Here's the background info: I'm supposed to pick out masks that I want to try on and my doctor will call the supplier to make sure they are all in stock at my supplier for when I go in to try on/buy a mask. My doctor knows about my mask (Zest) breaking open the skin on my nose. She thinks my mask has a lot to do with why I'm still tired -- leaking, uncomfortable, etc. (I have improved, just not dramatically). She doesn't like that I have to tweak it so much to fit my needs -- thinks it should work as is. She also wants me to get two masks to switch back and forth so my nose have a break when it hurts.

The problem: Well, it's hard to guess at what masks would work for me so that's where I need your help. Your guess is pretty much as good as mine. I tried nasal pillows for two days and struggled, but I am going to try them again because they barely touch your face. If this helps you help me with masks: my face is round and shorter in length.

I would appreciate if you could let me know good/bad experiences with any of these masks -- leaks, sores on your faces, etc. THANKS!!! Also, if you have additional suggestions, please feel free to let me know.

hybrid ff mask
Liberty ff mask
Activa LT mask
Full Life ff mask
Ultra Mirage II
Mirage Micro Nasal Mask
Mirage Vista mask
Simplicity nasal mask
Opus 360
DeVilbiss: Serenity Mask 9352
DeVilbiss FlexSet Mask
Mirage Swift LT-F for her


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Previous Mask: F&P Zest (did not like)
Current Mask: Resmed Swift LT for her (nasal pillow)
CPAP: F&P Sleep Series 234

maf79, I finally settled on the Liberty FF mask which is a hybrid. I only had a few days of adjusting to the mask and now love it. My leak rate goes from .oo to .o8 on an average night. I sleep on my back and sides, changing positions numberous times during the night without breaking the seal. Once the head gear is sized you don't have to fiddle with it on a daily basis, a huge plus in my opinion. It also does not slip like other head gear that I had tried.

One suggestion, if you choose the Liberty, make sure to use a lubricant the first week or so it helps with the adjustment period. I no longer need to use a lubricant.

Good luck with your search.

For a new user or someone not used to a nasal pillows mask I always suggest that they buy some Ayr Saline Nasal Gel as the air pressure is somewhat more direct into the nostrils w/the nasal pillows style than the nasal cushion or full face style masks.

My personal preference is for the Respironics Simpliciity simple nasal cushion mask. It is very light weight and fits lower than the bridge of the nose. But to give fair warning the headgear is extremely large. There is an easy fix for this w/scissors and velcro strip that I can explain for those who choose to try the Simplicity. And you don't need to use the scissors until you are sure you like it and are going to keep it.

I liked the Resmed Mirage Micro EXCEPT I never could get that thin outer cushion cover to NOT slice into the bridge of my nose. I LIKED that you could adjust the length somewhat and also the angle between bridge of nose and forehead somewhat. The indentation for the bridge of the nose was just too deep for my nose, I guess, so the thin outer cushion cover was a real problem for me in that area. I had the same problem w/the Resmed Mirage Quattro full face mask.

I'm not a fan of nasal pillows but I rather liked the Resmed Swift LT for Her and I also rather liked the Respironics OptiLife w/the option of nasal pillows or simple nasal cradle cushion.

I just tried the ProBasics Zzz-Mask (full face) and LOVED it - the first night. The headgear is very poorly designed, is too large and tends to pull the lower jaw back. The mask was a good fit for me w/a wonderful seal sleeping on back or sides but I have yet to figure out a "fix" for the headgear that will work and not push the lower jaw back. I even tried modifying an old Simplicity's headgear w/no luck.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity mask, ResScan 3.7, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

thanks!!! Ironically my doctor's office left me a message today so I think they are following up to get what masks I want to try. I'm actually impressed that they followed up on this. I think this doctor choice was a good one....a breeze compared to my last doctor.


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Previous Mask: F&P Zest (did not like)
Current Mask: Resmed Swift LT for her (nasal pillow)
CPAP: F&P Sleep Series 234

That is good to hear and a welcome bit of news. Congratulations and continued good luck.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity mask, ResScan 3.7, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

I love the LT Swift for Her!   I've tried a Zest Mask--leaked way too much and hurt my nose.    I also tried Swift LT but the pillows would slip out of my nose.  LT Swift for her works great and does not leak.  I do recommend vaseline or AYR gel to lubricate when you first start using it so the bottom or nares of your nose does not get sore.  
Good Luck!  Sounds like your doctor is on top of things.