Looking for a nasal pillow combo mask

Title changed

I guess I am really looking for a nasal pillow with mouth mask

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I am using the fitlife and I like it pretty well, but the marks it leaves on my cheeks and side of my head are lasting all day now. So, I am looking for another mask to alternate with the fitlife

I just ordered the comfort gel full mask. And I was thinking I should look into a nasal pillow / mouth combo unit.

Three things I am looking for -
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1) no nose wear (the comfort gel nasal seemed to be okay till the pressure went up and out of my mouth - so I am guessing the comfort gel full might work well for my nose).

2) A mask that I can sleep on my side with. (Fit Life can work for that - but then it leaves the really noticeable marks).

3) And just to be clear - a mask that (edited) controls air to nose AND mouth.


Thanks for any help. I don't know the nasal pillow family very well.

if you're talking that the fitlife leaves strap marks... pm padacheek and ask her if she's got any strap covers for the fitlife yet. If not she could probably make you up something (she's good at that!)

Her website... padacheek dot com

dkdc, the Comfort Gel FF mask may be a challenge for the nose bridge. Fit life is great, as it doesn't touch the nose. I had probs with Fit life pressing in at my chin, myself. In any case, keep us informed. I'm with ya on my quest for the perfect mask.

cflame1 wrote:if you're talking that the fitlife leaves strap marks... pm padacheek...

The fitlife straps don't leave marks - at least on me. It is the mask. I did email padacheek about mask marks and got no answer (that I remember anyway). The zzzmask liners look promising, but I doubt they will work either.

Thanks

GaryG wrote:dkdc, the Comfort Gel FF mask may be a challenge for the nose bridge.

Yeah - I imagine the comfort gel will have nose issues - but I was able to conquer the issues with the comfort gel nasal mask - at least for a while.

I feel like I need to try something else or end up with large permanent marks on my face.

Thanks

remember that all new masks , hoses and headgear need to be soaked then washed in warm water with mild detergent to remove chemicals remaining from making them

marks on skin may be stopped by using skincream to improve skin

dkdc wrote:I guess I am really looking for a nasal pillow with mouth mask
... I was thinking I should look into a nasal pillow / mouth combo unit.

Three things I am looking for -
----------------------------------

1) no nose wear (the comfort gel nasal seemed to be okay till the pressure went up and out of my mouth - so I am guessing the comfort gel full might work well for my nose).

2) A mask that I can sleep on my side with. (Fit Life can work for that - but then it leaves the really noticeable marks).

3) And just to be clear - a mask that covers nose and mouth.

I thought it was clear until number 3.

I only know of two oral cushion/nasal pillow hybrid masks personally: the ResMed Liberty and the RespCare/Innomed Hybrid.

However, as a variety of nasal pillow mask, they do not cover the nose, they insert into the nostrils. And as such, they will not cause any wear on the top (e.g. bridge) of your nose.

The trade-off is that you now have to deal with possible irritation of your nares and nostrils.

I suspect your success with side-sleeping in these masks may depend on your head angle (between pillow and ceiling) and the type of pillow(s) you're using. I have side-slept with the Hybrid, but I find it much more challenging than with my Swift LT.

I apologize if I'm misunderstanding your question.

briank wrote:I thought it was clear until number 3.

I apologize if I'm misunderstanding your question.

No, you understood my mis-written question fine!

Maybe I should ask about the Liberty vs. the Hybrid - but I suppose that has already been answered on the cpap.com review section. I suppose I just need to try them.

dkdc wrote:...really looking for a nasal pillow with mouth mask

This is what the hybrid-style masks are: nasal pillows with an oral cushion that covers the mouth. They do not cover the nose or touch the forehead. They are also considered to be FFMs. I love my RespCare Hybrid.

I have both the Liberty nd the Hybrid. I've had much better results with the Hybrid, but YMMV.

With either you are most susceptible to leaks at the corners of your mouth. Use the smallest mouth cushion you can get away with to minimize that.

I side-sleep 100% of the time in my Hybrid...and change sides thru the night. I often switch sides without even waking up. Keeping the vents from blowing on the bed pillow (noisy!) or my wife (noisier!!!) is a challenge, tho.

It may take you one or two nights to adjust the Hybrid perfectly to your face because there are so many options that come with the mask. Once you do, this will be your favorite mask.

Thanks

that is encouraging

the Hybrid seems more usable than the liberty? I am sure the Liberty folks would differ, but it seems there are options beyond nasal, nasal pillow and full face masks that might work for me.

dkdc wrote:Thanks

that is encouraging

the Hybrid seems more usable than the liberty? I am sure the Liberty folks would differ, but it seems there are options beyond nasal, nasal pillow and full face masks that might work for me.

I would consider the Hybrid more "usable" than the Liberty from the standpoint that the Hybrid has more possible configurations (including a potentially "remove once" chin flap ), and hence more chances that one of them will work for you.

On the other hand, I think it's also fair to say that there are probably more ways you can misadjust the Hybrid as well.

If you try one, I suggest you check my fitting suggestions (at viewtopic.php?f=1&t=44457&p=396828) and Rooster's (I include a link to his thread in mine).

Thanks BrianK

By the way - I put mole skin all around the edge of the fitlife and it does help some - marks are not as bad, and it feels nicer

I'll put a plug in for the Hybrid as well. I try to side-sleep as much as I can, and the hybrid has not been a real problem (once I disciplined myself to position my head correctly). And like you, I change sides quite a number of times a night. The Hybrid is a bit tricky to adjust at first, but there are a lot of good suggestions on this site to make it work for you. One tip I can offer is make sure the angle of the oval openings in the nasal pillows is correct. You need to experiment with this a little bit. But once it is right, they seal very reliably. (Also pick the size where the opening most nearly fills the nare. For many, it is the large size.)

Can't comment on the Liberty. But that mask has its adherents as well. It all comes down to your face shape. Some people that can't use the Hybrid can use the Liberty and vice versa. This is why there are so many different masks available. And you will very likely have to experiment before you find a mask that is 'really right' for you.