Nasal Masks or Nasal pillows

[abdulghaffar]

Hi all,

Im currently in my first 6 months of OSA therapy and have been using a nasal mask with some average results. I am looking into trying a Nasal Pillow mask but im unsure of the advantages of changing. If you have used both could you tell me why you changed and why the nasal pillows where better or worse for you.

My CPAP is set to 12, and i sleep on both my side and back.

Thanks in advance

[jamestaylor]

Main reasons for switching from a nasal cushion to a nasal pillow mask include:

- Bridge of the nose problems (skin irritation/breakage etc.)
- Wanting to wear glasses before sleep
- Less claustrophobic / lighter experience
- More flexibility to route the hose (like with the ComfortLite for example)
- Reducing leaks (smaller seal area normally equals smaller chance of leaks)
- Reducing pressure marks (though this can also be achieved with RemZzzs)
- Reducing sweatiness, as Tas mentioned (may not always apply in the UK)
- Increasing side sleeping comfort (can also chieved with special CPAP pillow)

People generally find a humidifier very desirable when wearing a nasal pillow mask as it can feel dry and cold when 'pumped in' directly. It also helps reduce sinus problems. Free nasal breathing is o course a requirement, just like a nasal cushion mask.