Nasal Air II modifications and headgear suggestions

Tired Eyes · Post by **Tired Eyes** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:53 pm

I just recently started using the nasal air II mask. I am doing my best to make this work without headgear. I made this modification after having difficulty with Velcro that seemed to slide up and down on the tubes plus get caught in my hair. See:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9769028@N07/2596402939/

I'm not sure at the link will automatically load, but you can probably cut and paste it to see the modification. It basically consist of a 2 inch wide piece of elastic, sewed at each end to fit around the tubes. It does not move, or get caught in my hair, which is what I was after. I need to make this a little bit wider tough as it was a little bit tight on my neck.

While this modification is working okay, I think I would I would prefer to do more of a pony tail style as I find my arm gets tangled up in the hose. This is probably going to mean headgear, which I was trying to avoid. I do not have the Nasal Air II headgear, as the review said it was pretty awful. so, looking for suggestions as to how to route the hoses into a ponytail with the minimum amount of stuff around my head. Seems like every little piece that touches me becomes an irritation in time. Is there a thick padded headband maybe I can sew velcro loops to?

lastly, while the Nasal Air II seems to be virtually leak free, it causes problem when I lay on my side and bring my hands up towards my face. It's very noisy, and I don't like the cold air blowing on me.

I'm not sure if there's another mask solution I should be looking at. I really do hate headgear!

Suggestions?

Troy aka Tired Eyes[/url]

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 4:43 am

Here is a link to Babettes tip sheet for the nasal air II;

viewtopic/t23207/Babettes-Nasal-Aire-II-Tip-Sheet.html

Hope it helps

Brenda

sleepydoll · Post by **sleepydoll** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 11:04 am

Welcome to our forum !

One of the top persons I have seen so far is "rested-gal" !
She has posted what she did to be as confortable as possible with her mask.
Please visit this thread:

LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards
viewtopic.php?t=15104

You will find suggestions on how to place the tubings, and much more1
Take care.

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 1:39 pm

Here's the direct link to my latest NAII/Deluxe Chinstrap morph:

http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p36/ ... aise/CPAP/

I initially attached my NAII to a Topaz Chinstrap. I really like the Topaz design - it works very well for me. But I HATE the neoprene fabric - it is HOT, and irritates my skin.

So, I've recently switched to the Deluxe Chinstrap. I bought mine on cpapauction.com, but our Lovely Host also carries it.

So far, this is working well for me. I continue to dream of a Topaz design in a fabric that will breathe, wick sweat away from my skin, and not leave me with acne all over the sides of my face and chin.

Velcro One Wrap is the key. Sew it to the chinstrap for best results. Also, I found that the addition of little fleece snuggle hoses on the side hoses kept them in the Velcro One Wrap loops really securely, and completely stabilized the mask for me.

Feel free to PM me if you have any additional questions. Happy to help!

Cheers,
Babette

Tired Eyes · Post by **Tired Eyes** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:46 pm

Hi:

Thanks for the suggestion. I am doing my best to get away from "cheek" straps and Chinestraps fall under this heading. I was hoping there was perhaps something like a headband, padded in micro fleece or something similar, that I could add some hooks to hold the nasal air II tubes to. I did go ahead and order the nasal II headgear just to play with for now.

It also appears that at least one other individual uses something other then the nasal air II nose piece. What are my options there? I'm getting some irritation inside the nostrils, but have not tried any lubricants at this point.

Troy

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 10:47 pm

Your main options are these:

1) Use Ayr Gel or Neosporin on the inside of your nares during the day only, until you heal.

2) Try the next size smaller cannula.

3) Try the Nasal Aire I cannula, a smaller size than what you are using now. The NAI has a more pronounced bulb at the end, and I generally recommend it to people who need a larger cannula than the NAII XL. However, it's an option.

4) Try the Bravo cannula with the NAII hoses.

So far, I haven't found a better headgear solution FOR ME than the chinstrap mods I've tried. I don't like the NAII headgear. It slips on my hair. Your Mileage May Vary.

Cheers,
Babs