What's the best mask for side sleepers?

[cpapjack]

What's the best mask for sleeping on your side? I thought the Acrtiva, which is the mask I have, was one of the best for side sleeping. I've found recently that I've been getting leaks and I looked in the mirror this morning, and my mask was moved from where it was when I put it on last night. I know the answer is probably to tighten the straps, but I don't want to tighten them much more as I already have slightly noticeable strap marks and forehead marks.

[RC]

I know this will probably not go over well but I sleep exclusively on my side (both sides) slightly rolled over onto my face. The Oracle mask has worked wonders for me. Since it's just a mouthpiece with an elbow sticking out to connect to the hose I can roll almost all the way over on my face without disturbing the mask and the seal at all since it seals to the inside of my lips.

[Snoozin' Bluezzz]

If they work for you, and for some undetermined reasons I haven't made the first 2 work, the interfaces that rest on your head like a cap and have the hose coming from above, like the Comfortlite 2, Aeiomed Headrest (aka Aura), and Breeze are "by far" the best for side sleeping. I also make the Swift work quite well for me but from what I have read on this forum it is more hit or miss on an individual basis.

BTW, and not as a criticism, but do other people experience the hamster on a wheel syndrome when reading mask/xPAP questions all the time. I'm happy to help and share my experience but perhaps somehow we could make the search function and FAQs more prominent. Most of these questions get answered the same way over and over again. I suspect this is why "Vaseline Wars" and "The Big Lie" got so much attention, they were so different.

David

[oceanpearl]

[quote="Snoozin' Bluezzz"]If they work for you, and for some undetermined reasons I haven't made the first 2 work, the interfaces that rest on your head like a cap and have the hose coming from above, like the Comfortlite 2, Aeiomed Headrest (aka Aura), and Breeze are "by far" the best for side sleeping. I also make the Swift work quite well for me but from what I have read on this forum it is more hit or miss on an individual basis.

BTW, and not as a criticism, but do other people experience the hamster on a wheel syndrome when reading mask/xPAP questions all the time. I'm happy to help and share my experience but perhaps somehow we could make the search function and FAQs more prominent. Most of these questions get answered the same way over and over again. I suspect this is why "Vaseline Wars" and "The Big Lie" got so much attention, they were so different.

David

[Guest]

there is NO best mask for sleeping on your side. The one you have is probably the most forgiving of all of them as it relates to leaks and side sleeping. I use a FF mask and sleep on my side.

When you put that mask on, be sure to lay down with head on the pillow with the machine ON and pressure blowing, then adjust your straps to stop any leaks. You are correct, you should not overtighten the straps on the Activa, it uses pressure to help make the final seal.

It takes time but you learn to sleep on the edge of the pillow with mask hanging off. It doesn't matter if hose goes up or down just that you know where it is and can feed the hose in a way that doesn't kick the mask out of kelter.

Video tape yourself, once you fall asleep you don't really move all that much.

[Guest]

My vote is for the Breeze. Works the best for side-sleeping of all the masks I've tried and I've tried a lot of masks. YMMV.

[Grimace]

I've recently been using a Fischer and Paykel mask that works well for side sleeping. The bottom mask attachment isn't fixed, but instead uses a slide which allows the headgear to move and adjust without moving the entire mask.

[wading thru the muck!]

1.) Aura headreast (AEIOMed)

2.) Comfortlite 2 (Respironics)

3.) Mirage Swift (ResMed)

All three, being nasal pillow interfaces, are much superior to any nasal or FF mask for side sleeping.

[littlebaddow]

I really do think this is an individual thing and it's not possible to say there's a best mask, or even a best style of mask.

I'm a side sleeper and get on well with the mirage vista, which is not generally viewed as a popular choice.

I also have a full face (ultra mirage) for use when I have a cold and I find I can sleep on my side with that too.

I've tried nasal pillows (breeze) and can't get on with them, whatever sleeping position I adopt.

It's a real shame that there isn't a way we can try out many different masks.

[Linda3032]

As far as nasal pillows --- what Wading said.

Nasal mask, probably the ComfortLite 2 (and with that, you get the nasal pillows also). This would be a good bet.

With your Activa mask, it's highly rated. Look at the "marine glue or tincture of benzoine" topic. It really helps hold the mask in place to prevent leaks.

[Jere]

I recommend the Aura for side sleepers.


Sigh ... I don't know what to say about the prior poster. It is sad to see such childlike behavior in a forum like this. Should just ignore it, I guess, and hope he/she finds another place to play.

.

[sleepyred]

I love my activa. I have a memory foam pillow (cervical) which was suggested by a PT when I was having neck problems. I just bury my face in it with my activa and it does beautifully. I agree with our "guest" who stated that the pressure is the last adjustment. I have very few leaks if none at all. My hubby is quick to let me know when he hears any hissing - he is a light sleeper.

Good luck!

oh yeah - I was using the breeze and it IS a great mask for me for side sleeping, but even with a chin strap, I was swallowing way too much air.

Guess this mask business is just an expensive trial and error!