Name That Nasal Mask

DME just dropped off a Zest Standard Nasal mask to replace my Quattro Full Mask, in attempt to address worsening aerophagia-gastric-reflux problems. It looks like a mini-me version of the FFM, covering just the nose.

I notice many folks here w nasal masks use a "pillows" style. Did you choose a pillows style over other nasal masks for any particular reason?

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone with observations about experience with nasal mask, particularly pillows vs. non-pillows, and/or nasal vs full. (such an odd name, "pillows"; seems like they'd call it "prongs" -- but only a composition instructor would muse on such lexical matters ... )

Did you choose a pillows style over other nasal masks for any particular reason?

COMFORT!

If you can use a nasal mask you can use a nasal pillow mask and they are the most comfortable masks out there. They only touch your nose (for the most part) and in general there are no rigid plastic parts smushed up against your face.

The most comfortable in the nasal pillow category (IMHO--others feel differently) are the Swift LT and FX masks, with the FX being the handsdown winner after you learn to tweak it a bit. The FX is soft (there are NO rigid plastic parts), easy to put on and take off, and when adjusted correctly almost always leak free.

Nasal pillows must be fit correctly (some DMEs and even ResMed reps have NO idea how to fit them correctly) and take some getting used to. You may have to play around a bit with hose management (I suggest a hose manager or hose hanger for the FX especially). But I think the FX is "the next best thing to sleeping naked."

Doubtful Tom wrote:DME just dropped off a Zest Standard Nasal mask to replace my Quattro Full Mask, in attempt to address worsening aerophagia-gastric-reflux problems. It looks like a mini-me version of the FFM, covering just the nose.

I notice many folks here w nasal masks use a "pillows" style. Did you choose a pillows style over other nasal masks for any particular reason?

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone with observations about experience with nasal mask, particularly pillows vs. non-pillows, and/or nasal vs full. (such an odd name, "pillows"; seems like they'd call it "prongs" -- but only a composition instructor would muse on such lexical matters ... )

Prongs go into the nostrils, pillows seal on the nares. Either contact less skin area than either nasal mask or a FFM making the pillows/prongs much easier to seal.

A dab of Lansinoh is very helpful to seal prongs/pillows but that is another subject. Search for Lansinoh if you have an interest. Some interesting reading there

My Meaningless Opinion (MMO) is that we all have forgotten how to breath thru our nose and this complicates CPAP therapy when we insist on breathing thru our mouth while sleeping. Breathing habits can be changed with effort. IF you find yourself mouth breathing while awake you very likely also mouth breath when sleeping.

The 1st step in CPAP therapy should be learning to breath (again) thru the nose, which is there for that purpose.

HTH

good luck with your mask quest.

Did you choose a pillows style over other nasal masks for any particular reason?

During my titration study when the sleep tech tried to put a nasal mask on my face I started sneezing uncontrollably and the top of my nose started itching uncontrollably. My problem wasn't clautrophobia, it was the smell or feel of the mask that kept triggering the sneezing and itching. After several unsuccesful tries, the sleep tech suggested that I try a pillows mask instead. It didn't trigger uncontrollable sneezing and I found that I could scratch the itchy parts of my nose without cause too many problems with leaks.

So when I had to pick a mask of my own, pillows were the obvious choice because I didn't want to spend every night sneezing and itching uncontrollably.

Excuse my ignorance, but please elucidate re difference between nostrils and "nares".

Yes, let's hear it for nose-breathing. Back in my yoga days (sadly gone and missed), I considered my greatest accomplishment (greatness, ironically, being a most un-yoga state of mind, of course) doing a 90 minute class of flow yoga breathing only through my nose. That's some prana power!

And for literary appreciations, see Gogol's short story, "The Nose," about a man who wakes up and discovers his nose is missing. (no pillows for that poor fellow)

GumbyCT wrote:

Doubtful Tom wrote:DME just dropped off a Zest Standard Nasal mask to replace my Quattro Full Mask, in attempt to address worsening aerophagia-gastric-reflux problems. It looks like a mini-me version of the FFM, covering just the nose.

I notice many folks here w nasal masks use a "pillows" style. Did you choose a pillows style over other nasal masks for any particular reason?

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone with observations about experience with nasal mask, particularly pillows vs. non-pillows, and/or nasal vs full. (such an odd name, "pillows"; seems like they'd call it "prongs" -- but only a composition instructor would muse on such lexical matters ... )

Prongs go into the nostrils, pillows seal on the nares. Either contact less skin area than either nasal mask or a FFM making the pillows/prongs much easier to seal.

A dab of Lansinoh is very helpful to seal prongs/pillows but that is another subject. Search for Lansinoh if you have an interest. Some interesting reading there

My Meaningless Opinion (MMO) is that we all have forgotten how to breath thru our nose and this complicates CPAP therapy when we insist on breathing thru our mouth while sleeping. Breathing habits can be changed with effort. IF you find yourself mouth breathing while awake you very likely also mouth breath when sleeping.

The 1st step in CPAP therapy should be learning to breath (again) thru the nose, which is there for that purpose.

HTH

Brrr, unfortunately, I lack requisite body fat for nekkid napping in any season, much less winter. But thanks for the evocative endorsement of mask. Good slogan.


[ But I think the FX is "the next best thing to sleeping naked." [/quote]

Yep, I think ResMed should pay me for it and use it in their advertising. I'd accept a lifetime supply of FX masks in lieu of payment.

I used the ResMed Mirage Swift LT when I first started on CPAP. There were two basic drawbacks. It did leave marks on my face in the morning which took about an hour to go away. The other thing was that it leaked around the nose. I found the Nasal Aire II on line and it looked promising. Only prongs in your nose. Nothing touches your face at all. I absolutely love it! It took a little getting use to but it is fantastic. I sleep through the night with this on without any issues. I can go to sleep on my side if I want to. I would recommend it highly. Good luck!

Doubtful Tom wrote:Excuse my ignorance, but please elucidate re difference between nostrils and "nares".

Nares are the openings to the nostrils. The holes on the snout.

Doubtful Tom wrote:And for literary appreciations, see Gogol's short story, "The Nose," about a man who wakes up and discovers his nose is missing. (no pillows for that poor fellow)

Ah, the anatomical minutiae one learns here. Merci.
"Nostrils and Nares" -- sounds like name of a good pub (or local crack house): "Aye, fancy a snort down at the ole N&N?"

rested gal wrote:

Doubtful Tom wrote:Excuse my ignorance, but please elucidate re difference between nostrils and "nares".

Nares are the openings to the nostrils. The holes on the snout.

Doubtful Tom wrote:And for literary appreciations, see Gogol's short story, "The Nose," about a man who wakes up and discovers his nose is missing. (no pillows for that poor fellow)