Side sleeping / face frame masks

[taylorgtr]

I've searched to find some input on how to deal with my Dreamwear nasal mask's extra noise - with mixed results. 

Short story is - I'm a side sleeper, and when I put my head on the pillow, it compresses the airway on one side of the mask, causing noise and blow-out form the mask. I saw some info on Polartec wraps for the frame, but can't find anything on what specific item to purchase....what's the best way to deal with that?


I could go back to my Resmed P10, which doesn't have the face frame issue - but the straps are pretty useless - is there a better / more secure head strop for the P10?

[Nightynite]

Hey taylorgtr, I also use a Dreamwear nasal mask and sleep on my side. Your problem may be with your pillow. I use a standard size pillow with the foam pieces. You can add or remove the foam pieces until you find the appropriate softness. I find with the foam it does not pinch the frame sides of the mask flat. The foam seems to let the silicone mask retain its shape.

The wraps are for eliminating red marks on face for people that are sensitive to silicone. They won’t help with your problem of flattening the frame of the mask.

[taylorgtr]

Thanks. I'm willing to try a different pillow - do you have a brand/model/link?

[Nightynite]

I’m sorry I don’t remember where I bought mine. It isn’t anything special. The key factor is that I can remove or add the foam. The foam chunks are about 1” square. I probably bought it on Amazon , just not sure.

[taylorgtr]

This seems to be the closest match to what you described:

   

There's also this type with removable layers. 

   

How did you find the optimal density? Was it just by experimenting?  Did you start with a full pillow and reduce the fill, or a light pillow and increase it?

[Nightynite]

The pic on the top is similar to mine with the pieces. As far as the amount. That’s experimental.

I immediately took out 2 or 3 hand fulls so I could lay pretty flat with a slight raise. Then for a few nights I adjusted a little by removing a little more.

When I sleep at night, I sleep on one end of the pillow, mask hanging off the end a bit.

Also that permits me to then push and stuff the pillow in the front and back of my neck to add some firmness. “ if you can imagine that”. Lol.

[taylorgtr]

Thanks - I get it - I've tried to sleep with my cheek less 'flat' on the pillow so that it doesn't smash the piping...with mixed success. I'll try to see if an adjustable pillow works. 

I may also go back to my P10, if I can make the straps more secure, or get a better strap that doesn't slide around. With that one, I had no issues on my side at all, and I don't mind the hose coming off the front.

[Nightynite]

Also Taylor, this stuff is so individual. I went through 2 or 3 pillows before I found something that would work for me. I even tried one of those cpap pillows with the cut outs, which was a no go.

My method may not work for you, but it’s something to consider.

[SideSleeper]

I had to go to a smaller pillow for my side-sleeping, full face mask. I got a Mr. Pillow, travel size, and took out fully 1/2 the foam pieces. That works for me--but I realize you have the Dreamwear problem of inflated pieces over your cheek.

[round kid]

I too found a thick soft pillow helpful. I got a polyester fiber batting pillow at Walmart, shortened the pillowcase to make it closer to square, and rearranged the batting to the shorter, fatter shape.