Question about nasal pillows from a BiPaP user

Briguy · Post by **Briguy** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 2:53 pm

I was given this forum addy from my pulmonologist (sp?) and am really happy there is a place where questions can be asked.

I use a bipap because of MD and my pressure setting is a 15. I was first given a full face mask for no other reason that I asked for one, thinking it would work the best. My Mask

After trying real hard and being really frustrated, I just stopped using the machine altogether. It leaked horribly around my eyes and had to start with it really tight to keep it from moving and because my face muscles would relax and it would get loose. I am also a side sleeper so that didn't help either.

After reading an article by another MD patient about his experiences with non-invasive ventilation (NIV) I thought I would try using my BiPaP again, this time after talking with my pulmonologist (My neurologist prescribed the original).

This time around I want to try a nasal pillow or possible a nasal mask. My questions it, with nasal pillows and a setting of 15, will the direct air shooting into my nose be rough? Or do I want a nasal mask so the air flows in more difused?

Any suggestions or experiences is really appreciated.

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 4:08 pm

The mask that you've got (UMFF)... it either works for you or it doesn't... I guess for me... it's the mask that I love to hate. I keep it around because I sometimes need it, but I hate using it. Now my hybrid, I like.

If you'd fill out your profile... it would help folks to help more.

papdaddy · Post by **papdaddy** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 5:07 pm

Hello, I have a pressure setting of 16 and use pillow cushions and they work fine for me. They can tend to be alittle forcefull at first, but once you get used to it they become more comfortable. I have been at this pressure for about 5 years now , I can barely tell if the machine is on. Thats how used to it I have become.

socknitster · Post by **socknitster** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 5:13 pm

I'm on bipap and my favorit mask is the swift II, a pillows mask. I have used it up to a pressure of 16 no prob. It does take some getting used to. Your nares may be sore for a few days but they DO toughen up quickly. I recommend using ayr saline gel when putting on the mask and lansinoh lanolin cream (found in the baby aise--it is for breastfeeding mothers) to minimize the trouble during the getting used to it period.

If you leak out your mouth, you will have to address that. See the link below for some info about that.

IF your jaw is receded like mine, all of the full face masks may give you trouble. The one that sealed the best for me was the hans rudolph, but because my lower jaw is pushed back the geometry of the full face mask puts pressure on the bridge of your nose or forehead depending on which ff mask it is.

jen

Briguy · Post by **Briguy** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 5:14 pm

My DME was worried about the nasal pillows and the force, but I am worried about leaking around the eyes.

socknitster · Post by **socknitster** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 5:34 pm

My swift II almost never leaks and NEVER around the eyes. Not possible. It seals on your nares, that is it.

jen

Briguy · Post by **Briguy** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 6:02 pm

whoops, i meant my DME says to use a nasal mask, but I am worried about leaks with a nasal mask, but my DME says pillows at 15 pressure will be too hard on my nose.

I guess i'll just have to try one and if it doesnt work try the other. Thanks for the replies.

SleepingBetterNow · Post by **SleepingBetterNow** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 7:31 pm

Comfort for masks is subjective from user to user, but I will say that I use the Breeze with nasal pillows and 14 EPAP/18 IPAP with no problems. It took me about 4-5 days to get over the soreness from using nasal pillows and I had to use RAMP for a short time. However, I quickly adjusted to the pressure and no longer use RAMP. I previously used the Mirage Quattro and had to have the straps really tight to stop leaks. I'm very glad that I tried the Breeze and I'm doing well with my CPAP therapy now. Best of luck in finding the combination that works best for you.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 1:46 am

By the way, soreness in your nares is a result of having the pillows touch them constantly where they've rarely been touched before - it has nothing to do with the pressure.

I used KY-Jelly for about 4 months in the beginning of my therapy with the Breeze - and my pressure was set at 4-8 or 5.5. - 10 at that time. The soreness was so bad that I even stopped thrapy for 2 nights after about a week - to let my nare heal (RT's suggestion, based on what she knew of my apnea). I've been using pillows nightly, happily every since.

Not letting a sore heal is a problem.

You may want to try a nasal mask called the Activa, which is much appreciated by many people.

Whas is MD?

O.

socknitster · Post by **socknitster** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 8:36 am

Your DME saying that you can't use pillows at that pressure is at best dumb and at worst irresponsible. We have enough stumbling blocks in our way.

Jen

Briguy · Post by **Briguy** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 4:43 pm

MD is short for Muscular Dystrophy

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 1:47 am

Briguy,

One problem, with using nasal - or pillows - masks for many of us is mouth leaking: treatment air blowing out through our mouth.

Two standard solutions are a full face mask, and a chin strap.

Many of us use a third solution - which I'm afraid will not be possible in your case - and that is taping our lips shut. I don't think mouth tapine is a good idea for a person with compromised muscular control.

Which is why - if find you find yourself mouthleaking and a chinstrap not helping - you may have to check other full face masks. They're not all the same, and though, as a rule more difficult to seal, some people's faces fit some masks far better than they do others.

The fact that one FF was so bad does not mean that others will be. Both goofproof (Jim) and wulfman (Den) are very very happy with their FFs.

Another alternative are Hybrid masks - those that have nasal pillows, and a part that lets you breathe through you mouth as well. Again, depending on your face, you may find of those much easier to seal.

One of those is called Hybrid, the other Liberty.

You'll find various FF masks grouped conveniently here
https://www.cpap.com/simple-find-cpap-p ... /cpap-mask

O.

PaulGuy · Post by **PaulGuy** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 8:51 am

I'm a BIPAP user running at an upper pressure of 15. I personally had a problem with nasal pillows. The direct injection at that pressure gave me nasal congestion to the point where I couldn't breath even with a heated humidifier. Since then I've been prescribed a nasal steroid spray which really does a great job keeping things open. However I never went back to the pillows to try again. I found a nasal mask worked better for me (ultra mirage II) than the pillows and originally did experience leakage around the eye area. Switching to their shallow cushion solved that problem. Ultimately though I settled on a full face mask (quattro) as the one that works best for me. I occasionally use the mirage ultra II during naps. It is comfortable and lightweight.But during the long night I have problems with mouth leakage and just don't want to go through more contortions such as straps and tape. As you can see from the other replies though many others have no problems with the pillows. It's all a very subjective, individual choice with many variables. You just need to find what works best for you. Best wishes on your journey.

fredpb · Post by **fredpb** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 4:21 pm

I use a pressure of 16 and I also thought the FF mask would be best for me. I was wrong.

After mask roulette I was using a Respironics Comfortgel nasal mask with chinstrap. It was ok.

I just tried a Respironics Optilife nasal pillow system. At first, I did not like it because there was not enough airflow. Then I realized I was using medium cushions instead of large. These large pillow work great.

I now love the Optilife. If feels like I have nothing on. It has a built in chinstrap. Very adjustable. I have no problems at all with the pillow.

On thing though. My Cflex does not work as well at relieving pressure with this mask. But I use a 30 min ramp and fall asleep before it kicks in to 16. When I wake up, I don't notice it. I also had to increase my ramp starting pressure for more air.

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, nasal pillow

Shari · Post by **Shari** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 5:01 pm

I'll start out by saying I am not the normal xPAP user.

I am currently using a CPAP setting of 20 with an Optilife nasal pillow mask without leaks.

I love my nasal pillows. Nasal masks cause sores on the bridge of my nose, pillows have never caused any irritation. Using saline gel or KY will cause leaks for me.

Machine	Mask	Humidifier

Question about nasal pillows from a BiPaP user

Question about nasal pillows from a BiPaP user

Pillow Pressure