My second visit to this site and I am already picking up a lot of good information from all of you.  I have had an all night through the next day sleep study and a follow up all night study with a cpap machine.  I do not have any test results but was told that I have a moderate case (stop breathing 20 times an hour and wake up 28 times an hr).  I have been using the Cflex with Breeze headgear for 1 week with lousy results.  I simply am not sleeping.  Since I work full time my latest technique is to take if off after 2 or 3 hours since bad sleep is better than no sleep.  I called the medical supply company and asked for a different mask but the woman advised me that the breeze is the best one on the market and to try it a little longer.  I worry about my performance at work due to lack of sleep, driving etc.  Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi Daze,

In my experience (and in many others' who post here), everyone is different when it comes to compatibility with different masks/interfaces.  It is true that it takes a little while to get used to the headgear and mask or nasal pillows, but what works best for you has nothing to do with what is the "best" for others.  The Breeze may be the market leader, but it may not be the best for you -- I would call your medical supply company and insist that they give you a choice when it comes to the interface you use.  After all, they are not the one trying to sleep with it!  And if they refuse, take your business elsewhere.

DAZE,
  If you can be more specific about what problems you are having with the breeze, maybe we can help you get it adjusted.  It is an awesome interface, because it has sooo many adjustments...however, getting them all just right can be a challenge

Example, does it leak  pull your nose  make it sore   tilt off your head  what about it is most bothersome for you...and what is your sleeping position.

Thanks for the replies.  I think the problem with the Breeze for me is that I sleep on my back and it has a wide metal band that goes up the center of the back of one's head.  I always start out on my side but just don't seem to fall asleep that way.  My second night I did sleep for 7 hours on my side and felt great - after that nights with no sleep unless I take it off.  I don't THINK there are any leaks.  I feel a minute breeze (pun intended) on my lip.  Going from your side to your back with the breeze causes everything to shift out of place also.

Hi Daze,
I have no advice, but I can relate to your plight.  On the nights I have managed to sleep I feel fantastic the next day, but those days are rare.  Today isn't one of them and it's Monday morning of a busy work week.

For people with a smaller hat size, head circumference, the breeze, even at it's smallest setting is sometimes large enough that back sleeping "lifts" the front of the breeze, contributing to leaks.  While side or tummy sleeping is ideal for us, if you only sleep well on your back, you might try adding some padding to the back of the breeze.  I have read of people successfully adding a foam pad or sheepskin type fabric to the back pad.  If the spine also bothers you, padding it may also help.

  Another tip, when fitting the breeze, stand in front of the mirror to decide how "short" to wear the front "hose guide"  If it is lifting your nose, pull straight down on it, until it is snuggly against the nares, without lifting.
  Please read your manual for all the adjustments, there are six, and most people can find a combination that is just right for them.  Once set, it doesn't have to be readjusted nightly like some elastic headgear does.
  Also, many people find that wearing one size larger nasal pillow than the one that seems to seal decreases leaks and improves comfort.  The "mediums-clear" appear to seal well on me, but I have less soreness in my nostrils, and fewer leaks with the "green- large" pillows
  Having said all this, when talking to back sleepers about nasal pillows, I usually recommend the swift.

With either the swift or breeze, you can also stabalize the headgear a LOT by reaching under the elastic bands, and lifting your hair up and over the straps.

I use the Swift, and it's great for back sleeping. Good for side also.

Okie, Kmoffat, Linnea & Skitter,

Thank you for your replies.  Just knowing someone understands helpstremendously.  I will try the padding and adjustments tonight.  I have an appt. to switch out the headgear Wed.  I wish you all a restorative night's sleep.

I am a strict back sleeper and almost 2 weeks ago I got the new comfort curve mask from Respironics.  I love the mask now that I have it all figured out, for the first time ever I wake up every morning with it on.  It is almost like a cross between a traditional nasal mask and nasal pillows.  I can't stand pillows in my nostrils but the nasal mask left nasty marks on the bridge of my nose and on my forehead.  This one rests at the bottom of my nose and the straps only go over the top of my head and around the back with cheek pads on each side.

droopy eyes wrote:

I am a strict back sleeper and almost 2 weeks ago I got the new comfort curve mask from Respironics.  I love the mask now that I have it all figured out, for the first time ever I wake up every morning with it on.  It is almost like a cross between a traditional nasal mask and nasal pillows.  I can't stand pillows in my nostrils but the nasal mask left nasty marks on the bridge of my nose and on my forehead.  This one rests at the bottom of my nose and the straps only go over the top of my head and around the back with cheek pads on each side.

Thanks Droopy Eyes.  I go to get a different mask tomorrow so I will ask about that.