Side Sleeping Revisited

hehcsh · Post by **hehcsh** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 5:28 am

I am coming to the conclusion that any mask with a structural side element won't work for me. I am a confirmed side sleeper, with face firmly planted in the pillow. I am using the ComfortCurve, but when I turn over even that small nasal interface is pushed out of line. So, I end up artificially holding my head askew, and THAT is a pain in the neck. Can anyone point me to a mask configuration (but not FF) that has worked for you in this situation?

new2 · Post by **new2** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 6:22 am

Many people here are Swift users, but I found the Swift to be very uncomfortable if you have to turn to the other side once in bed.

I have to say the Breeze or the NasalAire ll. I have worn both and both are very comfortable masks for side sleepers. Make sure you all all the sizes for the Breeze (3) or NasalAire ll (6), a MUST for first time users.

Missy · Post by **Missy** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 6:31 am

How frustrating those masks can be!! I, myself, use the Comfortlite 2 mask with the direct seal nasal interface which has 2 "pronglike" pillows that has worked for me with great success. I'm only 2 months into my cpap journey, but at this point, I have many more good nights than wakeful ones and feel like I'm on the right track. I sleep on my sides or stomach 100% of the time. Maybe you could try this mask out risk-free for a couple of weeks. If I had an extra I would love to help you out. Otherwise, put a shout out on this board. Maybe someone has one they would sell you. Good luck!! Peace!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 7:20 am

both the comfortlite and nasal aire have configurations on the side of the face that can move when you scoot on the pillow. My preference for side sleeping is the breezewith nasal pillows with the large papillow. The breeze is also the most quiet of those listed IMO.

Pirate · Post by **Pirate** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 7:35 am

I'm also a side sleeper and I use the Mirage Activa with great results. My average AHI is .5. I bought and tried the Comfort Lite 2 with the simple cushion interface, but was not getting as good results as I do with the Activa.

roadwarrior · Post by **roadwarrior** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 8:32 am

I have no issues with sidesleeping and the Swift.....the secret is a hard pillow where you can form a pocket to accommodate both your head and a slight support rise for the Swift barrel. It is not a hassle really. I have a goose down pillow that is hard packed and works great for this. Indeed if you have a mushy pillow it won't be ideal for sure. I am not a major mover as far as sleep is concerned. Once I'm asleep I stay there so for me it works great.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 11:21 am

Best masks for side sleepers, imho...

Aeiomed's Headrest (formerly called the "Aura") - great for sleeping in any position.

Respironics ComfortLite 2 (be sure it has "2" in the name.) - very good for sleeping in any position.

Puritan Bennett's Breeze with nasal pillows - very good for sleeping on either side; not good for sleeping on one's back. Best to order nasal pillows that you'd think might be too large for you. I'd suggest ordering two sizes of the pillows... medium and large (if a woman); large and extra large (if a man.)

Those are the ones I've found best for my own style of toss'n'turn sleeping on either side. The first one in particular (Aeoimed's Headrest/Aura) lets me lay the side of my face absolutely flat on the head pillow. I don't have to hang the soft nasal assembly of that mask over a pillow edge at all. The exhaust is directed straight up and doesn't hit anything. I can even pull the covers up over my eyes and not interfere with the exhaust vent.

Everyone's mask mileage varies, though. Unless we're really lucky, we have to go through many masks (expensive, I know!) before finding the one that realllllly fits not only our face but also our sleeping style.

Good luck, hehcsh!

roadwarrior · Post by **roadwarrior** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:02 pm

I have been pondering about my next mask. I looked at the ComfortLite2 and it seems like a LOT of headgear. Not to mention what looks like a leatherette over the straps. Seems like it would be a bear to keep clean. I prefer to clean my setup daily and that would seem excessive in the amount of work it would take. The Breeze doesn't look bad either, but I question it's ability to stay put. I DO like the idea of any nasal interface where you can fix the angle the tips have against your nares. That is the ONLY thing that drives me nuts on the Swift.....they just keep turning instead of allowing me to lock it in place where I want it. ON all of those however the price is quite reasonable.....

