Ultra Mirage 2/pillows/masks in general

Anyone use this type of mask? I find it to be the most comfortable out of my 3. I also was "given" the mirage nasal pillow and the other one is called the flexi fit, I think. It just seems that the mirage is more bulky with the adjustable forehead thing it has and its hard for me to turn on my side and get comfortable, which brings me to my next question, could it be b/c I'm using 2 pillows? I think I may have read somewhere that people with OSA should only be using one pillow....? I have slept with 2 pillows for so long, I feel really flat when just using one. Again this is all about acclimating to changes, so I guess I can give it a try if others tell me they have more success with one pillow. I also feel that the seal on my mask isn't as good as it was 3 weeks ago, any suggestions? Everyone raves about the nasal pillow, but I don't really care for it. I feel that it squishes up my nose too much, should I just give it a night's worth of a try? I'm afraid of trying new masks, b/c I don't ever want to have to not have a good nights sleep again, now that I've found heaven. I hated feeling the way I did before to even suffer one more day would be unbearable.

The only mask I've used is the hybrid, and I love it. I sleep in any position. I did find that the PAPILLOW (papillow.com) helps when I sleep on my side.
How often do you clean your mask and what do you clean it with? Sometimes a good cleaning with white vinegar and water will remove any residues left from soaps. This will help you get a better seal.
As for trying new masks, many here have recommended wearing the mask around the house like when watching TV to get used to it.
I know what you mean about not wanting to go back to the way you used to feel. I feel the same way! Just keep reading and asking questions, there is always someone here to help or at least give suggestions! I did alot of reading here before I even got any equipment and I think that's why I've done so well and had so few problems.

Brenda

I've never used the Swift, but many here do and love it. It seems that it takes adjusting to get rid of the feeling that it is pulling up on your nose. If that is the case, then the straps are not adjusted correctly. There are many threads on here about fitting different masks. You may want to try searching for different types of masks. There have been TONS of threads on the best masks for side sleepers. Some say it is the Swift, some swear by the ComfortLite 2. I use the ComfortLite 2 and the Hybrid. Right now, I am using my Hybrid exclusively but I will eventually switch back to the CL2 because I find it more comfortable.
Additionally, I sleep on my side on four carefully arranged pillows. I could never sleep on just one! Good luck and I hope you can make your Swift work! Many people on here swear by it, so it must be good!

masks are a personal thing, the gals prefer different ones than guys.

I've tried all the pillow style masks (Breeze, Nasalaire, Swift), cannot use them, I find them to be cold, noisy and uncomfortable.

I find the UltraMirage Full Face the most comfortable for me, it is quiet, has excellent air delivery characteristics and there is no worry about mouth breathing. I also sleep on my side and it works there too.

The UltraMirageII has been a long time favorite, the II replaced the old UltraMirage, they improved the forehead support and went to the new style quick release clips. It remains a very light and quiet mask with good sealing ability. If I didn't mouth breathe, I'd still be using it.

I've had a few brief flings with the Mirage Activa, the Flexi-Fit HC431A and the Hybrid, but I ALWAYS come back to my beloved Swift!!! Its ligth, non-intrusive, VERY comfortable and reliable, and allows me to wear my glasses so that I can read or watch television for a few moments when I get into bed.

ResMed masks such as the Swift and Activa are desigend to provide good seals with loosley adjusted straps. I wear mine loose enough so that the pillows sort of caress the tips of my nares, but under pressure, they sort of softly inflate and seal right up. The best part is that the air being delivered directly into my nares keeps them and my sinuses clearer than they've EVER been in my adult life. I have sailed through this pollen and allergy season without a single dose of Flonase, Claritin or pseudoephedrine, for the first time in my life. And, I don't notice the air pressure at all, since there is none of the turbulence of the air swirling through the dead space of nasal or full-face masks.

So I'd certainly give the Swift a try. Mine doesn't scrunch up my nose at all. And, the rumors about it giving pretty young women PIG NOSES is just an ugly rumor.

Where in upstate are you? I was born and bred on Long Island and lived in Manhattan for a bit, but I went to school and my family is from Rochester.

Cheers!

Chuck

It is a good idea to have more than one mask cuz you never know when you will need something just a bit different. Of course there are some that have collections of them too.

As for two sleeping pillows, I too used to sleep with two pillows. I am currently experimenting with using only one ... trying out a high density temperpedic-like one ... which seems to be working ok though not perfect.

I have been using a Swift nasal system lately and I'm OK with it although it does on occasion lose a seal and develop a leak while sleeping on side. I have a Hybrid too which I like but am waiting to use at the end of next month. As for fear of trying new masks, you can try them on weekends or days off so that you always have some extra time to catch up on any sleep lost.

Good luck ...

- roberto