Need help with new mask, dealing with dry eye

I'm in the process of getting a new nasal pillow mask and could use recommendations from anyone else who suffers from dry eye.

My first mask was the Swift LT and I had a lot of trouble with air leakage around the pillows that went up in my eyes and caused a lot of irritation. When the FX came out, it was a huge improvement. I didn't like it at first because of the swivel, it would turn unexpectedly and direct the exhaust air into my eyes. I fixed that by wrapping a rubber band around next to the swivel so it doesn't swivel anymore and I can direct the exhaust air in the direction I want and keep it there. But I do have issues with the headgear, it's a hard lump right under my bony cheekbone and I'm a side sleeper, and it also has a tendency to slip off of my nose so I get leaks that wake me up.

I have been trying the Airfit P10 and it is an amazing mask. It sits against the nostrils exactly right and stays where it needs to be all night. It's really lightweight, the straps are so thin and soft, no issues with the headgear at all. I can lay on my side as if I have no mask on at all. No red marks on my face from any of the parts in the morning. Unfortunately, during the night I became aware it was drying my eyes out significantly. Although the exhaust air is diffused very gently, it sweeps over my face, and there is no way to direct the air in any other direction. Even though the air movement is very soft, it is continual, all night long moving air over the eyes, and I can't tolerate it. The whites of my eyes were totally red in the morning. I've tried the Airfit 3 more nights, I want it to work so badly, but each night the eye issue has gotten more severe, so last night I went back to the FX.

So, now I am trying to decide if I should just stick with the FX or if there are other nasal pillow masks worth trying? Perhaps the Nuance? Anyone else with dry eye syndrome that has found a good mask?

I wonder, as you seem particularly sensitive to air in your eyes (could be the mask, could be anatomy, could be the vent) whether you might try Googling sleep masks (leave the Cpap part out as you'll just get Cpap masks) and then after looking at many and finding some that look possible, calling to ask about how well they'd block the inner corners of your eyes... but you'd need to be careful it wouldn't interfere with the mask at all, causing leaks to the breeze that you can't afford therapy-wise.

Others here may have suggestions about other masks, and/or drops, etc. that work for them. Good luck!

What pressure are you using?

Let me know and I will do some experimenting on the venting with the nasal pillow masks that I have to see if maybe the Nuance might work for your needs in keeping the air away from your face.
I need to test it at your pressure though to have a chance of comparing the Swift FX to the Nuance venting.

I am using the AirFit P10 at the moment and I can't feel but the tiniest of breeze at the vent with my finger touching the mask.
Maybe your pressure is much greater than what I am starting the night with. Once asleep I never know where it goes.

Have you looked at the Tap Pap? I can't see its vent hitting the eyes unless it bounces off an arm or the bed covers.
It's my primary mask but using the P10 right now because of a little problem with one of my lower teeth (unrelated to Tap Pap mouth guard) and I just didn't want anything in my mouth right now.

You might try these nighttime goggles. I use them and like them a lot, as a matter of fact, they retained so much moisture in my eyes that I had to use a paper hole punch to put a couple of holes in each outside corner.
Http://www.eyeeco.com/product/iproduct_ ... hiled.html

I also have dry eye issues, completely unrelated to my APAP. However, I can't stand any air blowing in my eyes. I find using an otc ophthalmic ointment or gel helps. I am using the Nuance pro gel nasal pillow, and have not noticed it blowing in my eyes.

I decided to use an eye mask (like I need one more thing attached to my head at night : ) Anyway, it turns out that I sleep deeper with the lack of light as well as keep out any stray poofs of air. My favorite eye mask turned out to be a thick piece of cotton that I just slip under my mask headgear and it stays in place (I have a massive forehead piece on the Comfortlite 2 (which is now discontinued - boo). But it would be easy to sew light elastic on it to form a strap.

Thanks for the ideas, all.

Pugsy, my pressure tends to be low, rarely ever gets up over 8.

A little more about my situation, I do have pretty serious dry eye syndrome so even a small breeze is irritating. I use the Systane gel at night.

I have tried regular sleep masks and trying to make my own but never had luck, the air blows right under the edges. Oh and my eyes have a tendency to not want to stay shut tightly while I'm asleep so that makes it worse. I will look into the goggles but I just hate having stuff on my face, you know?

The FX works pretty well as far as keeping air out of my eyes, but I was hoping to get something more comfortable and lightweight this time.

I sure appreciate the suggestions, this forum is a godsend.