I went back for my 2nd sleep study on Friday and was told that I would need a CPAP. I sleep curled up on my side and am wondering what your thoughts are on different masks. I used the nasal pillows at the study but tried to sleep on my back all night. I was afraid it wouldn't work properly if I rolled over. I didn't sleep very well. Of course part of the reason was because of the strange sensation of the machine but I also wasn't comfortable on my back. Anyone else side sleepers and what do you use? I want to be as prepared as possible when I have to make my selection.

Peggy, I’m also a side sleeper.  The first few weeks using CPAP I thought it would be more effective if I were on my back.  However, I often took the mask off during the night and would find it on the floor the next morning.  Eventually I learned to sleep on my side again.

Recently I’ve been waking up surprised to still have the mask on!  And, by the way, waking at a later hour after some pretty vivid dreams.  I could conclude that the mask I wear works for a side sleeper or I can conclude I merely learned to sleep on my side with a Flexifit 431 full-face mask.

I might add that I use one of those curved memory pillows.  My face seems to fit nicely in the inner curve while my neck rests comfortably on the “upâ€� part of the curve.  I think this position (weight and bulk distribution) minimizes the pressure on the area of my face where the mask apparatus is strapped.


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Success Nourishes Hope

I'm a side sleeper and am having good luck with Mirage Swift Nasal Pillows and sleeping on a Tempur-Pedic neck pillow.

Peggy,

Everyone is going to have a favorite mask, pillow, machine, etc.

I personally am 50% back sleepere and 50% side sleeper.  I used CPAP for 3 months but have just switched to APAP, so I am pretty new at this.  I went throught 3 masks to find the one for me.

Now, you may hate every piece of equipment I use, but here they are, and I am happy....

Pillow.....Tempurpedic
Mask......ResMed Swift Nasal Mask
Machine..Remstar Auto w/ CFLEX  (I used the Remstar plus CPAP before and loved it too)

I also like the ResMed Activa mask, but prefer the swift due to the freedom.  I did find if you tie the hose to your bed about 2 feetish from the mask that the hose will not pull on the mask and add to leaks.

I hope you find what is perfect for you and wish you the best of luck.

Phillip

Also Peggy....when you go to your equipment supplier to get a mask.  Make them let you try on as many as they possibly will.  Sitting in a chair trying them work and they all fit.  Take your pillow with you and try the mask laying on the floor if you have too and see how it feels in your standard sleeping position.  I hope you get the right mask on the first stab, but that just doesn't happen very often.

The most important thing in my mind is diligently treat your sleep apnea.  If you are having problems, talk to your doctor.  Do not give up because there is one or two things that are causing you a problem.  Look for solutions to those problems.

In my experience CPAP is a miracle.  I spent 20 years going from shrink to shrink being told I was bipolar, shizophrenic, had anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.  The medication I have take in those 20 years has been horrible.  I am 7 weeks off of the meds and feel like a normal person due to "CPAP" as far as I can tell.  I was never crazy.  I just never slept good.

Give this every chance to work for you that you can and learn all you can about sleep apnea.  You will find people on these boards know tricks and solutions to many problems because we all use the equipment and the doctors and suppliers seldom do.

Take care
Phillip

I'm a side sleeper, and have had little trouble with several masks/nasal pillows.  There are lots of side sleepers out there; a mask that can't accommodate a side sleeper wouldn't have much appeal to most people.

The masks generally have a swivel feature that allows the hose to change angles as you turn from one side to the other.  I've never been entangled in my hose!

Masks without a swivel feature have something else to help keep the hose in the right position when you turn over.  The Mirage Swift is one; you can attach the hose to the strap on top your head.

I had an adjustment period (one week or less) before I could sleep on my side with the Mirage Swift.  The choice of pillow and the angle of your head makes a difference.  Like all mask issues, what works for each of us varies.

I have been on CPAP for about 3 weeks.  I am a side sleeper and having good luck with Respironics ComfortGel Nasal Mask
It seems to be working for me.  Good Luck!!

I am a side sleeper, 5 1/2  years on pap,current pressure 14, my favorite is the Breeze with nasal pillows.