alternating masks

[justacpapuser]

I started CPAP using Quattro FX full face mask. But after a while I noticed I get a dry mouth and decided to give the nasal pillows mask a try (forgot the name).
It didn't prove to be comfortable (had to tape my mouth) so I tried the liberty hybrid mask which worked fine for a while (didn't get dry mouth as it kept my mouth closed).
After a while, my nostrils got irritated so I switched back to full face mask. Then, after a while I started having dry mouth again so I went back to the liberty mask.
For whatever reason, it now was uncomfortable to such a degree that I didn't want to use it and I decided to give the nasal pillows mask a try.
For whatever reason, taping my mouth now wasn't be big issue and I had some good night sleeps with it. Though recently I switched from large nasal pillows to medium.
I hardly experience leaks anymore. I expect to switch back to full face for a while if my nostrils get too much irritation.

I just wanted to know if anybody else is alternating between masks on regular basis and why.

[tomma]

Most nights I use a Quattro FX nasal mask, even though I have to use a chin strap and tape. Every now and then, because my nose is stuffy, or for some unknown reason it just isn't working, I switch over to a Quattro Mirage FFM.

I'm really like flexibility of having 2, although insurance only covers one of them, for me it's worth covering the out of pocket expense for the second one.

[archangle]

I got a Swift FX nasal pillow mask, but it irritated my nose if I used it all night. I wore it for part of the night and then would go back to the ComfortGel nasal mask. I gradually increased my time on the Swift, sometimes doing it all night, sometimes skipping a night when my nose was irritated. Now, I'm happy with the Swift full time.

[jdm2857]

Most nights I use a Quattro FX nasal mask, even though I have to use a chin strap and tape. Every now and then, because my nose is stuffy, or for some unknown reason it just isn't working, I switch over to a Quattro Mirage FFM.

I'm a bit confused. The Quattro FX is a full-face mask. I think your nasal mask is probably a Mirage FX.

And the Quattro Mirage full-face mask you mention is most likely the Mirage Quattro. Either way it sounds like a French fighter plane equipped with Audi's all-wheel-drive system.

ResMed's recycling of names is more than a bit confusing.

[Kitatonic]

I had the same experience as Archangel, gradually adapting over this past year to the Swift FX pillows by alternating masks, the other being the Mirage FX nasal mask. It's been three months since I've had to alternate.

[tomma]

Most nights I use a Quattro FX nasal mask, even though I have to use a chin strap and tape. Every now and then, because my nose is stuffy, or for some unknown reason it just isn't working, I switch over to a Quattro Mirage FFM.

I'm a bit confused. The Quattro FX is a full-face mask. I think your nasal mask is probably a Mirage FX.

And the Quattro Mirage full-face mask you mention is most likely the Mirage Quattro. Either way it sounds like a French fighter plane equipped with Audi's all-wheel-drive system.

ResMed's recycling of names is more than a bit confusing.

You're not confused, I am. I thought I might have been using the wrong names when I first posted that. As you thought, I'm using the Mirage FX nasal and the Quatrro full face. See what lack of sleep does to people.....

[xenablue]

I alternate between masks - currently I swap out Swift FX, Swift LT, Aloha, Opus 360. The Opus 360 is my least fav, the Aloha my most fav with the Swifts in the middle.

Why? Because I can... because, like wearing the same clothes, I like to change it up... because using the same nasal pillows continuously sometimes irritates my nares and changing things helps.

Cheers,
xena

[justacpapuser]

I got a Swift FX nasal pillow mask, but it irritated my nose if I used it all night. I wore it for part of the night and then would go back to the ComfortGel nasal mask. I gradually increased my time on the Swift, sometimes doing it all night, sometimes skipping a night when my nose was irritated. Now, I'm happy with the Swift full time.

I understand the irritation. Though recently I started putting moisturizing cream (very little) and it seems to help.
I apply a little inside the nose (it looks as though I'm picking my nose but actually I don't), where the silicone makes contact.

