Cpap mask for prominent bridge

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
telecast
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Aug 26, 2013 7:44 pm

Cpap mask for prominent bridge

Post by telecast » Mon Aug 26, 2013 7:59 pm

hey all, newbie here. I'm looking for a cpap mask that fits a nose with a prominent bridge. It's not the width that's the problem, it's the height of the bridge. In other words, how far the bridge of my nose projects out from my face. Seems like most cpap masks I find that are marked extra large, are sized for wide nostrils rather than bridges that project out real far.
I've used a couple of different masks with mixed success. The most effective mask I've tried in terms of performance was the respironics comfort gel, but that put a tremendous amount of pressure on the bridge of my nose, which juts out at a weird angle right where the top of that particular mask sits at the top point.
The mask I've been using is the wisp which is much more comfortable, I think partially because the plastic of the mask is much more flexible and isn't rigid like the comfort gel is so there's some give there. However, it's not very long and it tends to slide up, so the bottom of the mask blocks my nostrils sometimes and inhibits air from getting in.
So I'm thinking I need a longer version of the wisp or a mask like the comfort gel that's deeper so it can accommodate the large, prominent bump in the bridge of my nose.
Any thoughts? Thanks!

User avatar
kaiasgram
Posts: 3569
Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 2:08 pm
Location: Northern California

Re: Cpap mask for prominent bridge

Post by kaiasgram » Mon Aug 26, 2013 8:03 pm

telecast, have you tried a nasal pillow mask? Avoids the whole mask on the bridge of nose issue altogether.

_________________
Machine: AirSense 10 AutoSet with Heated Humidifer + Aifit N30i Nasal Mask Bundle
Additional Comments: SleepyHead-now-OSCAR software on Mac OSX Ventura

JDS74
Posts: 3397
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 2:57 pm
Location: South Carolina

Re: Cpap mask for prominent bridge

Post by JDS74 » Tue Aug 27, 2013 9:38 am

Hi telecast,

You can avoid the bridge of your nose problem entirely with eiher the Tap Pap mask, a nasal pillow mask or the Oracle 2 mask, an oral mask. Neither of them interact with the bridge of your nose.

Both have an oral component, the Tap Pap uses a fixture molded to your upper teeth to support and position the nasal pillow; the Oracle 2 is an oral only mask that provides for mouth breathers.

_________________
Mask: Oracle HC452 Oral CPAP Mask
Humidifier: DreamStation Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: EverFlo Q 3.0 Liters O2 PR DSX900 ASV
Oracle 452 Lessons Learned Updated
DSX900 AutoSV with HC150 extra humidifier and Hibernite heated hose
Settings: EPAP Min-10.0, EPAP Max-17, PS Min-3, PS Max-10, Max Pressure-20, Rate-Auto, Biflex-1.
Sleepyhead and Encore Pro 2.21.

User avatar
Sheriff Buford
Posts: 4111
Joined: Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:01 am
Location: Kingwood, Texas

Re: Cpap mask for prominent bridge

Post by Sheriff Buford » Tue Aug 27, 2013 9:55 am

I have the same problem you have. I can't use a nasal or pillow mask because of my plugged nose (honker ). I use the Phillip Responics Total Face mask. It is big and cumbersome.... but no nose sores inside or out. The Total mask is normally a mask of last resort, but DME's are selling more and more of them. I have been using the mask since September 17, 2010.

Sheriff

telecast
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Aug 26, 2013 7:44 pm

Re: Cpap mask for prominent bridge

Post by telecast » Wed Aug 28, 2013 5:38 pm

Thanks for the responses! I did try the nasal pillows, but it's been quite a while. I couldn't ever go for more than a few hours without them shifting out of position and out of my nostrils.
I have not tried the whole face or oral mask but may consider the whole face option, though I'm concerned it may be hard to get used to because of the claustrophobic feeling.
Any thoughts on the whole face mask?

User avatar
oak
Posts: 729
Joined: Sat Jun 15, 2013 11:49 am
Location: Western WI

Re: Cpap mask for prominent bridge

Post by oak » Wed Aug 28, 2013 5:50 pm

what size wisp did you get? did you try a larger size? also on the nasal pillows, if they are shifting around they may be too small. just a thought.

_________________
Mask: Swift™ FX For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Sleepyhead software, Pressure 9-14, EPRx1, Pad-a-cheek barrel cozy, Resmed hose cover