Switch to Nasal Mask???

I am still struggling with the full face mask problems. The pressure on my nose has resulted in a lesion that is moist and bleeds easily. I've been advised by my DME to leave the mask off until it completely heals which looks like a couple of weeks at least. The mouth taping (Curad Scar Reduction Strips) worked so I think I could switch to a nasal mask.

I would like to know if switching to a nasal mask will alleviate the nose pressure problem and what type of nasal mask would be the best choice for a small face. I can already tell the cpap helps a lot, but I don't want to sacrifice my nose in the process.

Hello Friend,
I'm sure you'll get several opinions on this question. Seems like all we have to do is say that magic word.......M-A-S-K !! and we get everyone's attention. AND there's a good reason.....We all want peaceful sleep. If the mask is wrong...we suffer. This is a guess but I would say (judging from reading comments) probably 85% of the people who try the Activa Mask really love it ! I'm in that positive group. I've tried hummmmmm probably about 11 different set-ups.......Activa is my number One !

OOPS.....I didn't really answer your question. I went back and read your post again. The Activa is very "face friendly" (Hey !! I think I just made up a new Cpap term !! ha ) It does not put marks on your face (at least not with me) BUT I'm not sure if this mask would be right for you because it is rather large. The bottom portion of the mask actually sits on the top part of my upper lip. It doesn't feel bad but ......someone else (who has a small face) will have to give you some personal experience pointers. Another option might be the Ultra Mirage. It's a smaller mask that might be good for you too. Good Luck

Rolyn, if the mouth taping is working well to prevent mouth air leaks, you might want to go straight to a nasal pillows interface like the Breeze or the Swift, instead of taking a chance on a nasal mask to replace your full face mask. Since the bridge of your nose is sensitive, you're likely to face (no pun intended!) the same sore bridge of nose issues with most nasal masks (cover the nose) too.

If you get a Breeze, be sure they fit you with nasal pillows at least one size larger than most DMEs will say are the "right size" for you. I have a small nose and small nares (the openings of the nostrils) but the "large" nasal pillows feel more comfortable on me - staying outside of my nose and against it, rather than being up inside it. They seal against leaks better too, outside the nose. But that may just be me.

Also be sure they give you a new "improved" Breeze. The box the new one comes in should be lavender or very light purple - not blue. Don't settle for the older model in a blue box. The newer version is less breakable and has optional stabilizing side straps to keep the headgear steady.

If you get a Swift, it should come with all three sizes of nasal pillows included. Some DMEs have been known to give people just one size, holding back the other two sizes.

In a nasal mask (covers the nose) my personal favorite is the Activa, size "shallow". But since you found both of the FF masks you tried to be too big on your face, the Activa might be too.