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:31 pm

If you are a side sleeper, I wouldn't recommend the Swift. If you are a back sleeper, it should be fine.

Probably the two biggest supporters of the Aura Headrest on this forum (RG and myself), admit that the Aura is the most comfortable for us, but takes alot of tweaks to get it to work well. The Aura is probably the best device if you are a stomach sleeper.

She and I have both tried the Swift, and it's not our 2nd choice. I haven't tried the CL2 (ComfortLite 2), but I trust RG's recommendations immensely - she has tried them all. The CL2 is her second favorite nasal device - so that is the one I would recommend. It should be good for all sleeping positions (but not sure about stomach sleepers).

I used the NasalAire I for 3 years - I was able to wear it fine, but the NasalAire is quite invasive into the nares. Nasal pillows are not. But nasal pillows can rub more on the outside of the nares - so you do need to secure it quite well with one of the "tweaks". And there will be tweaks for whichever device you buy.

midnight_snorkeler · Post by **midnight_snorkeler** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:50 pm

got the new hybrid mask yesterday / previously i have had the most success with mirage swift nasal pillows the problem i have is i wake in the morning with dry mouth and little bit of sweat on the pillow which i didnt have in the beginning - i tried to fix this by getting the hybrid mask - i fitted the mask made sure it was comfy hooked it up and attempted to lay down / could not keep a seal without pulling it uncomfortably tight / switched back to old faithful / am going to try again tonight with medium mouth piece - if you are interested in a very slightly used hybrid check back in with me tomorrow ill tell you how it went

Snoozin' Bluezzz · Post by **Snoozin' Bluezzz** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:55 pm

I just gotta pipe up! I just have too!!!! LInda knows I will.

I'm in the Swift works fine for side sleeping camp. It's been 6 Months for with me using it with no problems due to side sleeping and I can not sleep, absolutely can not sleep, in any other position than on one side or the other. I switch multiple times during the night and the Swift works fine.

The key to the Swift, for me, is getting it just right in terms of bottom and top strap tension. Just tight enough, not too tight, looser than you would think would work. This allows some pressure on the barrel and some side movement without breaking the seal of the correctly sized pillows.

This does not address issues for folks who can not tolerate the pillows but it works absolutely fine for side sleeping regardless of which side the short hose is on.

Of course, as RG says, YMMV.

David

Bamalady · Post by **Bamalady** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 1:37 pm

I am a side sleeper as well. I had a Swift but couldn't tolerate the nasal irritation, so I got a ComfortCuve. Well, I couldn't make peace with the CC headgear. So, for the past 2 weeks or so, I have been sleeping with something I put together using the Swift headgear and the CC cushion and tubing. It is superb! Very comfortable, and no leeks! I am one happy sleeper.

Snoozin' Bluezzz · Post by **Snoozin' Bluezzz** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 1:43 pm

midnight_snorkeler wrote:got the new hybrid mask yesterday / previously i have had the most success with mirage swift nasal pillows the problem i have is i wake in the morning with dry mouth and little bit of sweat on the pillow which i didnt have in the beginning - i tried to fix this by getting the hybrid mask - i fitted the mask made sure it was comfy hooked it up and attempted to lay down / could not keep a seal without pulling it uncomfortably tight / switched back to old faithful / am going to try again tonight with medium mouth piece - if you are interested in a very slightly used hybrid check back in with me tomorrow ill tell you how it went

Besides the Swift I have had really good luck with the Hybrid. It seems to be almost bullet proof for me. I used the Large cushion with the large pillows set in the short position and, again, looser seems better than tighter once the mask/pillows are correctly sized and positioned. I don't touch the headgear at all anymore - no adjustments. I just put it on, clip it on and I'm set.

I guess I have been fortunate. My AHI is acceptable but higher than I would like but I think some of that is due to summer congestion and some aches, pains and tossing due to arthritis and recent stress.

David

Side Sleeping Revisited

Side Sleeping Revisited

Breeze plus papillow

new hybrid mask

Re: new hybrid mask