+- Apnea Board Forum - CPAP | Sleep Apnea (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums)
+-- Forum: Public Area (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Public-Area)
+--- Forum: Main Apnea Board Forum (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Main-Apnea-Board-Forum)
+--- Thread: Masks (/Thread-Masks--39067)
Masks - mainworry - 02-04-2023
Masks
Hi All, just thought I would share my experiences with the use of the three main masks. I have tried them all over a period of 15 plus years.
My initial mask was the full nasal mask - covering the entire nose including the nostrils but not the mouth. This was a great mask however after using for quite some time I noticed the mask would leak most probably because of my tossing and turning.
I followed this with the full face mask covering the nose and the mouth, I found this mask to be most uncomfortable and that it consistently leaked with the slightest turn of my head the mask would break it's seal against my face very annoying it was also very bulky.
My third choice was the nasal pillows which is a very simple little unit where the cushions sit neatly into your nostrils, however after using for a while my nostrils became very sore and sensitive. I returned to my nasal mask but soon realised just how uncomfortable it was to use,
I again began using the nasal cushion however this time I placed a small amount of facial cream into my nostrils in an effort to alleviate the resulting soreness. I was amazed with the results I have now been using this cushion mask full time and have found it to be the most suitable and easiest of all the choices. They are extremely light weight and have the least impact on your sleeping pattern I find they remain in place even with my tossing and turning on occasions the top strap may slip more towards the crown of your head and a small leak may occur very simple fix by simply moving this strap towards the very rear of your head placing slightly more tension on the seal.
I hope this thread may be of assistance to those of you trying to determine the most suitable mask to select.
Regards and happy sleeping
RE: Masks - OpalRose - 02-04-2023
Thanks mainworry,
I've always felt that as long as you're not a mouth breather, then starting with the most minimalistic mask like nasal pillows will give you more of a chance of adapting to therapy.
If that doesn't work out, then move up to a nasal mask, and lastly a full face.