Nasal Mask VS Nasal Pillows.... Help please

[Surfbear]

Hi everyone!

I'm currently having success with my cpap therapy. I started on April 10th. My current mask is an Eson Nasal.
So far it's working pretty well. Occasionally I wake up slightly when I'm turning my head to sleep from on side to the other,
but over all I'm sleeping better than ever (AHI dropped from 30 to under 1 and sometimes just above 1.)

I've seen several members using nasal pillow type masks, and I'm curious how many users have gone from a nasal mask
to a nasal pillow and have found it to be more effective, more comfortable etc.

Any members here made that change and have great results to report? 

Thanks in advance for any feedback! 

[Gary1of2]

Its going to depend on you which is more comfortable.

[Sleepster]

I've seen several members using nasal pillow type masks, and I'm curious how many users have gone from a nasal mask
to a nasal pillow and have found it to be more effective, more comfortable etc.

I started out with a nasal mask but switched to nasal pillows because the mask leaked. It leaked because my skin got oily and it leaked because I would roll over on it and dislodge it. I found the nasal pillows much more comfortable, but I did have to apply a salve to my nostrils because it made them sore, but only at first.

After a couple of years I switched to a full face mask because of mouth leaks, and to my surprise I didn't have those leak problems with the mask. I guess that the stress of being a new CPAP user was making my face more oily and was making me toss and turn more. I had aerophagia when I was a newbie and that contributed to the stress, too. I'm a nervous type.

[TASmart]

I have a Eson 2 nasal mask and an Airfit P10 nasal pillow. The P10 is more comfortable hands down. But I cannot control mouth breathing leaks with it, including taping my mouth shut, using a chin strap, and using a cervical neck collar. In order to control the leaks with the Eson 2, I need a chin strap. As soon as I can I will be trying a full face, but for now, I am using the nasal mask.

[CB91710]

I find the pillow more comfortable (P10 feels like it's not even there), but occasionally my nostrils will get irritated or a pimple and I'll have to use an alternative for a week or two.
I get a better seal with a nasal or some full-face, but there is some discomfort from the mask pressing on the sides of my nose, and sometimes increases congestion.

I don't see a notable difference in quality of therapy going by the numbers, but I do sleep better and go to sleep faster with the pillows.

[Drucifer]

I have had better success with the nasal mask, but the pillow type masks are more comfortable and with no leakage. However, with the pillow masks my mouth falls open and I still snore and my AHI is higher. Not sure why the mask creates a vacuum that seals my mouth shut and the pillows do not but que sera sera.

[dhammond]

I've been on CPAP for a little over a month, so I'm new and don't know much yet.   I was given ResMed P20 for Her nasal pillows when I got my machine.  They seemed comfortable at first, but then I started to notice some soreness and it also seemed that I couldn't always find that "sweet spot" where I wouldn't be able to hear my breathing.  I can't fall asleep when I sound like Darth Vader.  It doesn't seem possible, but I seem to be between extra small and small pillow sizes.  I ordered a ResMed N20 nasal mask for Her a couple of weeks ago and I'm liking it quite well, for the most part.  I don't hear my breathing at all, and it's very comfortable, but it seems to vent out a lot of air and sometimes I will feel it blowing across my hand and it bothers me. I've checked it out and everything is attached correctly and the mask seals tightly.  Looking at it, there are just a lot of vent holes.  From what I've read on this forum, a lot of people seem to like to have different masks to change between in case one starts to feel uncomfortable after a while. I like that idea and plan to keep both of these models on hand.  Try something different and see what you think.

[dwd1249]

I use Resmed FX Swift - P 10 pillows and sometimes the FX Nasal mask.
At one stage I was using a nasal mask for 4 or 5 days and then nasal pillow mask for 4 or 5 days. Both of which worked equally well for me.
For the last few months I've been using my P 10 pillows every night. Last week I had a go with my FX nasal mask and it took a few nights to get used to it and sort the leaks out. I'm now back with my P 10 pillows and will stick with them until I get a sore nose (winter here so colds & runny noses may happen).

If you can get a nasal pillow mask from a supplier that lets you trial and return you don't have much to loose trying one.

Good luck and remember masks are a very personal thing one type or size doesn't fit all.

[Surfbear]

Its going to depend on you which is more comfortable.

Thank you Gary1of2!

[Surfbear]

I have a Eson 2 nasal mask and an Airfit P10 nasal pillow. The P10 is more comfortable hands down. But I cannot control mouth breathing leaks with it, including taping my mouth shut, using a chin strap, and using a cervical neck collar. In order to control the leaks with the Eson 2, I need a chin strap. As soon as I can I will be trying a full face, but for now, I am using the nasal mask.

TASmart!