Hi,

I recently had septoplasty and am considering going from a full face mask to some sort of nasal device. I'd like to hear some comments on whether a nasal mask or a nasal pillow is the way to go. I know a lot has to do with each individual, but would appreciate any comments.
I've had a full face mask for almost a year and have never had great success with it. I'm hoping a nasal mask will help me out.

Thanks

I only used a nasal mask during the sleep study, so that mask wasn't chosen specifically for me.  When I chose my mask, I tried a nasal mask but it seemed very confining.  It covered by nose and had this padding thing that rested on my forehead.  I think if I were going to try another nasal mask, I would look at the Mirage Vista because it looks less confining.  I don't know if it better in a certain sleep position or not.  If you are used to a full face mask, then it might not be a big deal to you to have a lot of mask in your face, but it was to me as a newbie (but I'm guessing I would have become used to it).  

I have the Mirage Nasal Pillows.  I had a hard time with it for the first 3 nights.  The pillows kind of hurt my nose -- not terribly so but enough to bother me.  Last night was my 4th night and I seem completely used to the feel of the pillows in my nose and it did not bother me at all.  I also had a problem with the fit of the head gear (kept popping off my head), but I discovered today that the DME put the head gear together upside down.  I changed it around and it seems to fit much better, but I will know with with more certainty when I try it tonight.  I like that I don't feel so weighed down with a mask.  I am still learning how to deal with the hose.  I am fine with it on my left side (side of machine) and my back, but have to play around with it when I turn on my right side.


~Rondi~

Hi Bobby,

Re the mask/pillow choice, like Rondi, I'm using the Mirage Swift.  My experience has been similar.   I'm relatively new to CPAP - about 6 weeks.  It took a day or so to get used to the Swift and my nose was a little sore at first.  The Ayr gel helped.  Now I don't really mind it on my nose.  It's seated on the outside of the nose so it's not very intrusive.  Cleaning it is fairly simple.  My DME says that none of the nasal pillows lasts all that long - seems like 3 months is not unusual, but she says the Swift is one of the more durable.  Not sure how insurance companies cover replacements.

I agree with Rondi that the Swift's side hose mount is annoying if you tend to turn during the night as I do.  I even tried the Flexifit nasal mask that I got at the same time because it's got a top swivel, but I've got to say, I think the pillow is much easier to tolerate.  I find less leakage too.  Because of the side mount on the Swift, I've recently considered getting the Nasalaire II, but the DME was discouraging - said many people find it irritating on the nose.  I've asked her to look into the AIEOMed Headrest.  She also thought I might try the Breeze, but from the posts here, it seems that most people find the Swift more comfortable.  

I've not used the Flexifit nasal mask enough to say for sure, but I believe that the air flow through the pillow's escape holes is a bit stronger than that through a mask.  Maybe someone else can confirm, but I think some find the airflow annoying.  I occasionally find that to be true when I wake during the night, but it's a fairly minor issue easy to work around with the blanket.  

Bobby, I'm curious about why the septoplasty will allow you to switch? It sounds like it was very successful.  Will you be less likely to need to mouth breathe?  If I may ask, what led you to have the septoplasty?  My ENT has discouraged it, though I'm wondering if it would help the breathing problems that I think contribute to my apnea.

Good luck.


_________________
Barb

Hi Barb,

Thanks for the info. I had a deviated septum and breathing through my nose, especially at night, was very difficult. This is why I was given the full face mask. The septoplasty and turbinate reduction was mainly done to improve my overall breathing, not necessarily help with CPAP. So far, during the day my breathing through my nose is a lot better, but I still struggle at times during the night. I go next week for a follow-up. Hopefully, we can figure out what's going on at night.
My desire is to finally be able to breathe through nose completely at all times, which will lead me to the nasal mask and hopefully better compliance.
I also hope that with better airflow through my sinuses that allergies and other sinus problems will lessen.
Hope things go well for you.

Thanks for your help,

Bobby