Leaks with Brevida pillow mask

[Ticman1]

Firstly, a short history of masks I have been using.

ResMed N20–liked the mask and few leaks

ResMed P10-too many leaks and had adjustment issues

ResMed N30i—like the mask; liked overhead hose; mask fit. Some leaks

Brevida nasal pillows size M-L. Love the fit.  Love the diffuser.  Having been using for 1 week and have tried both pillow sizes with M-L fitting best.  AHI under 5.  Leaks don’t wake me up during the night but have run between 20 L/min to 32 L/m.  I find that the pillows fit well into my nostrils and appear to seal well.  No air escaping into eyes or face that I can tell.  I have noticed that when I take the mask off in the morning, I literally have to pull (slightly) to get them to release from nostrils.  I also have found that the insides of my nostrils are tender and slightly sore—not agonizing pain—but a tenderness issue.

I have played with the velcro straps—from overly tight to fairly loose but still with a good seal.  Leak rate did not really change.Primarily a back sleeper but do turn to side during the night.  I use a climate line heated hose and find that the weight of the heated hose pulls on the mask hose requiring pulling more total hose under the covers in order to eliminate the weight pulling on the mask.

I so want to like the Brevida and wonder if anyone might have some suggestions

As always thanks.

[Sheepish]

For the nostril tenderness, try a little dab of Lansinoh 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.



http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...#pid225181

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...#pid240914



For the hose tugging, try a hose caddy, for example something like this:

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...ose-Holder

[Ticman1]

Thank you for taking the time to reply.  I looked at all of your links and got some ideas to try.  

I really like the Brevida and if I can conquer the nose tenderness and lessen the leaks, I’ll be a happy camper.

Thanks, again.

[Hydrangea]

How do you know it's at an unacceptable leak rate? I believe every mask has a given leak rate, in order for us to not re-breathe our own air.

For me, although I've tried several times, I cannot get past the ultra-pain from the Brevida. My nostrils feel as if they lose a layer of skin whenever I remove the mask. (I know they don't lose the layer of skin. It just feels that way.)