Trying to get used to Wisp nasal mask... please advise

[Hydrangea]

As much as I like pillows (P10), I would prefer to not have something up/in/against my nostrils.  So I figured I'd try to find a nasal mask that I could love. 

I don't like the look of the forehead stabilizers, so I eliminated all of the nasal masks with that... and ended up with 3 choices, and I ended up buying the Wisp (because it was half the price than the other 2, as I was looking online and paying out of pocket).

The first night with the Wisp, I loved it, and thought this was meant to be. But since then (about a week or so), I'm feeling like the learning curve will never end.  I hope you can help me!

On the measuring device included with the fit pack, I measure as needing a small/medium.  But when I tried to sleep with it, it felt like someone was pinching my nose closed. 

So I pulled out the large cushion, and hardly ever feel that pinching-my-nose-closed sensation. 

But it's so big it comes to the bridge of my nose.  And it doesn't like to stay sealed throughout the night (depending on the angle and jutting-out of my chin, as well as if I'm on my side and it's brushing against the pillow).  That is my biggest conundrum with it.

Also, the straps on the side feel very substantial on my face, so I put my Dreamwear Pad-A-Cheek liners around some of the strap, and that significantly helped me feel them less.  But the straps are still so stiff, and I think that causes the cushion to become displaced throughout the night as I shift ever so subtly on my pillow.  (I use a buckwheat CPAP pillow, so I can get it where I need it when I'm falling asleep, but the subtle moves jar this mask.)

The headgear is tough because either my hair is pushed down around my head and neck, which is just weird to try to sleep with; or I pull my hear through the top of it, which is ok I guess.

So... I guess mainly my inhibiting issue is that it doesn't like to stay sealed throughout the night, especially while I sleep on my side. 

Can anyone please advise me?

Edited to add:
I also wanted to ask if you find it harder to breathe through a nasal mask than the pillow. I didn't have this problem with the Dreamwear nasal mask.  But with the Wisp, I feel like the air isn't as forcefully coming into my nose, and thus if I'm at all stuffy, it really is more challenging to breathe.  (And no, the end of the mask is not against my nostrils, so it's not blocking it.)

[booksfan]

I have a ResMed machine, so I don't know if it's different, but do you have to change the setting on your machine from pillows to nasal? That might affect the airflow.

Good luck with the Wisp...I gave up on it. I was between sizes and just could not get it to work!

[orava]

I understand your frustration, and don't know that I can provide any useful ideas, but since I use the Wisp, I'll chime in. Hopefully the airflow sensation issue is related to something as simple as the machine settings (although I have nights with any any mask where I feel like I'm struggling, too, for whatever reasons, but then the sensation disappears again...)

As far as the headgear straps, I myself use the so-called fabric straps. I completely understand what you're saying, because I had the same problem when using the ResMed N20. The rigidity of the straps dislodged the cushion whenever I turned my head. With the Wisp fabric straps, I don't have this problem.  (For me, the N20 was a huge fail and the Wisp is much better in many ways, but everyone is different.)

As to the size, I have a hint of the same problem.  The jump between cushion sizes seems too large, and I have stuck with the smaller.  When you say it is pinching your nose, is that after you tighten it down with the headgear, or does it feel small even when you place it over your nose without the headgear? I played around with mine awhile to find the best position on my nose (ie, eliminating the feeling of it pressing oddly anywhere) and adjusted the straps accordingly.  I can leave them quite loose, actually, and there aren't any leaks.

I have used the Dreamwear Gel, and while I liked many things about it, in the end I thought it was a less natural -and therefore less healthy- airflow and air delivery system at my pressures, anyway, and I have been very happy with the Wisp.  

I hope you can figure something out.

[SideSleeper]

The Wisp has been my go-to mask for the 2.5 years I've been papping. I have both Dreamwear masks and a F&P Brevida but always returned to the Wisp. I use the smallest mask frame (PS) and the Petite cushion. I sleep tightly curled up with my nose nearly in the pillow because of a cervical problem--any other position hurts, and the smaller cushion stays put. I've had near zero leaks recently and in the last 10 days 4 zero AHI results. I would like to find a lighter weight headgear but can't beat success. I had more problems with the new Dreamwear Gel--if one nostril is plugged it seems like too much pressure on that side (and I find the Dreamwear too noisy)--with the Wisp I just concentrate breathing deeply and can usually open things up. It doesn't usually have to be worn tightly--unless you sleep in an odd position like I do. With my small head, thin hair and small nose it has proven to be the best one for me.

