I need a mask without face straps- please help!

Hello,

I did search, but couldn't find a recent thread about this topic, and I'm hoping maybe you'll have some advice for me. I was tempted to hijack this thread, because we seem to have similar mask preferences, but thought better of it and started a new one. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=94724&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... e&start=15


I'm having trouble finding a mask that doesn't have straps that go across the face. I absolutely cannot tolerate straps on my cheeks, but I'm okay with something on my forehead. I'm not new to cpap, I've been on it for 7 years, and I've been using the headrest mask that I modified to use with headgear from the breeze and a pantyhose strap. Sadly, I'm on my last set of headgear pillows, and I'm not sure what to do next!! I was going to try the comfortlite 2, but it seems that is also discontinued! I love the solid flexible design of the nasal pillows for the headrest. There is nowhere for it to leak water, and even if I do get a bit of rainout water in the nasal pillow area, it's usually kept away from my nose by the design of the cushions.

I have the breeze mask, but the way the molded plastic comes together causes issues for me. There is a seam that leaks water onto my upper lip and wakes me up. I'm using a heated hose, and have very few issues with rainout, but even this little bit of leaking wakes me. My husband also can't tolerate the way the breeze shoots cold air straight at him, so it's a loser for that reason too.

I'm thinking of trying the Tap pap, but other than that, is there anything else that goes above the head and doesn't strap across the face? I prefer a nasal pillow design, because I have very sensitive skin and I've had rashes from regular nasal masks. I also need to route the hose over my head, and I do hang it from a hook above the bed. This forum has been so good with suggestions, I'd never have been able to comply with cpap without the users here. I have done a lot of lab ratting and trouble-shooting over the years, and I'm starting to worry that all the masks that are off the face and over the head are being discontinued.

I'm very appreciative of any suggestions, thank you in advance!!

Have you patiently gone through all the masks shown in great detail on Cpap.com? They probably have the most variety and best prices out there.

The Tap Pap is probably the only one that I can think of now that will route the hose overhead and not need some sort of headgear with straps of some sort on the face.

We have a long tap pap review thread that we started back in March when it was first released.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=87232&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=review

There is one other option. The "Oracle" oral interface. It works like a scuba mouth piece. No straps at all. However, humidity has to be significantly increased if you use one because you are by passing the nasal mucosa with this device.

I use the Swift FX Bella and it only goes around your ears and then they sell covers for the straps so you won't get any marks on your face. It is the best.

I have the same problem -- no Headrest and no more CL2.

The Tap Pap works pretty well.

I haven't found any other nasal pillow mask that isn't some version of a circle clapped on the head with straps croming across the cheeks. I can't stand them, either.

I did write Respironics and ask when the Comfortlite 3 was coming out, since they'd discontinued the CL2. No answer yet...

HarleyJoe wrote:There is one other option. The "Oracle" oral interface. It works like a scuba mouth piece. No straps at all. However, humidity has to be significantly increased if you use one because you are by passing the nasal mucosa with this device.

Read my post for more information on this mask.

tinaw,

I feel your pain!

I too am going through some of the same issues you are dealing with. I have been using the Headrest for the last several years
coming away from the Breeze nasal pillow head set. I hate the straps on my face, they dig into my cheeks and climb into my eyes, I am a stomach
sleeper. I haven't always slept that way but I found I had more apnea trouble lying on my back. One of the problems is when I was just about asleep
my mouth would blow open waking me and also my breathing was blocked more so lying on my stomach with my face to the right held my jaw in place
eliminating those issues.

I have tried pretty much all the nasal mask that Apria was offering me and I tried on that I thought I could tolerate and nowl have 4 mask that I can't use.
I did purchase a TAP PAP from CPAP.com and and used it for a couple of months but I fought with the air blowing on my forearm and elbow.
I liked that I didn't have anything on my face and that hose ran over my head but I didn't like where the with of the pillows width between the nares was fixed too narrow for me and weren't adjustable.
The interface sat flat on my upper lip and it was a problem when I got an itch and couldn't scratch it without removing the mouth piece. Plus the
whole thing stuck out and pushed against my pillow putting pressure on my face. The mouth piece did hold it in position very well and would probably
be better suited for a back sleeper but in the end I went back to my old Headrest and am still searching for a replacement. I contacted Aprea today
asking about them ordering the Breeze but told them to wait, I am still trying to figure this out.

I hope you are able to find something that will work for you but I just wanted you to know that I do feel your pain. Let us know how it goes.

Bryan

The Tap Pap or The Breeze are the only 2 that I've found. Both are great for side/stomach sleepers. But the definite winner here is the tap pap. Not only does it keep the pillows in place, but it improves your dental hygene! I brush my teeth now in the mornings, before and after naps, and before I go to bed for the night.

I really like my Tap Pap. I also did well with the Swift Nasal pillows before that, though they shift a bit if you turn on your side. Can route the hose overhead with either one. The straps on the Swift FX are pretty minimal, did not cause marks or pressure, using the strap covers that come with them.