Change p10 to n20 mask

[Rcgop]

Has any one changed from a pillow mask to a nasal mask and liked it better? I am thinking about trying the N20 nasal mask to see if I will sleep better and not wake up as often.

I have used the P10 mask for the last 10 months with what I feel has been good results. No complaints as to mask fit, leaks, comfort and etc. My problem is that I wake up several times a night feeling like I am "fighting" therapy. Some how I feel something is causing me to wake up and I can't seem to figure it out. It could as simple as needing more time for my body to adjust to pressure. I can take an afternoon nap for 1 1/2 hour that is absolutely pure heaven. But I cannot duplicate that comfort level at night.

Don't want spend the money for a "try" if my logic is off base.

[nicholb]

I used the N10 before the P10 and always had trouble with it leaking when I changed positions. The P10 works better for me. Have you tried a larger cushion size (if you are not using large already)? Also take a look at your nightly data and see if there is also a pressure dip at the same time you wake with this feeling. It could be your bottom number is too low for you.

[Rcgop]

I used the N10 before the P10 and always had trouble with it leaking when I changed positions. The P10 works better for me. Have you tried a larger cushion size (if you are not using large already)? Also take a look at your nightly data and see if there is also a pressure dip at the same time you wake with this feeling. It could be your bottom number is too low for you.

I am currently using the large pillow and an EPR at two. That is a very comfortable combo for me. I am so comfortable with the mask I have a hard time blaming the mask. I wonder if applying pressure directly to airway as opposed to in the general area of the airway can mak a difference

Some of my awakinings are at low pressure AND I cannot say high pressure will wake me. I have even thought about changing to a straight CPAP setting to eliminate any pressure change possibly.

I know I am grabbing at straws.

[chigirl]

I changed from a P10 to an N20 and I like the N20 better. My breathing feels more "natural." I did not like the sensation of something touching the inside of my nose. Since the nasal mask goes over the nose, I no longer have that issue. I also had problems with the headgear with the P10 that I was never able to resolve.

However, I am relatively new to APAP and have only been using it for ~2 months. I never really adjusted to the P10 and I switched to a different mask about 3 weeks in and then to the N20 last week.

I will admit that my first night with the N20 wasn't good. I wasn't able to get it to seal properly. However, once I worked that out, I haven't had any real issues and leaks have been minimal.

The N20 seems quiet to me. (The P10 was loud at times for me.) The headgear doesn't shift at night and the hose piece swivels. I'm a side/stomach sleeper and it works for me.

A couple notes...the headgear comes in three sizes and from what I can tell, only 1 mask comes with 1 headgear so you have one shot at getting it correct. My DME brought a small mask with small headgear (for her) and a medium mask with medium headgear for me to try. I ended up with the medium headgear and the small mask. You can buy any size mask with any size frame, but it would be hard to know what you needed upfront. I personally think that the headgear runs small. I was kinda in the middle between a small frame and a medium frame on the Dreamwear mask. The N20 is a medium and fits, but there isn't much leeway to make it any bigger without getting the large headgear. (So the medium N20 headgear seems to be smaller than the medium dreamwear headgear if that makes sense.)

I know that the N20 is new. I'd be happy to answer any other questions you might have about it.

[chigirl]

I just noticed that you said you wake up a lot with the P10. I did too. I am sleeping longer with the N20 and don't notice the pressure changes as much. Actually now that I think about it--even though the pressure is the same, I don't get the feeling of it blasting at me like I did with the P10.

However the not waking up as much could be due to the comfort and fit issues that I had with the P10 that have been resolved with the N20.

As always, your mileage may vary.

Good luck!

[Rcgop]

Thanks ChiGirl,
This was the feedback I was looking for. Going on a cruise today but will try to get with my DME when I get back.

Thanks.

[chigirl]

Good luck! Let me know if I can answer any more questions about the mask. It seems masks are so personal--what works great for someone doesn't work at all for someone else. I wish there was more leeway in trying masks.

As a side note, my DME had a hard time getting the mask and actually picked up samples somewhere before he came over since I told him I wanted to try that one. (So it may take a little while to get.)

[marcus10]

I agree with the comments here. I now use the N20 and it is a great mask that is comfortable with minimal leaks compared to using the P10 for me.

[Galactus]

I initially had a nasal mask, didn't like it one bit. I got the P10 and never looked back.

However, I would say at 6 I can not breathe either. My pressure is higher but initially when I had ramp from say 6-9, I could not breathe, or felt that way. So it could be possible you are experiencing that feeling based on your pressure.

[Sleeprider]

Get the nasal mask. You'll be back.