Nasal Pillow Mask

I normally use a full face mask with my CPAP machine. I have had some problems so tried to use a Respironics nasal pillow mask but it did not go well. The air pressure seems very high with the nasal pillow. It is hard to breathe because the air comes in at such a high pressure. I have to work to breath, which makes sleeping difficult. The high pressure makes me want to open my mouth to breath. Also, the air flow dries my nasal passages very quickly.

My pressure is at 12. My equipment vender says that there is no need to reduce the pressure when using a different mask. There is a setting for “mask type” on my Respironics CPAP machine but the current setting is locked on “off” and the vender says it does not need to be changed. Likewise vender says that the 15 mm hose does not need to be changed.

Lastly, the nasal pillows seem to dig into my nose. I have not tried to adjust them much so perhaps I just need to try tightening the straps less. The nasal mask says “L x2” which I assume is the size.

What can I do to make this situation better?

Would use of a nasal mask instead of nasal pillows help?

Gnight wrote:The nasal mask says “L x2” which I assume is the size.

The L is for Large
the X2 is for mask resistance control setting and you should/can unlock it to set it to match the mask.
You just need to go into the clinical setup menu area to unlock mask Resistance.

I don't know which Respironics machine you are using but you can go here and figure it out and then request the clinical/provider manual via email which explains how to get into that clinical menu are where you can turn the lock off for Resistance settings.
It isn't a critical setting and I doubt it will resolve your issues but it is worth a try.
http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p ... tup-manual

Gnight wrote:It is hard to breathe because the air comes in at such a high pressure.

Exactly what pressure are you using and are you using the available exhale relief...Flex...either CFlex or AFlex depending on the machine type and mode.
If not using the available Flex exhale relief...turn it on and try all setting and see if they help or not.
The manual will explain in more detail.

Gnight wrote: Would use of a nasal mask instead of nasal pillows help?

Dunno...the pressure still fully directed to the nose...It might help though.
When a person goes from a full face mask where the pressure is diffused over a larger area of the face it can be a problem when someone goes to a nasal mask because there's not as much area to diffuse the air flow.
You are used to one thing and then you change it and the body takes some time to get to the "new" way of delivering the air pressure.

I would investigate Flex exhale relief first if you haven't already. Try all the settings..not only does it drop the pressure during exhale there is a slight timing of the drop too that might help.

hello Gnight.
Recently, I tried to move from a FF to a nasal pillows. I loved the Resmed swift fx, I had a good feeling but it also bothers me direct pressure inside the nostrils. I feel as if something inside me is swelling and my ears swell and annoy.
Also I would like to try a nasal mask but I'm not sure it will be a good idea. I'm trying a swift Resmed fx nasal pillows and I would try a swift fx nano. The headgher should be identical so just buy the pillow but do not know how to guess the size. I usually use medium size so I think that the measure "standard" of swift fx nano might be fine but ... bo !!!
What do you think?
thank you all.