new guy- finding his way..

Hi all, first post.
Just got my machine on friday, F&P Icon. Early days I know, but I think it's looking very apparent that I may not get on with the nasal mask I got with it. I'm a side/front sleeper generally, and the slightest hint of me getting comfortable on my side results in dislocation of the mask, and the dreaded leak into my eyes.. , plus, I'm already waking up in the night feeling claustrophobic, (after I've eventually got to sleep)

I'm wondering if a nasal pillow like the F&P pilairo Q might fit the bill? My prescription says "7-14" at the moment, to be tweaked when I go back for a follow up sleep assessment at the end of March. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that's high pressure, and could be suitable for a nasal pillow set up?

Thanks for any advice.

Nick

Google "Pap Pillow" and see what you think of it...

Welcome to the forum.

You can use a nasal pillow mask with any pressure, even above 20 cm.
That's an old wives tail about nasal pillow masks and higher pressures started by someone who most likely had never used one or knew what they were talking about or whatever.

I routinely see pressures of 20 cm now and I never know it till I see the report..I sleep well and leaks are non existent as long as I keep my mouth shut.
Been using nothing but a nasal pillow mask of some sort for nearly 5 years now.
And I sleep in all positions including on my stomach.

Finding the right bed pillow is important though. Probably almost as difficult as finding the right mask for a lot of people.

If you go to a nasal pillow, consider the Airfit P10.

I am a newbie too, so don't take my word for it but at least research and consider it for that type.

I sleep on my side with no special pillow and this mask does not dislodge for *me*.

Last night was probably the first night I slept all night without even TOUCHING the mask; this was a minor milestone or breakthrough, as I went the whole night without feeling the need to adjust it at all.

It's been quite comfortable but still that was a first about about 2 weeks.

It's exceptionally quiet also.

My pressures are similar to yours.

Minimalist headgear so the main objection I have heard to the P10 is people finding the head strap either too big or too little but it fits me "just right" (it' adjusts Some).

I haven't had the opportunity to try the P10, so can't say if it might be better, but I am using the Pilairo Q and it works great for side sleeping and doesn't dislodge or leak when turning over. Very quiet too.

thanks for the replies folks, I'll look into those suggestions!

I'm another side sleeper, and I use the Swift FX nasal pillow mask. Been a couple of years now, working fine for me. So there's another possibility for you. Masks really are very personal, the AirFit P10 didn't work for me, might work for you. There's also the tap pap, which, while it's a nasal pillow mask, is anchored to your upper teeth, avoiding the need for headgear at all. Again, that one didn't work for me, might work for you *smile*.

I bought My Pillow. If you look online either Mypillow.com or go to Amazon. It's a very good pillow! I have tried all kinds of bed pillows and this one is the best for me. I am a side sleeper.

Good luck on your therapy - I use the Aloha and the Wisp - both are great masks.

sleeplessinaz wrote:I bought My Pillow. If you look online either Mypillow.com

Just checked these out, they are really worth $119 each?

$119?

No, I got one on sale and it wasn't bad but it isn't worth half that *TO ME*.

If you love it then it is -- I believe they have a money back guarantee.

Great pillows are worth a lot (if you can afford it) because you spend 1/3 of your life on them.

I have a contour cpap maxx pillow and like it except slightly firmer than I prefer. Been debating on having my wife deconstruct it and put a thin softer layer on the top and think it would be perfect.

I wouldn't buy anything until you work with your machine and mask for a while. There are lots of additional items that you could buy, but wait until you really have a problem that needs attention.

I think I'm going to try the Pilairo. Not really too much to lose, as it's covered for payment, and worst case scenario, I'll have 2 masks to choose from. I like the look of that pap pillow. Not too bad price either.