Nasal cushion vs nasal pillow vs nasal prong

feeling_better · Post by **feeling_better** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 2:59 pm

What exactly is the differences between these 3 categories?

I am new to this, and am confused by reading some of the on line sites; the doctor and the DME was not help at all. Take for example the two models:
Aeiomed Headrest
Respironics Optilife

Some online sites categorize both as nasal pillows, but another site lists the Headrest as a nasal prong.

I hope some experts here can clarify this for newbies. Thank you.

Needsdecaf · Post by **Needsdecaf** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 3:12 pm

Really, nothing.

The types of masks are:

Full Face
Nasal Only (Full face style)
Mouth Only
Nasal Pillow / Nasal Prong

Now, there are some hybrids out there, like the hybrid and liberty, which are a mouth interface combined with a nasal pillow.

Essentially the difference between a nasal mask and a nasal pillow is that one has something that covers your nose, and one has something that sticks in it.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 10:24 pm

The nasal prongs go deeper into you nose than the nasal pillows, and seal inside. Nasal pillows achieve their seal with the nostril.

The Headrest is a nasal pillows mask.

You'll find answer and pictures here:

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-faq/Masks.html#FGID-39

O.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 10:32 pm

ozij, Thank you!

From that site I gather: nasal cushion is the same as nasal pillow; both seal against the outside edge of the nostril. Nasal prongs are different from the above class; they go more inside the nostril and the seal is inside the nostril.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 10:45 pm

O is right!

I have both, the naal pillows that go with my Swift 11 and my Headrest, and I have the nasal prongs that go with my Comfort Lite 11.

Nasal Pillows Pro's:

They are very soft and comfy

Nasal Pillow Con's:

They slip out of the nares easily as you toss and turn

Nasal Prong Pro's:

They stay in your nares better than the nasal pillows because they are placed directly in the nares and therefore have less leaks.

Con's:

The material appears to be thicker and much harder than that soft mushy material of the nasal pillows, therefore making your nares sore until your nares become used to using them.

I hope this helps a little

SleepyNoMore

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 11:08 pm

A nasal pillows mask has the outer part of the nostril sealing around it.
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-faq/Masks.html#152

A nasal pillow device seals against the outside edge of each nostril (and not inside like a prong rather than around the entire nose. The pillows open into the nostril but are not inserted inside to seal.

prongs:

Click here to view pillows vs. dilators = similar to prongs

Nasal pillows:

Note the rounded edge of the prong/ dilators where they're supposed to seal deep in your nose.

O.

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): nasal pillow, seal, Nasal Pillows

jomac30 · Post by **jomac30** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:16 pm

I thought the prongs were the canulas.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 4:37 pm

Yes, the prongs portion of the Nasal Aire II - which Oz posted a pic of - is called a "cannula".

As far as I know, no other mask uses that term except the NAII or NAI.

More info on the NAII here:
viewtopic/t23207/Babettes-Nasal-Aire-II-Tip-Sheet.html

Cheers,
Babs