Nasal mask vs pillows (share your experience on both)

If you've tried both can you share your experience?

The nasal mask is the only one I can tolerate so far but I still end up waking up to adjust it quite a bit. It seems it tends to rise up and the bottom ends up partially blocking my nose so I end up waking up so I can shift it back down.

The few full face masks I've tried weren't comfortable. They either required too much tightening or a higher pressure.

They've been all resmed models.

First, a different question. Why are you comparing nasal interfaces with full face masks (FFM)?

FFMs are for use when the patient cannot keep the mouth sealed.

Nasal interfaces, being lighter weight and having smaller footprints, are generally the best choice for users who can keep the mouth sealed.

gravyv wrote:end up waking up to adjust it quite a bit. It seems it tends to rise up and the bottom ends up partially blocking my nose so I end up waking up so I can shift it back down.

Some tips:

- Make sure the mask is fitted properly. (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- Make sure the headgear is adjusted properly (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- Make sure to use good hose management - the hose should not pull on the mask. Notice how your hose is positioned between machine and mask. It should be positioned to minimize any pull on the mask. Hose management is an individual practice. How it is done depends on the mask, the position of the machine, your sleeping position and other factors specific to the individual.

I have tried nasal pillows several times, and have been unable to keep my mouth closed. I have tried several full face masks (mirage quatro, air fit f10, simplus), hybrid masks (hybrid full face mask [twice], liberty), and finally ended up using the amara view full face mask. When I first started, I used high pressure (20 - 25 ipap). By monitoring my own treatment, I have been able to drop my pressure 15.

My nose is not big enough to keep air from a nasal cushion out of my eyes,
so I only use nasal pillows. Anatomy must be obeyed.

gravyv wrote:If you've tried both can you share your experience?

The nasal mask is the only one I can tolerate so far but I still end up waking up to adjust it quite a bit. It seems it tends to rise up and the bottom ends up partially blocking my nose so I end up waking up so I can shift it back down.

The few full face masks I've tried weren't comfortable. They either required too much tightening or a higher pressure.

They've been all resmed models.

After a few years of nasal mask only and very good results my nasal congestion is winning the battle and I'm gravitating to a full face mask. I considered a nasal prong of some type since it always seems like the nasal mask presses my nostrils closed a bit. My congestion seems to be too much for the prongs anyways. I never had an issue with the nasal mask moving around but I seem to not toss around too much - I wake up in pretty much the same position I drop off. Also the Mirage Micro Fx does not have the more rigid arms on the side, has the forehead pad, and the headgear is all fabric/elastic which leads me to think it moves around less when side sleeping. YMMV of course.

Nasal Pillows I've used as well, nice and I'd probably be using a pillow solution except one of my nares becomes pretty irritated after a few nights of that and it didn't seem to improve. Same results with a few different models and the congestion continues to be an issue, plus a deviated septum doesn't help.

I'm breaking in the new F20 tonight and hoping it's an improvement over the F10. I'll report back after a few nights with it.

gravyv wrote:If you've tried both can you share your experience?

The nasal mask is the only one I can tolerate so far but I still end up waking up to adjust it quite a bit. It seems it tends to rise up and the bottom ends up partially blocking my nose so I end up waking up so I can shift it back down.

The few full face masks I've tried weren't comfortable. They either required too much tightening or a higher pressure.

They've been all resmed models.

I have used both the Eson nasal mask and currently the P10 pillow mask. My experience with both was and has been good. The main benefits for me with the Pillows is the smallness and comfort of the interface. It is like sleeping normally or as normal as one can sleep wearing a mask of any kind. The bigest improvement overall was with my leak rate which decreased dramatically. Outside of the occasional small mouth leak I have pretty much zero leaks . No detectable leak whatsover from the mask intself. I was one who never imagined ever wearing a pillows mask but I am sure pleased that I gave this one a try. The only complaint I would have with this mask is the headgear but it is not like it really causes me any problems treatment wise. To that end I hope to trial the new F&P Brevida pillow mask soon as it has a much better looking headgear but I won't compromise my current results on that alone. Hopefully ResMed will improve the headgear on the P10 which would make it the perfect mask, at least in my opinion. FYI I am a side sleeper and have no issues whatsoever with this mask in that regard. If pillows don't work for you the Eson is a really good second choice.

As you've read thusfar, the different considerations will make it very individualized. One time I ranted over a mask used in a sleep study that made my night a nightmare. Then in the replies people were raving what an awesome mask they thought it was. Go figure.

I use nasal pillows only. One style I had to go to a smaller size due to the tip going too far in and poking me, making it raw and sore. If one has slotted nares it can make fitting more problematic. Some masks are made with the pillows in a fixed position at a slant, which can cause leaks with slotted nares. I prefer masks with adjustable pillows. Since all pillows masks aren't made alike, failure with one won't necessarily mean failure with the next one.

I have tried a couple nasal masks and a couple full face masks, but admittedly did not try several to see if maybe there was one out there for me. If a nasal mask (or a full FF mask that rests on the nose bridge) does not fit properly, it can cause nasty pressure sores (been there done that). Some also experience skin breakdown, but there are liners that can help with that. The ones I tried blocked my sinuses on the sides of the nose and the discomfort made sleeping like that impossible. However, I have friends who just slapped on their nasal and full face masks since day 1 and have been fine with them since. Good luck in finding what will work best for you.

Nasal vs Pillows
I have been using pillows for the last week. The ResMed AirFit P10. I had heard that Pillows did not work at higher pressures (ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE), I'm currently using these pillows at 25/21 BiPAP.
For YEARS I have used the ResMed Mirage Activa Nasal mask and LOVED it. What I loved is that it is a VERY loose fit mask that seals via air pressure. I found it VERY comfortable as a result. Previous nasal masks I have used sealed via tightening to compress the seal and the higher pressure you used the tighter, and more uncomfortable, the mask was. My Rx was CPAP at 19 cm Water.
Recently I was introduced to newer Nasal masks including the F&P Eson and the ResMed Mirage FX. Both are small, just fitting over the nose and are very comfortable and easily handle my high pressures without excessive tightening of the straps. I was VERY surprised at that.

Back to the Pillows, without question, these pillows are the most comfortable and unobtrusive "mask" I have ever worn. Keep in mind that your goal is to manage your apnea and any mask that does not fit you is not a good mask.

I started off with the Swift FX and loved the fit an comfort. I had problems with the small hose failing so I switched to the Nuance and am still using that one.

My initial RT sized me up and chose the Swift FX for me and then took the time to instruct me on how to adjust the fit. Not too tight, and not too lose.

I have tried a couple of nasal masks but find the pillows much more comfortable.