[Denial Dave]

after 30 days, I could not take the Quattro FX FFM any more....everytime I rolled over a new leak erupted on my face.

I've been on the quattro FFM ever since then....

BUT this past weekend, I thought I'd give the Quattro FX a try again...put a new cushion on it.... got it all prepped, etc.....

it lasted less than an hour before it was gone.



Dave

[dos coyotes]

As a new CPAP user I've been experimenting with different masks. I started with the Swift FX nasal pillows and the Sleep Weaver Advanced Nasal mask. I love the later one, but just can't control the leaks. It's super soft and comfortable but as a side sleeper leaks were just driving me nuts.

So I tried the pillows, medium at first and found them a bit irritating to the nose. Switched to the Large pillows and got pretty comfortable and have had very good results with them.

Then I bought a full face mask and again leaks were an issue. I'm using the pillows regularly but sometimes, like last night, I woke up about 5am and found the pillows irritating, so I switched off to the full face and went back to sleep for another couple hours.

I plan to try at least one more mask - the Mirage Activa LT most probably (though I'd like to try the Respironics Easy Life but can't get one without a prescription cause they don't offer an assembly kit) before trying to settle on one principle mask and a backup. I know I'll keep the full face for when and if I get congested which I usually do at least once or twice a year.

[justacpapuser]

Just a small update since it has been a while since my last visit here. I have been using Resmed's swift FX (nasal pillows) for a while now and am very happy. Solid 6-8 hours of sleep per night and zero leaks. It took a while to get used to and I went from large to medium nasal pillows a few times (back and forth). Surgical tape to seal the mouth works wonders and my skin can breath through it (I don't sweat under it).

[Stormynights]

I swap masks during the night when I wake up and can't stand another minute of that mask on my face I just dig in my drawer and pull out another. As long as I have been doing this you would think I could settle down to one mask but I just can't. I really hate FF masks but for some strange reason I went through a time just a couple of months ago when I couldn't keep my mouth shut. I pulled out the FF mask I usually reserve for when I have a cold. I like the Tap Pap but I scratch my nose in my sleep and pull the pillows out of the frame. For various reasons I just can't get a mask to be comfortable all the time. I wish I could settle down to just one favorite but so far that has not happened yet.

[chunkyfrog]

I like being able to switch to different contact points on my face.
I don't always know what is bothering me, but changing the feel helps.
When using a mask that isn't a "perfect" fit, swapping may be essential to prevent sores.
(some of us do not have "standard" faces, and the makers have not yet decided we "matter")

[Denial Dave]

Right now, I'm alternating between the Quattro AIR and the standard Quattro FFM.

I like the Quattro AIR too much to completely give up on it. I'm down to some very minor issues with face farts to work out.
I'm pretty sure that they are being caused by sweating due to the high humidity here in the northeast and my lack of Air Conditioning.

So I'm wearing the Quattro AIR on Friday and Saturdays, when any issues that I have won't affect me on a work day

The rest of the time, I'm using old reliable Quattro....

both masks have pad-a-cheek liners in use...

[Stormynights]

Right now, I'm alternating between the Quattro AIR and the standard Quattro FFM.

I like the Quattro AIR too much to completely give up on it. I'm down to some very minor issues with face farts to work out.
I'm pretty sure that they are being caused by sweating due to the high humidity here in the northeast and my lack of Air Conditioning.

So I'm wearing the Quattro AIR on Friday and Saturdays, when any issues that I have won't affect me on a work day

The rest of the time, I'm using old reliable Quattro....

both masks have pad-a-cheek liners in use...

I clean my cushions with a damp microfiber cloth. I don't use soap every day. If you give your cushion a good wipe down when you wake up during the night with a damp microfiber cloth it might help. I got a big package of microfiber cloths at Sam's. I like using them better than the wipes.