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Hi
I started out a few years ago, with my NHS-issued Respironics ComfortGel mask. On my search for a better mask, I found an on-line guide (no longer available, alas) which asked for various detailed facial measurements, and recommended a mask. It suggested the Respironics ComfortCurve which was a revelation.
As you can see from the pictures, it's fairly minimal, with the "business end" just sitting under my nose. There's one big hole that sits under both nostrils. The hose is a bit like a stethoscope with two tubes which join. That's been the only weakness in the design as the thin tubes eventually split. I loved the mask, and when I found it had been discontinued, I bought three spares. I also bought a Circadiance Sleepweaver Advance which fast became another favourite. But masks don't last forever.
My recent experiences have been by comparison very disappointing. I have looked for something similar to the ComfortCurve and bought an F&P Pilairo Q. I cannot get on with it. The nasal "pillows" are uncomfortable and although I might get used to them I feel as if I am not getting enough air. I've also tried the new Sleepweaver Elan. I really don't get on with that either... it feels like a big cloth "box" which doesn't sit well as I move around in bed. Oh Respironics, why did you stop makng the ComfortCurve?!
My local hospital continues to offer Respironics kit, and at my last CPAP "service" offered me a choice of another ComfortGel, or the GoLife. I took the GoLife, but it's very similar to the Pilairo and again I cannot get on with it.
It looks like the old Sleepweaver Elan is still available, but it's always good to have a choice of masks (a change is as good as a rest, as they say). I'm wondering what to try next - this is getting to be an expensive habit. I've read the review here of the Wisp, and that looks like a contender, but even then I'm not sure if I'd get on better with the silicone or fabric frame.
Any thoughts? For information I use a humidifier and used to have a fixed pressure of 9cmH2O but I now use an autoPAP machine (which I love).
Thanks,
Jonathan.
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When I trialled the new Respironics Nuance I was very impressed Jonathan. We've only had it on the website a few weeks, but so far people have loved it. and there are a couple of reviews on the website so far http://www.hope2sleep.co.uk/products/121 It's the only nasal pillows mask with gel pillows and I was amazed at how well they stayed in the nostrils. I also observed that I think it was the heat from the humidifier that perhaps caused the gel to expand which is probably one of the reasons the pillows stayed in place so well, apart from the fact that they have an outer rim covering the whole nostril. Just wish I could stop mouth breathing and use it all the time.
Hi Kath,
Thanks for your useful reply.
I think my problem is that with the two nasal pillow masks I have tried, it feels like the holes in the pillows are too small to let the air through, and that I am suffocating. That's why I am wondering if the Wisp might be better suited to me. As I mentioned, the ComfortCurve had one BIG hole shared by both nostrils, leaving them unimpeded.
Historically I was a mouth breather. And every time I opened my mouth when using CPAP, air would come rushing out. I learned to keep my mouth shut :) After a few years of treatment, my anatomy has evidently changed, as when I am using CPAP I can open my mouth and no air comes out.
Jonathan.
Hello! I have the wisp and it's in my "portable" set. I travel a lot unexpectedly so I keep my original cpap machine in my car at all times. I found the wisp had insufficient cushioning for every day use, though initially comforable it could be quite "diggy" on the nose, also any grease or perspiration would make it move around so wash the mask and face well before using.
My current favourite nasals (I buy a new mask every 4-6 months and try something new every time) are the Airfit P10 which is very light and simple, and doesn't have that insufficient air feeling, though my AHI is higher with this than it it is with the Pilairo and I have added 1 to my minimum pressure to compensate. The P10 is light and simple and doesn't cause much irritation from the pillows or the headgear, the three sets of pillows provided seem to fit well. Also the Fisher and Paykel Eson, which is a standard nasal mask, which is very secure and soft and has huge amounts of cushioning, is quiet and easy to use,
Review links below.
http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/resmed-airfit-p10-review?...
http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/respironics-wisp-review?x...
http://hope2sleepguide.co.uk/forum/topics/fisher-and-paykel-eson-ma...
You're welcome Jonathan and it's great to hear you managed to train yourself to keep your mouth closed. I've tried and failed, but recently had a nose scan showing allergic rhinitis, polyps and narrow tubes so it's hardly surprising 
It might be worth asking your clinic if they could let you try the Nuance if they have them. Failing that the Wisp is certainly our most popular nasal mask and I discovered I could actually use 2 different sizes of the nasal cushions that came in the box. It's a great one for those who, like me, can wear their glasses to read in bed. I'm actually a big believer in alternating between different styles of masks so the same pressure isn't being constantly applied to the same areas of the face. I alternate between the FitLife and Hybrid (as a mouth breather).
Jonathan said:
Hi Kath,
Thanks for your useful reply.
I think my problem is that with the two nasal pillow masks I have tried, it feels like the holes in the pillows are too small to let the air through, and that I am suffocating. That's why I am wondering if the Wisp might be better suited to me. As I mentioned, the ComfortCurve had one BIG hole shared by both nostrils, leaving them unimpeded.
Historically I was a mouth breather. And every time I opened my mouth when using CPAP, air would come rushing out. I learned to keep my mouth shut :) After a few years of treatment, my anatomy has evidently changed, as when I am using CPAP I can open my mouth and no air comes out.
Jonathan.
Hi
I was diagnosed with "post nasal drip" many years ago, and prescribed Sterimar spray. Treatment with CPAP and a humidifier have made things so much better. I haven't trained myself to breathe differently, it's just my body's acclimatisation to 5 years of CPAP therapy.
Previously, trips to the dentist were a nightmare, as I would asphyxiate when the dentist was working in my mouth. That said, with untreated CPAP I could still fall asleep in the dentist's (or barber's) chair!
I'm going to steer away from masks with nasal prongs of any description, having failed with two. The Wisp is attractive but I am dithering on the choice of frames (silicone or fabric). I agree a choice (and rotation) of masks is helpful. For we males, ingrowing beard hair can be a problem.
Thanks,
Jonathan.
If it helps, I have the fabric frame on the wisp, not tried the silicone one.
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