Seriously Need Mask Advice: Please Help

[LuminousOne]

Hello, I need your help!

In my seven weeks of therapy I've tried the F40 and Evora Full masks with the result of progressive leaking with both that did not respond to numerous corrective interventions (variety of positions, pillows, tightening straps, loosening straps, different face products, etc.).

My sleep therapist initially recommended a pillows mask, but i had a radiofrequency turbinate reduction a few days prior and I decided to wait until my nose was fully healed. As it is now, I'm hoping that pillows would be a good option for a number of reasons:

1. Less facial topography to conflict with.
2. Pillows may be helpful in keeping my collapsing nasal valves from sinking in (hybrid masks definitely not helpful).
3. I read on this forum that those with reduced nostril patency (congestion, structure) find pillows to be helpful.

I'm concerned about pressures: my range is currently 10-15.6. Might this be too much for pillows?  

What pillows masks have you found to be comfortable and have a reliable headgear system? 

I appreciate all the advice you can spare 

[Dodies]

I'm similarly new to CPAP and have gone from AirTouch F20 (no leaking problems) to the P10 Air Pillow. I found the F20 caused me mouth-breath and its a horrendous if you get an itch on your cheek, nose, mouth during the night as you have to turn off the CPAP to give it a scratch. Also for me it ran at extremely high pressures.

I just swapped to a nasal pillow and I think my OSCAR results are much better, certainly my O2 is. I think there's a bit more leakage, but its way within tolerance, also no problems if you need to scratch your nose in the night.

I'm also a natural nose-breather so have had no problems in that regard.

So, personally, I would certainly go for nasal pillow.

[Expat31]

Hello, 

I find F&P Breveda pillows mask is quite effective, with Its quiet performance, (due to its diffuser over the exhalation port), and good seal properties. 

For more on the above, see mask leaking, and the mask primer which are informative reads. 

[Deborah K.]

I too started with a full face mask and happily switched to nasal pillows, never to look back.  I mouth leak more than I thought I would but I solved that with mouth tape.  Happy now!

[LuminousOne]

Thanks Deborah! I've read your posts about this mask. I'll try your tape recommendations, too. Your input helps me a lot. 


(edit to correct post placed out of order)

[LuminousOne]

Thanks Dodies! I read your post about switching and it got me thinking about exploring this option. I appreciate your input.

[LuminousOne]

Thanks Expat! 
I've read everything I can about fixing mask leaks. Unfortunately, I have to tighten the straps too tightly for comfort in order to stop leaks.

[SarcasticDave94]

ResMed P10 is still a good option for pillows style. I've not used it, but quite a few have and like it.