Head gear help from ladies or long haired men needed!

[Janieprint]

I just started using a CPAP, last night was only my second night, and I am well aware that there is an adjustment period. Overall I think I'm doing pretty well, managed to do 6 hours the first night and 7 hours last night!

Anyway, one thing has been driving me nuts. I have a relatively small head and long hair. I'm using the Rio II nasal pillows, but having a lot of issues getting comfortable with the bands. Last night I finally pulled my hair through the two back straps, which helped a bit with the hair issue. But with my small head, it feels like the straps are spreading too far apart and I feel like the top one is going to come down over my face while I'm sleeping. It does have velcro to adjust this, but I can't seem to find the sweet spot to make it work. 

Should I try a different mask? I am interested in the Airfit P10 nasal pillows, however I'm worried that since they a stretch to fit, that they will be too big. I also only get one swap out with my current DME, so if I switch I want to make sure I chose the right one, or at least not one that fits worse. Any advice for people with small heads?

Also other than putting my hair through the straps, does anyone else have any tricks? I don't tolerate a ponytail while I'm sleeping, and my hair isn't quite long enough for a braid.

[Gary1of2]

Try a hair net. Cant help you with mask choice. I have read the some people cut and resew their straps to make them fit better.

[Walla Walla]

Maybe try bobby pins to hold the straps in place.

[Crimson Nape]

There is a "P10 For Her" model which has both a selection of smaller pillows and smaller headgear versus the standard P10.

[pholynyk]

From what I can tell from the pictures I googled, I think you want the top strap to go straight back above your ears to the farthest extent of your head. The short back strap should go down behind the ears and around above the nape of the neck. Both the top and back straps are adjustable, and the front adjustable straps should let you place the back strap behind your ears.

   

The above picture is approximate... I would suggest the top strap should go straight back, rather than up higher as in the picture.

[Hydrangea]

Order the "for her" version of your next mask. I believe the gear will be smaller.

You're doing the hair tricks I already know. It's all annoying. I find the P10 to be the easiest - I wear it spread out, with all my hair through the straps like a headband, and it's the most comfy and slips the least (of the ones I've tried). Seeing the pic above, I'd think this headband trick would work with your current straps too.

[gwc2795]

I received my P10 nasal pillows this week and it came with two clips to adjust the head gear. They were in a separate bag.

[johndee]

Hi Janie,
I use my Quattro headgear upside down and get a better fit. Not suggesting you do that...but keep an attitude of experimentation and perhaps you can find some mod that helps you...like Gary suggested.

Regarding hair. What I do is to take a regular old cotton bandana draped over my head before donning my mask. The headgear holds it in place. Helps hold hair in place and also helps to keep headgear clean.

Sounds like you're off to a good start.
James

[PaulaO2]

If I ever go insane again and grow my hair long, I would put it into a braid every night. My hair grows really fast so I'm usually fighting the straps to keep adjusting to it. I like the bandana idea!

[Janieprint]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I am going to try some of these tonight! It actually looks better with the straps on upside down to me and I can position it a lot lower on my scalp. I also got a large headband so maybe that will help keep it in place and keep my hair from bugging the crap out of me. Fingers crossed!