Sleep Mask Recommendation

I have had sleep apnea for 20 years. I struggled with finding the right mask for over 17 years. I tried many varieties of nasal masks and nasal pillows. Like others have said, the leaking mask would always wake me with air leaks or rub somewhere causing irritations. Many of the masks had all kinds of adjustments and you had to turn dials, tighten or loosen straps to get them balanced perfectly, only to have them leak if you moved your head or the hose.

In response to my constant mask fit struggles, my equipment provider recommended a nasal cushion mask. The recommendation was for a one piece nasal cushion that fits under the nose. The frame is very light and comfortable and stays in place well. Yes, if you toss and turn it can leak a little, but it rests under your nose so you don't ever feel leaks around your eyes. It is soft and gentle and open on the face. While I have a Resmed Machine, the mask is a Phillips Respironices DreamWear Under the Nose Nasal Mask. It has different size frames and different size nasal cushions so you have to follow their fitting guide. I have used small and medium frames coupled with small or medium cushions until I found the right combination for me. Mask leaks rarely wake me up. I no longer have sore spots on my face. I finally sleep comfortably most nights. On occasion, if I toss and turn with restless sleep due to things on my mind, the whole mask has slipped off my face. But that is not the mask's fault.

My sleep has greatly improved using the under nose nasal cushion mask. I think there are a couple of different brands but I have not tried them and got lucky I found a brand I like with the first recommendation from my sleep equipment provider. Good luck, I hope this post helps others have a better night's sleep with great type of mask.

It is a journey to find a mask that really works for you. Glad to hear you found one. I have looked at these masks and the very similar one from ResMed and wondered if they would work for me. I am using a hybrid mask with the ResMed AirFit P10 nasal pillow frame, but with ResMed Swift FX headgear. This works for me, but it is a bit of a pain to make the modifications to make it work.

Yes, finding a comfortable mask is a journey. Finding the right mask makes all the difference in the world!! I am impressed you figured out how to create your own hybrid mask. I never would have thought of that. I saw the the similar nasal cushion mask you mentioned from ResMed on display, but never tried it. The nasal cushions looked a little different, but yes, it appeared very similar in design. Having the right mask will leave you looking forward to the pleasure of a nice refreshing sleep without the dread of waking up with uncomfortable leaks, or pressure pain, or soreness from a mask that is more like a clamp on your face. I am so thankful for my nasal cushion mask.