I'm still in my first week of using the CPAP so am still trying to get truly comfortable.  As my nose was getting sore enough to wake me up I abandoned the pillows for a while and used a Resmed Ultra Mirage that I had around.  I suspect it is a medium, can't see any markings that refer to that.  I did the fitting guide with all the measurements on one of the websites and came out small and shallow if there is an option for it.

Anyhow I suspect the mask leaked some most of the night.  Definitely laying on my side the weight of it made a deep impression on the top cheek after about an hour.  The mask sort of sagged to the bed I guess.  After that I tried to sleep on my back (which I can do with a CPAP -- interesting).  At first it leaked but then I sort of shifted it around and tightened the lower strap a smidge and certainly the leaking is less, if any.

I think it is good to be able to offload the nostrils from time to time and wonder if anyone can tell what was wrong with how I put it on from this description.  At first it leaked into my eye and I had to pull it down on my nose (I have almost no bridge on my nose which causes problems).  Then I tried flattening the mask by pivoting the thing over the nose to the max.  That seemed to keep me from having to pull it down the nose (I figure that would ride up at night).  On my back the leaking was lower down on the mask.  

So, I'd like to know how to sleep on my side with the thing without getting this enormous indentation, and hints on what to tighten.  I know you shouldn't overtighten it as then you take away the cushioning effect.

At first I was feeling better on the CPAP then these various mask issues (sore nose, etc.) has started interfering with sleep.  I'm not sure I'm not running even right now!

Thanks --

Judy

When I'm sleeping on  my side, I find that it helps to kind of hang my nose/mask off the edge of the pillow so that it doesn't mash into my face (I hope that makes sense?).

It does make sense, but that is not where the problem was (well, a little).  If you are laying on your left side your right cheek is up, and that is where the huge indentation was.  It was like the mask settled and dug into my face.  I didn't want to increase the tightness of the straps as I was afraid it would get rid of the cushion.  It wasn't leaking, it just was like an edgy weight sitting on my cheek.  Made me a believer of the nasal pillows!

Ah, ok, I get it now . . . I didn't read your original post carefully enough!  

I just started using CPAP myself, and have already found out that not every mask/headgear works for every person -- at first I had nasal pillows, but after just 2 nights I was in agony because the nasal pillows pushed my nose up and hurt my nostrils.  So I switched to a nasal mask, and it seems to be working just fine for me, though I still have "bad nights" every so often.  Interestingly, I had to try on 3-4 different masks to find one that fit right.

Unfortunately, I don't seem to have a source that will allow me to try on the different masks.  Closest thing was when they did the sleep study and the tech there did try the Breeze and the swift system to no avail.

I've met with DME types and they just sort of pick a mask and say "oh it takes getting used to" when I point out something is uncomfortable.  It is very disappointing.  I guess if they do it right (I have no idea whether they do) they would have to wash anything they let you try on with some sort of antiseptic solution, so that would make them not want to be too helpful.

Probably they shouldn't allow anyone to fit masks that doesn't use a CPAP themselves.  I bet then they would be a lot more understanding and helpful.

Argh, how annoying!  I'm sorry to hear that your DME isn't helpful . . . I'm pretty lucky in that regard (they let me return the nasal pillow thingy after using it for a couple nights), though the fitting process did leave something to be desired (I think they should have had me lie down with it on, etc).