So comfy, you forget you're wearing it?

I'm having the problem that I subconsciously "feel" or "notice" my mask in the night, and half-asleep half-awake, I remove it.

The last two masks I bought were nasal pillows, based on the idea that if the mask is smaller, it's less visible.

I'd like to buy my next mask on the premise of sensation, not visual. Is there a mask that is so comfortable or flexible that one forgets that she's wearing a mask?

Any recommendations? I'm looking for example maybe at Mirage Activa™ Nasal CPAP Mask.

Ever tried the sleepweaver?
I'm thinking of it, but since it's one size for everyone, I fear it won't fit my tiny schnozz.

I asked my same question to my mask vendor, and he recommended Mirage™ FX for Her Nasal CPAP Mask.

I use the Mirage Activa, size small. It's is very comfortable but they gave me a medium headgear. The headgear slips up bending me ears and that's irritating. Also, the mask itself sometimes moves up so bottom of the silicone mask is against my nostrils and top is almost over my eyes. I wear headgear very loose and the seal on my face is great. My leak data in SleepyHead and ResScan is below 10 every night. If I tighten the headgear, the mask doesn't move much but the headgear bugs me more. Activa is meant for "active sleepers" and I move around quite a bit. I'm not very conscious of the mask but more conscious of the headgear. I love that the mask has quick disconnect. It makes it easy to unhook, get up for a few minutes, and rehook. I've been known to walk my dog outside still wearing my mask that's how unconscious I am of its presence.

I also use the SmartStart on my Resmed S9 Elite. I never have to reach over and push any buttons. Just put on mask and headgear, turn off the light, find end of hose and connect. Then just breathe into it and it starts up the machine.

I tried a cloth mask when I was first diagnosed and I thought surely I would love it but I never got any kind of good seal with it. Maybe my nose was too big! Now I'm a fan of nasal pillows.

I have heard that the limited sizing on the mirage FX eliminates some small faces--FYI.
Your DME is really PUSHING Resmed, aren't they?
I bet they won't even order a sleepweaver.

Oh, make sure they honor the 30 days return policy on any mask you get from them!
The mask companies pay for it.

Maybe I should buy 3, try them out, and return 2.

I use the Swift FX every night, and I feel it's a "barely there" kind of mask, especially compared to my older Swift LT. I doubt there's a mask that's less invasive than that one, but I could always be wrong. It's just a matter of persistence. Once you find a mask that suits you, one day you'll realize that you don't really even feel it.

I have both the Mirage FX and the Swift FX (both for her). I started with the Mirage for a couple of weeks and went back to my DME for nasal pillows instead. It is just a little too big for my face, so I fiddle with it all the time. Either it's on the verge of leaking into my eyes at the slightest movement or it's pushing my upper lip down and causing my lower lip to jut out. The Swift FX is much less noticable for me. Also because of the forehead piece, it's hard to NOT notice it. Although I did like being able to slip my eye cover underneath and have it held on...kept it really dark all the time.

I call the swift fx "the next best thing to sleeping naked".

Janknitz wrote:I call the swift fx "the next best thing to sleeping naked".

Amen!

chunkyfrog wrote:Ever tried the sleepweaver?
I'm thinking of it, but since it's one size for everyone, I fear it won't fit my tiny schnozz.

Howdy from a Sleepweaver fan. You both may be right, to think there could be an issue with the size causing excessive leaks. Maybe it's time you two gang up on Circadience and get them to make a more petite version. For myself, I need a med to large in other interfaces, but I still get some leaks near the eyes with SW.
I should think that Circadience could easily modify the top connection to be a little lower; doubt if the width make lots of difference since it's completely flexible. But the eyes - that's another issue. I don't suggest you email them, though; thay may be more responsive through their web blog or by phone.
As for SW's comfort, a week ago I managed to disconnect the hose from the mask (probably a bathroom stop) and I woke up hours later wondering where the mask was... on my face. When you take the hose off, it's totally easy to breathe - no restriction at all. With the CPAP on, it's lots easier in exhalation than nasal pillows. Lots more area for venting; which may be why many people have trouble with excessive leaks on SW. I ignore my 1+- per sec leak cause the mask is SOOO comfortable. And my AI is down to about 1 so I'm satisfied.

I've altered practically everything (fabric) I own already.
Even made headliners, motorcycle seats, a Naugahyde fairing.
Why could I NOT alter a cloth mask?
Maybe I can own the first sleepweaver full face mask.
Hmmm.

I use nasal pillows and have a couple of times woken up thinking I had taken off my headgear, only to find that I was actually still using it. I guess I got lucky and found the right gear first, because I've really had no trouble adjusting.