Nasal Mask Tryout

Well, I’m going to pull the trigger on a nasal mask and I even purchased some SomniFix mouth tape that has the small hole in the middle, because it was the few that offer ‘starter kits’, 10 pieces for $18 out the door.

I’ve talked to some guys who are ‘sometimes’ mouth breathers and they have nasal masks because they just couldn’t tolerate the full and hybrids.

One guy doesn’t even use tape and still gets 1 and under AHI according to Oscar.

Since I’m sized ‘in-between’ nasal pillows I’m going with the non pillow masks.

While deciding and shopping, I noticed those nasal masks that have the nose covered with a cushion.

Anyone tried those? Not sure if I want to pull the trigger on those! Wink

My goal is good seal, comfort, and a low AHI!

Any advice or suggestions welcomed!

JackieLee wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 07, 2026 6:56 pm

My goal is good seal, comfort, and a low AHI!

Any advice or suggestions welcomed!

Add getting good sound sleep to your goals....without good sleep it doesn't matter much if you have a low AHI or good seal and 0.0 leak numbers.

Pugsy wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 07, 2026 7:03 pm

JackieLee wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 07, 2026 6:56 pm

My goal is good seal, comfort, and a low AHI!

Any advice or suggestions welcomed!

Add getting good sound sleep to your goals....without good sleep it doesn't matter much if you have a low AHI or good seal and 0.0 leak numbers.

WHO RAH!

Personally, I've found that the only nasal masks that work for me are the "nasal cradle" masks. The cushion goes under the nose, "cradles" it, like the ResMed N30 or the Dreamwear Nasal mask. I find the minimal impact (my nose isn't fully covered, only my nostrils) is much easier for me. I used nasal pillow masks for a long time, but had nose surgery that rendered my nose asymmetric, so the nasal cradle masks are it for me :-). Also, I find that the ResMed N30 is the better of the two that I mentioned, due to the light weight and diffused venting...the Dreamwear has a jet of air out the front that's fine if you sleep alone. If you sleep with a another you'll probably hear about it at some point :-).

Oh yeah, one other thing. I've found that I need to accept some level of leakage being a side sleeper. My pillow pushes on my mask occasionally, so I see leakage numbers generally between about 4 and 10L/M, but all well below the 24L/M that ResMed uses as their leak limit for good therapy. I try to hang the mask over the edge of my pillow, but I move a lot when I'm sleeping so I end up away from the very edge of the pillow. This has been fine, not a problem...my sleep doctor is happy with my AHI and leak numbers. And I feel fine in the morning.

RogerSC wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 08, 2026 1:32 am

Personally, I've found that the only nasal masks that work for me are the "nasal cradle" masks. The cushion goes under the nose, "cradles" it, like the ResMed N30 or the Dreamwear Nasal mask. I find the minimal impact (my nose isn't fully covered, only my nostrils) is much easier for me. I used nasal pillow masks for a long time, but had nose surgery that rendered my nose asymmetric, so the nasal cradle masks are it for me . Also, I find that the ResMed N30 is the better of the two that I mentioned, due to the light weight and diffused venting...the Dreamwear has a jet of air out the front that's fine if you sleep alone. If you sleep with a another you'll probably hear about it at some point .

Oh yeah, one other thing. I've found that I need to accept some level of leakage being a side sleeper. My pillow pushes on my mask occasionally, so I see leakage numbers generally between about 4 and 10L/M, but all well below the 24L/M that ResMed uses as their leak limit for good therapy. I try to hang the mask over the edge of my pillow, but I move a lot when I'm sleeping so I end up away from the very edge of the pillow. This has been fine, not a problem...my sleep doctor is happy with my AHI and leak numbers. And I feel fine in the morning.

Good info Roger. Thank you