A variety of masks?

I have the simplicity mask, and so far it's fine. The only thing I don't like so far is the feeling of warm humid air backing up when I exhale. It's uncomfortable to me. (I may try the c-flex at 3 and see what happens) It is the only one I am familiar with. I am considering getting a couple others to have and to try and would like to run some random thoughts by for feedback.

1- A face mask. Seems like it'd be a good idea for times when my nose might be stuffed up, then I could still breathe through my mouth.

2- Nasal pillows, or whatever they're called. I prefer to sleep on my side, and flip-flop alot, and have heard this type is good for that.

I know the cost for these "extras" will probably be out-of-pocket, but that's ok. Some questions...

- Since I have no experience with either type, some recommendations or the most popular ones would be appreciated.

- I'm wondering if this might not be a good idea to have too much variety. Kind of like not mastering anything, if that makes sense.

Thanks

ETA: I should add that I'm a side and stomach sleeper.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): C-FLEX, Nasal Pillows

Have you tried using it without heating the humidifier? I don't use it at all, as we're near the ocean and it never gets dry enough to need it, but I can imagine that heating on top of using it could be uncomfortable, plus cause congestion at times. Can't speak to what mask you should or could wear though.

You'll find that there are lots of people who LOVE almost every single mask out there. There's really not much to say other than try several. Generally respected masks (by NO means a conclusive list)

FF Masks: Hybrid, Ultra Mirage FF mask, FP FlexiFit 431/432...
Nasal Masks: Activa, Soyala, Comfort Gel....
Nasal Pillows Masks: Twilight NP (AKA Aura/Headrest), Comfort Lite 2, Swift, Breeze...

Honestly, I could go on for ages. Each one has specific reasons to use it or not use it. Perhaps if you told us more what you're looking for we could help you out a bit better.

No one told me this before I got a nasal pillow mask. So before you decide on buying a mask with pillows - take a look at the shape of your nostrils (nares). Most pillows have round holes. Breeze has slightly oval shaped holes in the pillows. After I had gotten the Breeze - I found out that a person with slotted nares, as opposed to round nares, have much more difficulty getting pillows to work.

https://www.cpap.com simply says people w/ slotted nares can't use pillows. I am still trying to tweek my Breeze pillows, and I am still leaking out of the very front slit. Not sure I can ever get it to stop.

On cpap.com there is a measurment tool that you can fill in, and then they will recommend the best masks for your measurements. I have just started getting some help from them, so I am not sure how successful this tool is. So far, I have found them to be very helpful and way more knowledgeable than my DME.

Others might have comments about that.

I would add to the list of "might want to try" masks the F&P FlexiFit 407 nasal mask (or if you have a really, really petite nose, the Flexifit 406). These are both light weight and quiet and simple to use and clean. I've used them both successfully for side sleeping, but everyone's face is different.

Just thought I'd mention them-- they don't come up on the radar screen too often.

I think trying many is good but once you do a few you will likely choose one and stick with it. I have a breeze and a mirage activa and find I am sticking with the activa. If you have two kinds of ice cream in the freezer you will most often go for the favourite. Soooo might be money wasted????

You can never have too many masks....