Having mask problems (possibly due to stomach sleeping?)

Dotty,

Two I would go for are the Comfortlite 2 mask and the Aeiomed Headrest.

I recommend the Comfortlite because you can change it from nasal pillows to nasal and still use the same mask, so, say, if your nose gets sore with the pillows, you can use the nasal mask for a day or two.

The Headrest is small and light (despite what it looks like in pictures).

Both masks have the advantage of coming over the top of your head with no side straps to dig into your cheeks. I sleep mostly on my side, kind of rolled forward onto my stomach, with my head on the pillow. Both masks work really well for me. (Although I admit, I modified the Headrest and put the strap from the CL2 on it. THe Headrest is probably the most modified mask on this board.)

Interestingly, the Headrest comes with medium and small nasal pillows. They are soft and comfortable. I took a small in the CL2 nasal pillows, but the medium Headrest pillows work fine for me.

DottyG wrote:Thanks for the suggestion!

He's coming about 4:30 today to bring another mask. I told the lady who scheduled it to ask him to bring the ComfortGel Nasal Mask. We'll see if he can get one to bring.

Keep coming with suggestions. I'm determined to try masks out now and see what works. Before, I felt like I was stuck with what I had. I'm at the point that I'm going to try something new.

Unfortunately they only carry a few choices with them. You'll see when s/he comes.

Kira makes some very good suggestions.

Also ask the RT nicely to check the fit of your Swift (or not so swift fit). Then see if they could find it in their hearts to provide you with what you are missing. That way you will still have another mask choice when you have troubles.

<Gumby gets off the humble stump>

GumbyCT wrote:

DottyG wrote:Thanks for the suggestion!

He's coming about 4:30 today to bring another mask. I told the lady who scheduled it to ask him to bring the ComfortGel Nasal Mask. We'll see if he can get one to bring.

Keep coming with suggestions. I'm determined to try masks out now and see what works. Before, I felt like I was stuck with what I had. I'm at the point that I'm going to try something new.

Unfortunately they only carry a few choices with them. You'll see when s/he comes.

That's why I've started to get proactive and telling them that THIS is the one I want him to bring. It might not work! But, by golly, I'm going to instruct them that, if he doesn't bring the one I've asked for, I'm going to put on my disappointed face for him.

before he gets here look at your LT mask - on the pillow part below the pillow is a "letter" - note that and demand he also furnish the next size up and a replacement for that size - don't trade with him - demand it too

not all DME's carry all masks but I do hope he has at least 3 new ones for you to try - pick the best of the lot and say you will try it a few nights and if it doesn't work out you will expect him there next week with a few different masks to try

jules wrote:before he gets here look at your LT mask - on the pillow part below the pillow is a "letter" - note that and demand he also furnish the next size up and a replacement for that size - don't trade with him - demand it too

not all DME's carry all masks but I do hope he has at least 3 new ones for you to try - pick the best of the lot and say you will try it a few nights and if it doesn't work out you will expect him there next week with a few different masks to try

I didn't know he was coming today, so I didn't bring my mask to the office. That's where he's meeting me. So, I can't check the letter on it.

how are you going to test the mask lying down with your machine running if he is at your office?

DottyG wrote:I didn't know he was coming today, so I didn't bring my mask to the office. That's where he's meeting me. So, I can't check the letter on it.

And I didn't know he was coming to the office. There are those lost communication skills. And prob why the other mask leaks. Have you been reading here?

Always try your mask at full pressure while in your intended sleeping position. Your face WILL change shapes when you lay down.

I'm confused by y'all's questions, I'm afraid.

Had I known that he was coming, I would have brought my mask today. I didn't know until this morning that I could be scheduled in. I was lucky to have him have an opening to come by as it is. I wasn't expecting to have him be able to see me this soon. The only way I can get this scheduled (without taking a lot of time off from work - something I'm not able to do right now) is to have him meet me at my office. I have to work around the real life problems of time and work - someone has to make the money to pay for this thing.

I can't test it with the machine running. I have to do that when I get home and hook it up. I can't be in two places at once - even as wonderfully talented as I am!

He did bring the ComfortGel Nasal Mask. I'll try it tonight and see how it works.

(I have the petite nasal pillows, by the way. I already know that - is that the letter you were asking about? He's going to bring me a replacement on Monday when he picks up the pulse oxymeter that he also brought.)

GumbyCT wrote:Have you been reading here?

Yes. Y'all have been really helpful.

GumbyCT wrote:Always try your mask at full pressure while in your intended sleeping position. Your face WILL change shapes when you lay down.

I'll have to do that tonight. Like I said, the logistics of having to work and do the sleep stuff don't always fit together as would be optimal. Unfortunately, I have to work around the timing of his work and mine and do what I have to do to get a new mask.

Trust me, I'd love to have taken the day off and just focused on sleeping. But, I can't do that!

I can tell I'm in the doghouse now. I'm sorry. I have been reading (and appreciating) y'all's help.

There isn't doghouse I can see . My mom used to tell me "you can only do what you can only do" - be kind to yourself, sounds like life is rather busy for you. Did you try the new mask last night? Hope it was at least some better.

Dear Dottie,
I have been reading your post with much interest. As of lately I've have experienced the same problems with the Swift Lt as you have. I have been using my Swift Lt for about 3 months now when a couple of weeks ago I started to have sharp pains at the inside edge of the nares. The use of Lansinoh ointment solved that problem. I learned to lightly dab the ointment on to prevent the pillows from sliding by the morning. I also dabbed the ointment on to the side of the nasal pillows to make a better seal. The next issue I've had is when turning side to side the nasal pillows would break its seal and leak air which would cause me to wake up briefly. So I changed the small size pillow to medium size pillow. Doing so has made a big difference for me. The bigger size pillow reduced my leaks. Its not a 100% but I'm getting closer. It would be great if your DME would give you the your other size pillows (XS,M) so you could try this change yourself. One size doesn't necessarily fit all. I really feel the frustration that your going through to get this therapy to work for you. Don't hesitate to ask your DME to try other masks if the Comfortgel isn't a good fit. You have been given some wonderful suggestion to try. Keep us posted, I hope you find out soon what works for you.
Caseyb

I tried the pillows, for about a week. Had to switch to a half mask, of course I only sleep on left side, right side, or the back; never on tummy.

There's a woman on here by the name of Babette. She sends out test nasal-aire II's for anyone on here to try as long as you agree to send it back to her for the next person. She does this out of the goodness of her heart, she has nothing to do with the manufacturers. It's a great way to try a cannula instead of a pillow.
The nasal aire II is ideal for stomach sleepers because all parts are soft and you don't even need headgear. The website is http://www.innomedinc.com to see the device.
If you look for Babette in the search, (and I may have spelled her name wrong) she will put you on the list for a free try.