I was diagnosed with severe OSA in June.  I am overweight, snore quite loud as my boyfriend tells me, and worst of all, I'm experiencing daytime sleepiness to the point I worry about driving if I've had less than 8 hours of sleep.  Even if I've had more than 8 hours, I feel tired but am able to "function".  Anyway, my sister and cousin had so many problems using their CPAP machines, I decided to try a TAP device first.  After getting one from an accredited dentist (and wading through the world called insurance), I found it did not work for me.  I want to get this situation under control so I can feel awake, lose weight, and enjoy the rest of my life.

Now I'm wading through the insurance jungle to get an ok for a CPAP.  Now my question is what type of mask has been found most comfortable for those who mainly sleep on their stomaches or somewhat on their sides.  Also, I've found I end up sleeping part of the night with my mouth open.  Taking this into account, can anyone give me ideas on the types/stles of masks that would work best.  Also, my boyfriend is a very light sleeper and I was wondering what CPAP machines were the quietest.  

a full face mask that curves under to hold your chin up seems best in general
be sure to find a mask place where they have a good selection of masks of different brands and are patient and friendly, you dont have to use the same brand of mask and CPAP machine
you should try the mask when lying down on a bed before buying

Hi, i used to be a stomach and side sleeper and now with my cpap i am a back and side sleeper.  I have not had a problem with my mouth being open so far.  I feel certain i used to sleep with my mouth open before cpap.  I use a nasal pillow mask system the Mirage Swift.  It has nasal pillows, comes with three sets: s,m,and lg.  I wear the small.  They are very comfy most times.  I seem to keep my mouth shut really well with this, it is like with that 'draft' of air shooting down my throat that i can't keep my mouth open.  Anyway, works well for me.   Best wishes!  Be sure to go to a place where they will open new packages and allow you to try on different masks, help you adjust them, lie back and see how they feel.

Melinda, you're doing the right thing to get yourself onto cpap treatment.

That was excellent advice from kitkat about trying on lots of different masks, if you can find a DME that will let you do that.  Even better is if they will let you take a mask home to try for a night or two and return it to swap for another if it doesn't suit you well in your real sleeping conditions.  DME's that will let you use it at home and return it are few and far between, though.

If you have to make a guess at it, I'd echo kitkat's suggestion of getting a Swift.  That nasal pillows interface seems to suit many people quite well. Comes with all three sizes of nasal pillows.  If you get a Swift from a DME (home health care supplies provider) make them give you ALL three sizes with the Swift.  It's sold with to them with all three sizes, so they shouldn't hold back any of those sizes from you when you buy it.

Another good one to try, if a person doesn't sleep on his/her back, is the Breeze with nasal pillows.  Get nasal pillows that are bigger than you or the person fitting you thinks you need - "bigger" will seal better and will stay more comfortably outside your nostrils instead of having to be crammed up inside to seal.

In the traditional nasal mask category (covers the nose) the ResMed Activa is very popular as it is so leakproof even with straps very loose.  Many women find that the "shallow" size Activa works better for them than the "standard" size, unless you have a very prominent bridge to your nose.

Personally, I love the Aura nasal pillows interface by Aeiomed.  I do have to add a homemade strap (a soft, stretchy cut off pantyhose "tights" leg) across the front to steady it, as the headgear straps are too long for many women's heads.  Despite how it looks in pictures, the Aura's headgear, including the thing that looks like a realtor's "lockbox" on top is extremely lightweight.  The Aura has the softest, smushiest feeling nasal pillows of all.  An excellent interface to wear in ANY sleep position... sides, back, and even on one's stomach.
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My disclaimer:  I'm not a doctor, nor have I ever worked in the health care field. Those are just my personal opinions.  A mask or machine I love/hate could be completely the opposite for others. Finding suitable equipment can be an expensive trial and error experience.
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