Struggling with Transition from Nasal to Pillows

[Winner]

I had to take the CPAP off about 5 hours in last night.  The leaking sound and feeling wouldn't stop no matter what I tried.  It was just annoying and distracting.  I also had more flow limitations than normal early in the evening and I'm not sure why.  I'm starting to think nose pillows just aren't the right fit for me.

Is it worth trying a cushion to change my P30i to an N30i?  I think that would be a pretty easy trial to do.  Otherwise I'll look at going back to my N20.

It is my understanding that the P30i and N30i nasal pillow cushions are 100% identical.

[djont57]

The headgear is identical; the cushions are completely different.

[MassMisanthrope]

A bit late to this but I've gone back to the p30i after much trial and error in the start. At first the pillows really irritated my nostrils and I spent a week or so looking like I'd been acting out Scarface. I got my DME to send me an n30i which was helpful and allowed my nose time to heal. Now that my nostrils have toughened up, I went back to the p30i and strangely found that the small size works best for me (I use a Medium n30i ((and started CPAP with a Large Wisp?! Go figure??)).

Is the n30i more comfortable overall, yes. The trouble is, I'm an active sleeper so the comfort is offset by me waking up constantly to readjust the mask every time I turn over. The p30i stays in place like a champ and seems to have a real low leak rate.

[Crimson Nape]

MassMisanthrope - Have you tried taking Chelated Magnesium before bed to see if it will reduce your restlessness?

[MassMisanthrope]

No. It's not like I'm a fitful sleeper, I just apparently turn over a few times (probably overstated my "active" sleeping). Knocking the n30i off kilter is what was waking me up. Not so with the p30i.

[DaveL]

I had several dreamwear masks some time ago. Used them wth no issues, until I got a "bump" on the side of my nostril. Eventually that was surgically removed, and doc said "got it all". Switched to Wisp, and then the ResMed N20....over a few years of treatment.

Thought I'd go back and try some masks. I tried the P30i. I even bought the Respironics strap with drop arms to make it more stable. I've never had such bad AHI!

I recently found the N30i for a price I couldn't resist. I wanted to switch away from the N20...I've used it a little bit. AHI approx 5....which is terrible compared to the N20's score.

My story isn't important. Except I feel your concern....

Dave

[BeauPetitNez]

Maybe my comment are a bit "interested"...

I tried most nasal pillow and your comments are mine.  But, 3 months ago after replacing my CPAP I also decided to change my Swift FX Nano ... a nasal, not pillow.
I was still interested to pillows because they are smaller, but their lack of fixation on the nose was stopping me until I discover the F&P Brevida.

I tried it for 2 weeks, it was very comfortable, not many leaks but still tendency to move during the night.  The problem was the headgear, very poor fixation with a small band.
Looking for a better head gear, I found the one of the Evora.

So, I mixed the best of both... Brevida mask with a Evora headgear.
I use it since 2 months and this, FOR ME, is the perfect mask.

You can mix them together with 2 tie-wraps, but I designed an interface that make it easy.
I don't want to start a business with that, because I 3D print them and this is a long process, but is there in some partners that think this is a good idea to put on the market, we need to make an injection die...  $$$ and risk.

This is the result.

[BeauPetitNez]

I tried it but the piping on the side of the face is blocked when you sleep on the side and the other side is not bog enough to give the flow I like.
Also it is quite a big bump on the face when on the side.
NOT COMFORTABLE.

Find my post with "Brevida Evora" search.

[DaveL]

thistle I've been trying to find alternates for my N20 masks. I mouth breath. I haven't had a full face mask I could wear for more than an hour. I finally tried the F&P Evora Full full face mask. It leaks badly for me....

Reason Im writing is I have found a way to adjust masks that works really well for me. I've done it with my N20 too.

I put the N20 on but not connected to the machines tube. So there's the foot long hose hanging off the front. It's wide open.
I lie down as if I'm sleeping.

Take a deep breath.
Plug the end of the little foot long hose.
Blow out through my nose.

I can tell where the leaks are.
If there are some, I release the two top straps and set them longer in length
Once the leaks are done at top I stop and go down to the two bottom hoses.

Same thing...any leaks I let the hoses out until there are no leaks.

This all allows the mask cushion to expand so it seals better on my face.

[DaveL]

Headgear moving around? I have a bald spot. Headgear doesn't stay put.

I've dug out my old Knightsbridge Dual Band caps. I've been putting my mask on first, then putting the Knightsbridge DB on after. It works. However, I have mask marks for a long time next day. Oh well.

DaveL