How to determine correct size of nasal pillow?

How can you tell if a nasal pillow fits correctly or if you need a larger or smaller size?

Your CPAP machine may have a setting in the user menu for "Mask Fit." This may help you determine which nasal pillows the machine thinks fit best.

One way you can tell is if the mask leaks. If you are already using a nasal pillows mask and are using Sleepyhead software, there may be a mask problem if you see frequent large leaks in your data. I use an Airfit P10 nasal pillows masks that I thought fit me like a glove. However, when I started using Sleepyhead, it showed lots of large leaks. In my case, getting new and smaller headgear (the FOR HER version) solved my leak problem. I had been using the P10 mask for 1.5 years and evidently the headgear had stretched. I use the same size nasal pillows with both headgear.

Not an easy answer. For the Wisp nasal pillow, I started off with a medium, but after a week discovered the small worked better. For the Airfit, even though the small fit, the medium provided more comfort but took a few days of 'wear in'. That's why I think it's important to get at least 2 sizes when you get the mask (and why most masks can be bought with all 3).

If you are lucky and the different sizes come with the mask, I would say the easiest way is to try a size that is comfortable and lay down with the mask and machine on and listen to the noise and you will hear a leak. Make sure you rotate your head in different ways for a good fit.

I agree that different masks need different sizes. I find the shape/taper of the nose also makes a difference in the size needed.

I really hate when DME places check fit while sitting on a chair, I would not get a good fit.

A mask that is to tight will cause leaks as well.

Check out this ResMed YouTube video for the most helpful fitting demonstration I've yet to see. It shows you how to test the different sizes of nasal pillows by placing each one right under your nose to determine the one that should fit the best.

SleepyCarey wrote:Check out this ResMed YouTube video for the most helpful fitting demonstration I've yet to see. It shows you how to test the different sizes of nasal pillows by placing each one right under your nose to determine the one that should fit the best.

SleepyCarey,

I just watched the beginning of the video for the fitting part. I liked it and wished some DMEs should watch it and realize customers should be laying down to check for leaks.

The nasal pillows come with all three sizes so just try the one that seems to work the best. IE; no leaks

I too have been trying to determine which AirFit P10 nasal pillow set to use.

I started with the Medium and it seems to be going ok - leak wise (well not too many leaks)
But I find by about 4-5 hours of use my nose is quite sore from the pressure of nasal pillow structure against the bone at the base of my nose.

OK tonight I will try it with slightly less pressure. But I wish someone would say - well my nose measures 7 cm (or whatever) and I find the x (small. medium or large) nasal pillows best.
Having hunted the web for this I came across this info on here.

Cheers

KiwiAir
I have a brand new Airsense 10 Autoset
With the Airfit P10 Nasal Pillows
and the climate line system[/list][/list][/i]. I have only had it for 4 days - my first machine and already find it great except for the pain.

Trial and error.