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Can Nasal or Pillow Mask Handle 13-16 cm pressure? - Printable Version

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Can Nasal or Pillow Mask Handle 13-16 cm pressure? - ramphil2019 - 03-10-2019

Hi guys, I am presently using a full face mask, as recommended in the result of my sleep study. Lately, I've seen lots of masks leaks with the very comfortable AirTouch F20 cushion. Not its fault, as I mostly just slept right through it. When I did wake up due to the leak, I would wipe the oil on my face and readjust the mask. But 16 cm is really quite a blast.

I was wondering if perhaps a nasal or pillow mask can also be an option, but I have no idea how it would hold up under 16 cm pressure. I don't have the privilege of trying out masks here in my place, so I would appreciate if you can share your opinion for my reference. For now, I am interested in the Wisp Nasal mask and the Dreamwear Nasal Mask.


RE: Can Nasal or Pillow Mask Handle 13-16 cm pressure? - Sleepster - 03-10-2019

(03-10-2019, 09:08 PM)ramphil2019 Wrote: I don't have the privilege of trying out masks here in my place,

I believe different online suppliers have policies that allow you to try different masks.


RE: Can Nasal or Pillow Mask Handle 13-16 cm pressure? - Gideon - 03-10-2019

Force = pressure * area,  The bigger the mask the more force trying to help it leave your face.  The other part of leaks is fit.  A lot of users overtighten to fix leaks, which distorts the mask seal and causes leaks.  I did 6 years with a nasal mask (Mirage Activa) that fit right at 19 cmw.


RE: Can Nasal or Pillow Mask Handle 13-16 cm pressure? - JJJ - 03-10-2019

(03-10-2019, 09:08 PM)ramphil2019 Wrote: Hi guys, I am presently using a full face mask, as recommended in the result of my sleep study. Lately, I've seen lots of masks leaks with the very comfortable AirTouch F20 cushion. Not its fault, as I mostly just slept right through it. When I did wake up due to the leak, I would wipe the oil on my face and readjust the mask. But 16 cm is really quite a blast.

I was wondering if perhaps a nasal or pillow mask can also be an option, but I have no idea how it would hold up under 16 cm pressure. I don't have the privilege of trying out masks here in my place, so I would appreciate if you can share your opinion for my reference. For now, I am interested in the Wisp Nasal mask and the Dreamwear Nasal Mask.

Online is the way to go if you can't get the service you need from a local DME dealer. Most of the online stores offer to take the mask back within 30 days or so.

Regarding a nasal cushion or nasal pillow mask, the manufacturers rate them for how much pressure they can handle. But a word of caution - their ratings are usually overly optimistic. And getting an online supplier to give you the rating, well good luck. As a case in point, I recently bought a Fisher & Paykel Brevida, which they rate at up to 25cmH2o. So far the highest pressure I've thrown at it is 22cmH20, and it leaks all over the place. I may be returning it.


RE: Can Nasal or Pillow Mask Handle 13-16 cm pressure? - Snoring Bear - 03-11-2019

(03-10-2019, 09:08 PM)ramphil2019 Wrote: Hi guys, I am presently using a full face mask, as recommended in the result of my sleep study. Lately, I've seen lots of masks leaks with the very comfortable AirTouch F20 cushion. Not its fault, as I mostly just slept right through it. When I did wake up due to the leak, I would wipe the oil on my face and readjust the mask. But 16 cm is really quite a blast.

I was wondering if perhaps a nasal or pillow mask can also be an option, but I have no idea how it would hold up under 16 cm pressure. I don't have the privilege of trying out masks here in my place, so I would appreciate if you can share your opinion for my reference. For now, I am interested in the Wisp Nasal mask and the Dreamwear Nasal Mask.

I have been using the Airfit P10 (a pillows mask) for about two  weeks.   My minimum is set to 14 cmw;   my median last night was 14.6 and for 95% of time it was below 15.6;  my maximum was 16.2.  This pillows mask works fine and I normally have very little leaks with no large leaks.  So, it can handle the pressure.

I believe one of the main reasons to use a FFM is when one tends to breathe from the mouth.  I'm sure there are other reasons as well.  If you can breathe from your nose only, there are lots of advantages to using a nasal mask or a pillows mask.  Good luck!


RE: Can Nasal or Pillow Mask Handle 13-16 cm pressure? - ramphil2019 - 03-11-2019

I appreciate all the feedback. Thank you!


RE: Can Nasal or Pillow Mask Handle 13-16 cm pressure? - kowlooner - 03-11-2019

(03-10-2019, 11:39 PM)JJJ Wrote: As a case in point, I recently bought a Fisher & Paykel Brevida, which they rate at up to 25cmH2o. So far the highest pressure I've thrown at it is 22cmH20, and it leaks all over the place. I may be returning it.

If you got the starter kit, it should have come with 2 different nasal pillows -- XS/S and M/L.  These definitely should go inside the nostril a bit, not sit on the edge.  So perhaps using whichever size you're not using would help?  You've probably already done this, though.


RE: Can Nasal or Pillow Mask Handle 13-16 cm pressure? - PaulaO2 - 03-11-2019

I use the Nuance (non-Pro) and have pressure set to 15-20. Works fine. Love this mask.

I've tried various full face masks and even a total face mask but the leaks were just too much.


RE: Can Nasal or Pillow Mask Handle 13-16 cm pressure? - Colin8 - 03-13-2019

I was previously using the Airfit F20 mask with too many face-farts waking me up.  The Airtouch is more comfortable but much worse for leaks so it was quickly abandoned.   Used P10 pillows for awhile with good luck as long as my sinuses are clear.  Pillow masks are much better for high pressure since the seal area is much smaller than full face.  Now I'm using a Dreamwear pillow mask and it's,  so far, the best of all.


RE: Can Nasal or Pillow Mask Handle 13-16 cm pressure? - DarciWantsToSleep - 03-15-2019

Hi there. 

I used the AirFit P10 with a pressure range of 12-15 (average nightly pressure around 13) and I have no problems at all. The only leaks I have are when I try to jam my face into my pillow and move the mask around. 

Good luck!