SleepNet's Phantom Nasal Mask

A bit of background music: When I had my titration study, we tried three different masks, none with good results. My problems: long face, high prominent cheek bones, very thin nasal bridge, a "French" nose (more Yves Montand than Cyrano de Bergerac, thank you), and facial hair--not to mention sleeping on my side. The first mask tried was comfortable, but leaked everywhere, including at the eyes. Then they tried a "full" (oronasal) mask; thanks to my beard, it was so loose at the bottom I could easily open my mouth and slip my lower lip below it.

So, we tried a different nasal mask and the tech cranked the straps pretty tight. It was uncomfortable, but I managed to sleep with it--sort of. Every time I turned (thanks to neuropathies and osteoarthritis, I can't stay in one position all night) it leaked down one cheek or the other. Not enough to mess up the titration study, but enough to wake me. And the brow brace created a tender spot (precursor to a pressure sore) that hurt for a week.

When I got home, I spent a lot of time on the Web and came up with a list of 6 or 7 likely CPAP-interface candidates (most of which I never see discussed here).

To make a long story short, the respiratory therapist who set up my CPAP machine (see below) and fitted my mask first suggested SleepNet Corporation's Phantom Nasal Mask, one of my top researched options (the others included the Respironics Comfort Curve, the CPAP-PRO, and SleepNet's IQ). It seemed to fit comfortably right away--the gel pads are SO superior to the silicone pads used on so many masks, it makes you wonder....

Like most masks, it's a bit prone to slight leaks if you are a side sleeper. And the standard Phantom Strap is not the easiest to adjust; the Velcro is noisy and, behind the head, not a good method for making fine adjustments. So, I tended to over-tighten it. But I have pretty much solved the problem by adding a pair of Respironics QuickClips to the strap. Now it fits better, with fewer leaks, with less strap pressure. No more big, wrinkled "mega-dimples" in the morning.

If you are having mask or nasal-pillow problems, you might want to consider a Phantom (http://www.sleep-net.com). I realize that no mask is going to work for everyone or even most people, but there's probably something out there that will work for you, if you just keep looking.

BTW, the CPAP solved my snoring-and-snorting problem from the get-go. But I still suffer from daytime sleepiness syndrome (DSS). My sleep doc and PCP both suggest I wait another month or so before we consider additional therapies (Provigil, etc). I agree, as my DSS is not so severe I worry overmuch about falling asleep at the wheel.

Here's to a good, sound sleep!