Ladies Tights Fit, Etc

Hi, new to the board. After 6 months very used to my CPAP Hybrid, but the nasal pillow fit has been very inconsistent. Many nights I wake up several times to adjust them to keep from leaking. I get restless and now seems to be disturbing my wife when the whole idea is to keep from snoring which has worked great. Can someone explain this "procedure" or any other ideas to keep those nose pillows in place all night? Pine tar? Thanks.

Sam Berger

Well, what *I* use is a narrow (1/8-in) piece of elastic tied into a loop so it's easily adjusted. After donning the Hybrid, I run the elastic just under the "head" of both pillows and stretch it over my head so it runs just above my ears. It gently pulls up and back on the front of the pillows. When I first started, it left marks on my cheeks. I've since made "pad-a-cheek" style pads for my headgear. They are thick enough they keep the elastic off my face. If I adjust it too tight I sometimes get a sore spot where the elastic touches between my nostrils. When that happens, I switch to tights for a few nights.

The "tights" fix is similar, but you use the leg from a pair of tights...and it loops under your ears, pulling the pillows pretty-much straight back. I find I need some slightly upward pressure on the pillows to keep a good seal. The tights are also a bit hotter (but softer). Not a problem on my face, but my head sweats where hair is trapped under them.

Many thanks for that response and between my wife and I, we'll figure something out. You would think there would be something on the market to fix this problem. I have on occasion stuffed the pillows into my nostrils in frustration. Scotch tape helped for a while, but they just can't cover everything and you breathe in the tape. Not bothered with a sore or dry nose, so that is really my only problem. Thanks again.

Sam Berger

I have the Liberty but experienced similar issues. I tried different sizes of pillows but ended up back where I started. I bought the Lansinoh that people here have recommended and use it most nights. Still had issues. I couldn't quite bring myself to do the tights thing, so I've been using a shoelace--just tying it in back--and it works great. I do knot it at night and then need to undo the knot the next night before putting it on again, but so far that hasn't been a problem. I tried an elastic hairband but I guess my head is too big cause it was too tight for me.

Good luck!

sam,

i use swift LT for her nasal pillows...and do not have any issues with it. you might consider the swift LT nasal pillows...see how you like those.

Thanks for the replies. I tried elastic two nights ago and the panty hose thing last night. Both stopped the leaks but led to nasal irritation during the night. Not terrible but did wake me up. I suppose once I find a comfort level, one of these methods should work. The panty hose were better, softer material, more flexibility. Swift LT nasal pillows? Pardon my ignorance but Is that a product available on the market? Thanks.


Sam

Yes, it's a nasal pillow mask, not a full face or hybrid style mask.

sheldonb wrote:Swift LT nasal pillows? Pardon my ignorance but Is that a product available on the market? Thanks.
Sam

The Swift LT is a completely different mask. Swift LT uses nasal pillows, but it delivers therapy air just to the nostrils, not to the mouth and nostrils together like your Hybrid mask does, Sam.

If you need a "Full Face" mask (which is what your Hybrid is), then the Swift LT would not work for you. A FF mask (some examples -- Quattro, Ultra Mirage FF, Hybrid, Liberty ) lets you get therapy by breathing through nose OR mouth. The Swift LT mask requires breathing only through the nose to get therapy. If you absolutely have to breathe through your mouth or if you have mouth air leaks that you can't control, the Swift LT would not work for you.

Thanks, Rested Gal. I immediately "Googled" the Swift mask and that eliminated that. My Dr. prescribed the hybrid or full-face mask. I have used the full-face on occasion, but just not comfortable. Too much pressure on the forehead and leaks around the eyes are very annoying. You would think a better nasal pillow fit is on the market somewhere, but obviously not if one must resort to panty hose Thanks.

Sam

You might try the Liberty. It's another hybrid-style mask. I found the pillow fit was better with the Hybrid, but YFMV (your face may vary!)

It's very similar to the Hybrid, but the mouth cushion is narrower in the vertical dimension...and the pillows aren't as flexible/adjustable. Also there's no chin flap. But if it's a better fit to your face and nose, it might work for you.

I don't recall anyone mentioning Lanisoh yet. It's a lanolin salve (made for nursing mothers with chapped nipples). Just the slightest amount where the pillow seats will often provide a better seal. Too much and the pillow may "blow out" of place, waking you up quite rudely! That and the tights together just might fix things for you. (With the added "benefit" of having to buy nipple grease AND pantyhose in public! ) Look for it in the "baby" section of Walmart or Target. In a large light purple tube.

BTW, I've heard Rooster actually enjoys telling the guys at work "I woke up this morning with a pair of pantyhose wrapped around my head!"

Thanks! My wife has already gone through the gamut of jokes with me. Will look for the lanisoh, but would prefer it worked without the panty hose.

Sam

Did I mention that when I put nipple grease on my nose I feel like a boob?

OK, I'll quit now...

LinkC wrote:Did I mention that when I put nipple grease on my nose I feel like a boob?

OK, I'll quit now...

OK I just HAD to put a rimshot after that comment..

Thanx! (That's considerably more than it deserved...)

i use the swift LT nasal pillows and i found 2 things helped me control leaks:

1 - i reluctantly had to admit that i needed to use the larger size. i thought i was a medium, and it seemed to work fine, but when i switched to the large, it actually fit much better.

2 - i learned that i had to angle the nasal pillows upward to match the shape of my nose, and then run the hose up over head and clip it the head gear. this tended to prevent the hose from pulling the pillows out of position.

i hope this helps.