[Equipment] Nasal pillows too high? Mask too short?

[PaulaBunyan]

As a new CPAP user, I bought two sets of Phillips DreamWear face masks to try. Both masks are medium size, but one set has nasal cushions and the other has nasal pillows.

Supposedly, the nose pieces are interchangeable in the same face mask. However, the cushion has a depression for the nose, while the pillows have added height. The extra height of the pillows pushes my nostrils up into my cheeks, and the air flow seems blocked, maybe by compression of the pillows. It seems to me that I need a large size face mask to use with the nasal pillows. I tried moving the top of the gear forward on my head to provide more length, and that helped, but it goes against the manufacturer’s instructions.

Because of multiple chemical sensitivities, I have to let the face mask parts out-gas for over a month before I can use them, so the 30-day return policy is of no help. I’d appreciate some advice before I order a large size mask.

[Osiris357]

I’m not quite sure what’s happening here. The nasal cushion cradles your nose and the pillows sit on and slightly in your nostrils. I wear pillows every night and I can’t visualize them pushing your nostrils into your cheeks.

Maybe a bit more detail and either myself or someone else can help

[PaulaBunyan]

My brother, who uses pillows of a different make, says that with the air flow off, the edge of the pillows should gently touch the nostrils but not push at them. I feel and see an upward push on the nostrils. My analysis is that I need a longer/larger face mask to make more room for the pillows. But I wonder why this is not a known issue that the manufacturer would have addressed, so as to advise "Go one size up on the mask if you use pillows."

[jaswilliams]

My brother, who uses pillows of a different make, says that with the air flow off, the edge of the pillows should gently touch the nostrils but not push at them. I feel and see an upward push on the nostrils. My analysis is that I need a longer/larger face mask to make more room for the pillows. But I wonder why this is not a known issue that the manufacturer would have addressed, so as to advise "Go one size up on the mask if you use pillows."

Make sure your strap is not tight, if the pillows are being pushed into your nose it sounds like you have the mask too tight