Mask Variety

[AfibApnea]

I enjoy (and find most productive, in many endeavors) using a variety of approaches to address a problem (or to be more precise I prefer NOT always using the same approach).

In the case of my sleep apnea this relates to face masks. I find using a variety of face masks more productive; more comfortable; and more pleasurable. I’m curious to know how many others feel this way.

I'm also curious to know why other users may prefer using one or using multiple masks...

[bwexler]

I would love to use one perfect mask all the time.
Unfortunately when I switched from APAP to ASV my upper pressure went from 12 to 24. My nasal congested sometimes requires a full face mask. My sensitive nostrils required a change from nasal pillows to nasal mask.
One mask would make it so much easier to deal with DME. Looking for that brand new, perfect mask, keeps me alert.

[LSAT]

You use the mask that fits and give you a good night sleep

[Matweiler]

I switch between a nasal mask and nasal pillow interface because I have an irrational fear of getting a permanent dent on the bridge of my nose if I use the nasal mask night after night, or permanently stretched out nostrils if I use the nasal pillows night after night. (key word here is "irrational").

Actually, that is only partly true. Switching between the two just seems to be more comfortable overall for me. Also, the nasal mask is easier to put on, for those nights I'm really tired and just want to fall into bed with no hassles, while the nasal pillows are better on nights where I do my complete facial routine - lotions, serums etc. that simply wouldn't work under a nasal mask.

[tortoisegirl]

Nasal pillows didn't work at all for me since I only mouth breathe once I lay down, so a full face mask it is. Luckily on my first try (although after much research) I found one that gives me minimal problems. I get some markings that go away within 30 minutes and sometimes get irritation at the bridge of my nose that is helped by Lanolin, but that is it. It would be a pain for me to switch between mask types but I'd do it if that is what I needed. More to buy (although less often), clean, store, etc. Best wishes.

[Daydream Believer]

Is it recommend to have a FFM as backup for times when you have a cold with lots of congestion? I LOVE my nasal pillows but dread the next cold I catch.

[Pugsy]

Is it recommend to have a FFM as backup for times when you have a cold with lots of congestion? I LOVE my nasal pillows but dread the next cold I catch.

It's recommended if you simply can't get your nose to open up enough to breathe at least a little through your nose.
In over 5 years now and probably a handful of "colds" I have never had the situation as to where I couldn't get my nose opened up enough to breathe somewhat through my nose and once I get started with the added humidity going up my nose I have found that it actually helps clear up the congestion.
I did initially try a full face mask back early on in my therapy because everyone said I "needed" one or I would die a thousand deaths when I got a cold. I hated, hated the full face mask. Hurt my neck and nose and I quickly realized it was a waste of money and time because the problems with it surpassed any problems I might have with a cold.
I don't own a full face mask and won't. There's no sense in my even going down that road. I don't want to and "don't want to" is a good enough reason in my book. I survived the colds without it and slept about as decently as someone would who has a cold and certainly better than I would with adding fighting a FFM into the mix.
I treated the cold symptoms like I would even if I didn't have to use the machine....lots of saline spray, OTC decongestants, and if need be a tiny bit of Afrin to get things opened up at bedtime enough to allow the humidity from the humidifier to help.

[Daydream Believer]

That's good to know Pugsy - cause I can already tell that I'll need to replace my existing headgear when insurance says I can. The material is stretched from all my nighttime movements and it's getting harder to keep it adjusted just right. But these pillows are very forgiving and move around to keep the seal.
Anyone who has pain from a nasal pillow needs to try a gel pillow mask. They are SO much better than the standard nasal pillows.
So I'll stick with it and treat my cold when it comes. I have nasal strips that I used before cpap so I'll add that if I get too congested.

[Tino2You]

Is it recommend to have a FFM as backup for times when you have a cold with lots of congestion? I LOVE my nasal pillows but dread the next cold I catch.

I thought that way too and even went and got a hybrid mask "in case". I used it twice. It sits in my CPAP box like the bad experiment it was. Too many leaks, too difficult to put on, too much stuff on my head. I went back to my Swift FX and have been using it since. I also got a TapPap and while I like it, it is like a backup quarterback. It only comes out when the game is a blow out or my FX is sidelined with an injury (me not remembering to keep replacement pillows on hand). When a cold really congests my sinuses, I use a netty pot or nasal spray and kick up the humidity a notch.

That's me, your mileage may vary,
-tino