Ultra Mirage FF because of reviews on boards. Good mask, but leaking starts in the middle of the night with foul sounding noises.

Next tried Comfortfull that I got via Yahoo auctions.....didn't work well for me, hurt the bridge of my nose.

Next came the F&P FF431. This one worked ok, but leaked occasionally into my eyes and I would wake up in the morning looking dreadful, baggy eyes, red pouchs on my cheek bones.....just awful, but because I 'thought' I was a mouth breather, I stayed with the FF masks, and just bought myself a sleep mask to cover my eyes so the air would not bother me.

Next I got a Comfort Curve from yahoo auctions at a good price.....found out quickly why they sell so cheap. Sold it after one night.

Finally after reading and reading these boards, I bought a breeze. Tried chin strap with it......seems I am not a mouth breather, but mouth falls open when I get into deep sleep. So, I take the plunge, said I would never do this but never say never. I TAPED MY MOUTH.

Great sleep followed with the breeze. Still not satisfied, I continued my search for the perfect mask.

At this point, I know that the pillow interface is the best for me, by reading downloaded stats. I can breath well all the next day after using pillow interface. With FF mask, part way through the night I am so stuffed up I have to get up and clean out my nose.

Anyway, next came the swift..... Good mask, but not ideal for me, because I am a flop from side to side and stomach sleeper. I like the minimal effect of the swift and the case it travels in, and I will keep it as a spare, but for me, not the ideal mask.

Next.....the aura/headrest. At first I thought what a stupid mask....I couldn't get it adjusted right. I am not brave enough YET to try RG deconstruction method. I found the elastic tweak method and low and behold, it worked perfectly for me. I have the lowest numbers and no leaks with the aura so far. Dear Husband said he has had no night time windstorms since I started using the aura.

Then, I just couldn't be satisfied, (actually I had ordered the CL2 prior to the aura becoming available) CL2 arrived....I tried it 1 night only so far (hard to give up the aura). The CL2 is the easiest to fit right out of the box of any of the masks I have tried. Very comfortable, and a close second to the aura.

So...my poor breeze has now been pushed to 3rd place. I still love it, but ...

1. aura/headrest
2. CL2
3. Breeze
4. Swift
5. F&P 431
6. UMFF
7. Comfortfull
8. Comfort Curve ...actually sold this one the next day after getting it. Hated it.

I took my mask collection into work (Psychiatric Hospital) where fellow employees are also on cpap/apap machines. Not one of them had seen or heard of any of my masks other than the comfortfull FF mask.....sad. I have since purchased masks online for fellow employees and my son in law. One thing about these boards is the knowledge that is shared.

I would never have stuck with this therapy if I had not found all of you. My thanks and gratitude to all of you who share information and encourage those of use who struggle to be compliant.

It has taken some time to reach this point, but I am now feeling so much better. I had no idea that I felt as bad as I did until I started feeling better. It has taken 4-5 months to get to where I am now. Not an easy struggle, but worth it because I know my health is so much better by the way I feel. BTW, I still have not had sleep study with cpap machine. My original sleep study was Dec6/05........Next one for titration is May 18/06. As I said without the knowledege gained here and on other boards, I would not have known what equipment to ask for or how to use the software to adjust my treatment. By the time I go for my next appointment I will be able to tell them what it should be. . My sleep Doc had never heard of the aussie hose. He now has one and loves it.

Sorry for the length of this post....I am just feeling so good after struggling for so long, and I wanted to share my good feelings with those of you who are still struggling.

Hang in there.

_________________

[Amigo]

Bellcrest, thanks for sharing your saga, and all the details as to why various interfaces did or did not work for you.

After 2 1/2 years with an Adam Circuit and nasal pillows, I'm finally getting serious about trying something new as I'm no longer getting a consistently good seal.

Your post will be a big help in making a decision.

Thanks again,
Amigo

[ozij]

Thanks for the detailed post, Bellcrest.

It reflects the experience of many of us - and is sure to be a help to many new people.

It the details that give a sense of what this all about - the need to search for masks, and the change that happens when a good mask is found.

So, I take the plunge, said I would never do this but never say never. I TAPED MY MOUTH

Ah yes. The first time I saw a picture of the Breeze I said "never, ever am I going to use these masks that go directly into your nose". And guess what I'm using.

And taping. Me? Moi? Never. Ever. I don't need it. It frightnens me....

And here I am a year after I started: - using nasal pillows (Breeze and Aura/Headrest), taping my mouth shut... and sleeping well.

Couldn't have done it without people taking the trouble to post their experience and tips.

O.

[gkainz]

Just my 2¢ on nasal interfaces ... I LOVE 'EM! started with some who knows what standard mask, tried the Adams circuit, which was too easily displaced during the night. I then used the Nasal Aire I for a year, liked the way it worked but the exhalation ports were too noisy for my wife and then moved up to the Nasal Aire II - I've been using it for a couple of years now and have no complaints at all!
Greg

[Linda3032]

gkainz, do you really find that the II is quieter than the I? Actually, I didn't use the II long enough to notice - I couldn't get a good seal with it for some reason.

But, I did use the I for 3 years and felt so lucky that I chose a good interface right off the bat. It was my one and only mask from day one.

But, then I discovered this forum and read RG's reviews on the Aura. So the next time my 6 months was up, I ordered one.

Heaven. ... I had no idea it could get as good as this. I'm glad you can use the II, but you owe it to yourself to at least try the Aura if you want can. (but you would need the Aussie heated hose).

[rested gal]

Bellcrest, what an interesting account of your journey so far.

The first three masks you listed as your favorites are the exact same order as my faves!

1. aura/headrest
2. CL2
3. Breeze

I do so love nasal pillows interfaces.

[Gidgie]

RestedGal...........is that REALLY you.......!??!!

[Bellcrest]

Laura, where did you find that photo of me? My nose looks just like that!!
.

[sleepyred]

RG - thanks for making my day! I think you've finally solved all of our mask problems! once again!

[gkainz]

I did notice the Nasal Aire II was quieter than the I on the exhalation ports. The other interesting thing - just got a new Nasal Aire II replacement and it came with 3 interfaces, Medium, Medium Plus (which is what I had been using) and Large. Also included the sizing guide. In trying out the sizing guide, I felt like Large fit better than Medium Plus, so Large it is. I feel like the Large gives me a way better seal and less leaks than the MP.

Thanks for the tip - when it's time to replace this one, I'll give the Aura a try!