Mask Recommendation for active sleepers

[Schroedinger's Dog]

Hi everyone.

I'm about to embark on my second attempt at using a CPAP. I tried over ten years ago and eventually stopped because of the masks. I tried every style available at the time but none stayed in place which brings me to my question:

I have not yet received my new machine. The doctor mentioned a C-Flex but that is all I know so far.

I'm an active sleeper. I move around a lot and that was my problem last time. I generally start to sleep on my stomach and shift to sleeping on my side before I fall asleep. I'm told I move a fair bit after I fall asleep.

I've been trying to determine what mask type is most likely to work. Perhaps I should say which mask will I start with. I realize it is a process.

I'd be very appreciative if folks could make suggestions of masks that work best for people who sleep like I do.

Thanks,
-SD

[CorgiGirl]

I tend to toss and turn a lot, which I assume makes me an active sleeper...not sure exactly how you're defining the term.

Are you looking for a nasal, full face, hybrid, or pillows type mask?

If you're looking for a full face, I have found the Fisher and Paykel Flexifit 432 to work well for me. I tend to kind of burrow my face into the pillow and this mask takes that kind of movement without leaking a lot. I like the 432 better than the 431 because of the big, soft cushion under the seal. It might work for you...

[hobbs]

Resmed Activa for a nasal mask.

[Schroedinger's Dog]

I tend to toss and turn a lot, which I assume makes me an active sleeper...not sure exactly how you're defining the term.

Are you looking for a nasal, full face, hybrid, or pillows type mask?

If you're looking for a full face, I have found the Fisher and Paykel Flexifit 432 to work well for me. I tend to kind of burrow my face into the pillow and this mask takes that kind of movement without leaking a lot. I like the 432 better than the 431 because of the big, soft cushion under the seal. It might work for you...

Thanks CorgiGirl. That is exactly what I meant by active sleeper.

I'm not sure what type of mask to use, or to put in 'glass is half full' terms: I'm open to any type of mask.

[preemiern]

I like the avtiva as well, but since discovering the Mirage Micro--I have found my perfect mask....for now anyway--

[bigk]

I was using the Activa - great mask and I am an active sleeper. I am now using the Swift LT nasal mask - small and unobtrusive. I'm consistently getting zero leaks. Very comfortable mask.

[CorgiGirl]

BTW, what did you do with the cat, you silly dog!

[hodding off]

I've been using an Activa since it came out. I've tried several other masks, but it works best for me.

[Babette]

I'm a big tosser and turner. 98% side sleeper, can't stay in any one spot for long due to back pain.

Nasal Aire II is my only mask. I don't even have a full face backup or nothin'. You can read all about it down there in my sig line. See "Babette's NAII Tip Sheet," and click on the link.

If you PM me, you can try it for only the cost of postage and decide for yourself.

Unlike the Mormons, I allow you to say no thank you, and won't knock again.

Cheers,
Babs

[rested gal]

If you don't have to use a FF (full face mask - covers nose and mouth together) I personally like these nasal pillows masks, in this order:

Aeiomed "Headrest"
LINKS to HeadRest nasal pillows mask topics (same mask has had other names: Aeiomed Aura, then Headrest, then Invacare Twilight NP, then back to Headrest again.)
viewtopic.php?t=3098

Respironics "ComfortLite 2"
LINKS to Respironics ComfortLite 2 nasal pillows mask topics New ComfortLite 2
viewtopic.php?p=69974

Puritan Bennett "Breeze with nasal pillows"
LINKS to Breeze nasal pillows / nasal mask topics
viewtopic.php?p=31202

All those masks look ridiculously bulky in pictures but are surprisingly lightweight.

With those, or just about any mask, I always use an extra homemade strap (leg cut off a pair of stretchy pantyhose "tights") tied around the head, to keep the nasal pillows steady for my toss 'n turn sleeping.

If I were going to use a traditional "nasal" mask (covers the nose) I like:

ResMed's Activa
Somnotech's Soyala
Puritan Bennett's "DreamFit" (not the "Dreamseal" attachment for the Breeze.)

Here's a link to some creative fixes people have come up with to make their masks "stay put":
LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards
viewtopic.php?t=15104

And.... for keeping the main air hose out of the way and preventing it from tugging at a mask when you turn over (especially useful for "active" sleepers):
LINKS to Hose hangers and methods of managing the air hose
viewtopic.php?t=10640

[gasp]

I'm going to recommend a mask I don't even use. It's the headrest. https://www.cpap.com/productpage.php?PNum=1717&PAID=215

I'll admit it's a bit scarey looking, but so is the one I use. For that matter, which mask out there isn't scarey looking : )

My mask is similar to this and I'd recommend it except the nasal pillow part of the mask has a fragile metal piece that bends easily, so when sleeping on my stomach it gets bent out of shape. The headrest is used by other forum members who sleep on their stomach with good reports and it's good for side sleeping, active sleepers, and boils water for tea.

The only thing that stops me from getting one immediately, is that I'm just not that creative when applying the proposed fixes it takes to customize the mask. viewtopic.php?t=15104

However, on that link you will see that many masks are regarding as needing 'lab rat' changes. So, having said all this, I still recommend the headrest.

[mkirkwag]

Hi everyone.


I'm an active sleeper. I move around a lot and that was my problem last time. I generally start to sleep on my stomach and shift to sleeping on my side before I fall asleep. I'm told I move a fair bit after I fall asleep.

I've been trying to determine what mask type is most likely to work. Perhaps I should say which mask will I start with. I realize it is a process.

-SD

I'm exactly the same sleeper. What works for me is the Swift nasal pillow. I've tried a lot of masks and this is what I keep coming back to. Once I get it adjusted properly, it stays with me pretty well and allows me to flop about relatively easily. I have the original Swift (DME supplier told me they were giving me the Swift II, but didn't. Check that if you decide to go with the Swift - the II is quieter). It may not be for you, but I'd suggest trying it on. Can't comment on the Swift LT - haven't tried it and there's a substantial difference.

[Schroedinger's Dog]

BTW, what did you do with the cat, you silly dog!

I don't know. I can't see him in that box.

[Schroedinger's Dog]

I really want to thank all of you. Your suggestions will absolutely help me when I get started. I won't know til next week at the earliest what type of mask I'll be able to use. Next step is the sleep study with the CPAP.

Have any of you tried the PAPillow? Would you recommend it and if so is it expensive?

[dgsupersleepy]

Have any of you tried the PAPillow? Would you recommend it and if so is it expensive?

I'd like people's thoughts on this too. I have the Activa mask and love to sleep on my stomach, but that is pretty much impossible with the Activa. Would the double pap pillow allow me to do that? Anyone have experience with that? I don't want to just shell out $65-$70 and be wrong. Thank you.