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Those of you with nasal pillows
I am using chin-up strips to assure my mouth stays closed and using the ResMed Swift LT for her.
Exactly how are the nasal pillows suppose to fit in your nose? I switched out this mask with the DME and didn't have any guidance in this area. I'm not even sure I am using the right size pillows. I fiddle with them before I go to sleep and just make sure there aren't any hissing sounds. For some reason my right nostril became stopped up during the night and was not comfortable only breathing through one side so I took the mask off. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Exactly how are the nasal pillows suppose to fit in your nose? I switched out this mask with the DME and didn't have any guidance in this area. I'm not even sure I am using the right size pillows. I fiddle with them before I go to sleep and just make sure there aren't any hissing sounds. For some reason my right nostril became stopped up during the night and was not comfortable only breathing through one side so I took the mask off. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Views: 17
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Andy on
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Hi Carolyn,
I started out with the Mirage Micro, then got the Mirage Swift II nasal pillows. I liked the Micro, but I was getting marks on my skin from it. I didn't like the Swift II at first, but It's my favorite now. However, I find that it leaks far more than the Micro, and the straps come loose at night, causing it to leak even more.
When I start out the night with it, I adjust the straps and the angle of the pillow until it is quietest. I do like j n k and run the hose up over my head, but if I move around at all, it seems to jar the pillows loose and cause a big leak. If I tighten it so that it doesn't leak, then I feel like I'm going to push my nose back into my head!
I think I'm getting a cold, and my nose is more stuffed than usual, so the last few nights I've switched back to the Micro, and sometimes start out the night with one, and later switch to the other.
I've also got a Mirage Quattro full-face mask, but I don't like that one at all. I got that one thinking that I'd use it when I do get a cold, so I'd be able to breathe through my mouth. I tried it one night, and didn't feel that it was comfortable. I guess when I get a cold and am feeling miserable anyway, the Quattro will be put into service.
I think what we need is someone to make custom-fitted masks that are made to conform to the individual. That way they'd be most comfortable, and most effective. And would probably cost $1,187.00 each... :)
.
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Permalink Reply by Jan on
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I am using the Swift for her nasal pillows and don't run the hose up over my head. I tried it once, but it felt weird to me so i switched back to just letting it hang in the front. Based on your comments, I think I will try it again.
I will get that hissing sound in the middle of the night too and it sometimes takes me a while to get them fitted back properly. I do use AYR gel which some say helps with the seal. Also, I adjust the nasal pillows with the air blowing in them as i put them in my nose so that they sort of "balloon" out and fill out the space. (Someone else can probably describe this better than I just did)
And lastly, I have been sleeping with a neck roll pillow that just fits in the space between my shoulder and head while I am lying down. That little bit of elevation keeps the mask off the pillow and I end up with fewer middle of the night leaks.
Am very receptive to any other ideas people have for cutting down on the leaks from these nasal pillows.
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Permalink Reply by Carolyn on
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Today I took a closer look at the pillows. Not only was I fitted with the wrong size (they never took any measurements) but realized they were on backwards!! I needed small and the DME put on medium. No wonder I was having problems. I also have been using the AYR gel. The only other problem I seem to have is having one side of my nose get stuffy. I have never had problems like this before cpap.
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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
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It is a learning curve. Most of us have had to work out the kinks before finding a set up that allows us to get the best sleep possible.
But in the meantime it can be very frustrating when you are in the midst of finding what is going to work best for you.
Since discovering the issues you mentioned earlier, have you had a chance to use the mask to see how it will work with the correct set-up?
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Just fyi-- there is also an extra small size...
Carolyn said:Today I took a closer look at the pillows. Not only was I fitted with the wrong size (they never took any measurements) but realized they were on backwards!! I needed small and the DME put on medium. No wonder I was having problems. I also have been using the AYR gel. The only other problem I seem to have is having one side of my nose get stuffy. I have never had problems like this before cpap.
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sleepycarol said:It is a learning curve. Most of us have had to work out the kinks before finding a set up that allows us to get the best sleep possible.
But in the meantime it can be very frustrating when you are in the midst of finding what is going to work best for you.
Since discovering the issues you mentioned earlier, have you had a chance to use the mask to see how it will work with the correct set-up?
Tonight is the first night. I think I will use some nasal spray too and hope for the best :)
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