[Asparky]

I use the Wisp with the fabric frame. large size nasal pillow. its comfortable and works good, but the durability is TERRIBLE. I 1/2 to 2 months on the frame and the headgear isn't much better. I've gone thru 2 fabric frames in about 3 1/2 months. and Medicare replacement 1 every 6 months just doesn't cut it. I get a nasal pillow 1 a month, they seem to last a few months. The frames have a very thin flat plastic piece inside the fabric that breaks... Instant leaking just turning my head a little!! I have some greenhouse fabric repair tape I wrap around the broken area a couple times and it helps a little without discomfort. Still a PITA the headgear is a little better but stretches to much. The Resmed chin strap (6 month replacement) lasts about 1 month and the stretch is completely gone. I have the best Medicare supplement plan they have and I'm still having to pay out of pocket so far just ending a 4 month cycle about a $100 because of terrible quality. I have a post about that on here...
If I could find a better frame/headgear that's as comfortable I would. So guess I'll just put up with it for now....
Good Luck,
Ron

[michael9346]

Hydrangea, I don't know if I can be any help, as when it comes to masks I am Mr. Struggle. I recently went from Wisp to Resmed P10  and like you I am not a fan of those pillows on/up my nostrils. I also have had some pain from the P10 so I'll take a break and use the Wisp for a day. Seems like Wisp has S/M, Large and XLarge for sizes. I also  measure S/M (not sure how something can be a small & a large?) but it seems like my breathing is restricted so I use the Large. I have found that no matter what mask I use, I have to choose the one that gives me the best numbers, and stick with it. My best numbers are coming from the P10 and my Wisp back-up is not far behind. Since you are using the DreamStation your mask size is X1, same as using the P10 on a Respironics machine. I do have to set my A-Flex to one on the Wisp mask and 2 on the P10. I am able to control some leaking by adjusting my lower straps looser.

I am always amazed how they make these elaborate Cpap machines and then produce the cheapest mask. The P10 is a joke with no way to truly adjust the straps which then pull out of shape, however it is by far the #1 selling mask available, and the Wisp with it's industrial grade plastic, leaves marks on my face where it now looks like a landing strip on an aircraft carrier! Of course the reason is simple. They are very profitable for these companies since they must have about .97 cents invested in them.....Mike

[jaswilliams]

I am always amazed how they make these elaborate Cpap machines and then produce the cheapest mask. The P10 is a joke with no way to truly adjust the straps which then pull out of shape, however it is by far the #1 selling mask available, and the Wisp with it's industrial grade plastic, leaves marks on my face where it now looks like a landing strip on an aircraft carrier! Of course the reason is simple. They are very profitable for these companies since they must have about .97 cents invested in them.....Mike

I love the P10 it took me a week of use every night to get used to the pillows on/in my nose (my nose felt so sore on night 3)and to get used to the jet of air up the nose. At day four this discomfort eased, it was so worth going through the pain as the minimal mask and headgear works great for me, I have switched back occasionally to a FFM as I do leak air out of my mouth sometimes at the high pressures of my ASV (20cmH2O) but not enough to affect my therapy (large leak less than 5% of the time) on a normal machine my mouth leaking is not an issue.

[Stom]

I've not been able to get the Whisp to work for me. Theoretically, the extra large cushion should be perfect, based on the fit guide. But in spite of the double seals, it really doesn't seal well for me. The large doesn't come up to the bridge of my nose and fits better, but it is really hard to get a good seal between the top tension and bottom tension of the mask. Plus, the mask leaks when I shift positions in bed. And both the mask and the mask frame leave marks on my face.

For me the ResMed N20 has been a much more reliable mask. It seals much more easily and doesn't leak as much when I shift positions.

[Hydrangea]

Stom - I've had the same issues with the Wisp as you. I finally gave up and went back to P10s.

But my teeth are all shifting due to a year and a half of tongue-suck, and now I can't keep my mouth shut at night. So I'm currently on the quest for a FFM.

[michael9346]

Jaswilliams.... I know it will take some time to adjust to pillows but since the AHI is lowest with the P10 that is the one I will get used to. I know many have had pain trying to adjust the P10 will be my mask of choice and the Wisp will be my substitute when my nose aches. Maybe you could answer one question for me and that is why everyone says it's so quiet but I swear mine sounds like a freight train. I can't imagine having it with your pressure...OMG