Do You CPAP.?

[Dennis Peacock]

I've been on CPAP for about 6 months now. I've gone from a large mask that goes over the mouth and nose with a support piece that goes up between my eyes to a smaller mask that just fits over my mouth and nose. I find the smaller one much more comfortable. I've talked to a couple of guys that are using the "nasal pillow" type masks. What are your CPAP experiences and do you find smaller masks more comfortable? Are you using the nasal pillow type mask? What are your thoughts and experiences with the nasal pillow type mask?

[Bruce Wrenn]

Been using a "Snore Master" for 14 years. When I don't use it, I don't sleep well ( nor does my wife.) When I have to go to hospital, it's the first thing we pack. I use the full face mask type. I find that instead of bringing hose up from chest area, I do better with it coming over top of pillow. This way hands and arms don't get tangled with hose.

[Doug Garson]

I've been on a CPAP for about 9 years now. I've always used the pillow type mask and most nights after 5 minutes I hardly notice it. The only time I have a problem is if I get stuffed up then it seems I can't get into a normal breathing rhythm with the mask. I do have an issue with dry moth sometimes which apparently is more common with the pillow type mask. I haven't sorted that out yet. I recently bought a Air Mini from Resmed for travel and It' amazing how small it is compared to my home machine a Philips Respironics System One.

[Mel Fulks]

Yeah,I've used one for years. I used to snore extremely loud,if I was taking a daytime snooze anyone for some distance thought I was faking it to be irritating. They were astounded when I told them I had been asleep. I use the small triangular masks.

[Rod Sheridan]

I use the nasal pillow mask, it works fine.

It's very dry here in the winter so I adjust the humidity setting higher in the winter.........Rod.

[Travis Porter]

I could not stand the face masks.They drove me nuts. I now use the nasal pillows, and have been for about 3 years. The mask and system is annoying, but I do find it helps. My only issues with the pillows is you have to learn to go to sleep with your mouth closed or you will have air blowing out of your mouth....

The snore master term is very accurate.

[Marshall Harrison]

I've been on a CPAP since 1992. Can't remember when I switched to a nasal pillow but I highly recommend that option. Just experiment until you find what wors for you .

[Rick Potter]

About a year now. Went back and forth between nasal and full face masks, but ended up preferring the nasal.

[Keith Westfall]

I've been on it for just over a year - so far, so good. I'm assuming that the 'nasal pillows' is the one that just goes in the nose. I started with it and have found it OK. Interesting that some speak of being stuffed up and not faring well, I'm up right now because I am stuffed up and can't sleep! It has made a difference in my sleeping though. Have learned to live with the hose... :)

[Rod Sheridan]

I've been on it for just over a year - so far, so good. I'm assuming that the 'nasal pillows' is the one that just goes in the nose. I started with it and have found it OK. Interesting that some speak of being stuffed up and not faring well, I'm up right now because I am stuffed up and can't sleep! It has made a difference in my sleeping though. Have learned to live with the hose... :)

Keith, I find that being "stuffed up" is due to incorrect humidity settings, normally too little humidity.............Regards, Rod.

[Doug Garson]

I find the Breath Right nasal strips help when I'm stuffed up along with a nasal spray like Dristan (never more than 3 nights in a row).

[Bryan Rocker]

I have been using a CPAP for 5 or 6 years now. I started out on the nasal pillows and they wouldn't hold the pressure setting of 11. I have tried a number of masks that go over just my nose and mouth. I use a Resmed Airfit 10 I think and I am now up to 13. My biggest issue is keeping my jaw closed and sealing around it. I have a contour pillow that allows me to sleep on my side at times. I to have routed the air hose above my head and secured it to the head harness. I have also had to eliminate my santa clause beard because of air leaks. If I sleep without it I get bad headaches and am exhausted all day long.

[Jim Tobias]

I've been using a Resmed and the nasal pillow for 9=10 years.....no problems. Just have to get used to keeping your mouth closed so you don't lose pressure.
I recently bought a "SoClean 2" device to clean the system everyday. That has been one of the best purchases ever as I detested having to spend time washing and dryinf apparatus every day.

Jim

[Jim Koepke]

I find the Breath Right nasal strips help when I'm stuffed up along with a nasal spray like Dristan (never more than 3 nights in a row).

The Breath Right nasal strips have been working well for me. For the past few years Costco has had them on sale once a year. Last year it was at 5 pack per purchase maximum. After a quick consult at check out we made two purchases with my wife buying 5 and me buying 5. !0 packs lasts over a year, but they do not always schedule the sale for the same months. It also isn't a sure thing they will have another sale this year.

jtk

[Keith Westfall]

Keith, I find that being "stuffed up" is due to incorrect humidity settings, normally too little humidity..

Normally I don't have a problem - this time it is a cold that has me stuffed up:(

[Ted Calver]

New CPAP user with the foam padded nose/mouth mask. I'm still getting used to it, with the biggest problem being that it leaks when my jaw relaxes in sleep and the noise of the air leak wakes me up. Before CPAP, I bought the Breathe Right strips and cut them in half lengthwise. They worked just as well and saved money.

[scott ward]

CPAP for 15 years, can't sleep without it. Tried nasal mask for about 2 weeks and then switched to nasal pillow and haven't looked back. I put the mask on and it's like a switch gets flipped and I fall asleep.

Interesting thing though. Recently my wife has been having trouble sleeping due to snoring. She does not have Apnea events so CPAP was not recommended. We came across a product called Theravent. She was desperate enough to try it. It was a game changer for her. No more snoring, she doesn't wake up with a sore throat or headache. If snoring is the problem without apnea it might be a solution.