Some observations...
Before CPAP -  I woke up many times a night with "events"
After CPAP - I wake up many times a night to adjust my mask every time I move in bed.

Net result - Redhead gets the same amount of sleep and is barely surviving by 3pm!

Some more observations...
My resmed mask, the model that came with the Resmed 7 lightweight, has a lovely little air vent that blows right onto my wife's back when I try to sleep on my side. Just what I need, another way to endear myself to her, blow cold air down her back!

I know I will likely end up having to buy a new and improved mask but I don't know what kind to get and to buy them to try them out will cost me a fortune.  I sleep on my side more than my back. Oh, and my titration was just done last week and pressure was increased from 6 to 8.  In my first sleep test I managed three hours of sleep and 40 events per hour. The doc called it severe.

I truly believe it is the mask that is keeping me awake. Any suggestions for someone who is an active sleeper?

I really wish I could help.  I've been on the CPAP (Resmed s8) for about a month.  I really haven't slept very well at all.  In fact, I seem more tired during the day.  The past 2 days all I've done is had to nap the day away.  It could be the fact that along with apnea, I found out I have severe allergies (to almost anything!) and asthma.  Since I'm allergic to trees (yes...trees), I'm wondering if the autumn leaves falling have anything to do with how I feel. Perhaps, since I'm using the nose pillows instead of a full mask, I'm breathing through my mouth.  I'm as confused as you are.
I wish you luck.  I know I didn't help much, but I know what you're going through.  

Hi redhead,

I've used a lot of masks and my favorite one is the nasal pillows mask called the "Headrest" (formerly named the "Aura") by Aeiomed.  It's a little known mask to most DMEs, so if you ask your supplier about it, they've probably never heard of it or of the company that makes it.  If they won't order it for you, you'd have to decide for yourself if you want to just order it from an online store using your own  money.  No prescription is needed to order masks from most online cpap stores.

One of the many reasons the "Headrest" mask is my favorite is the design of the exhaust.  The exhaust vent is up above your eyes and points straight up.  Won't hit your bed partner, the bed, the bedcovers, your own arms, or anything.

Another thing that I like about Aeiomed's "Headrest" mask is that the silicone of its nasal pillows assembly is so smushy soft - no hard plastic mask frame being felt through a cushion.  No hard plastic shell holding the nasal pillows (like the Breeze, another favorite of mine) or hard plastic cylinder holding the pillows (like the Swift.)   The "Headrest" is excellent for sleeping in any position - on your back, sides, and even tummy sleeping.

Here's a link to a ton of discussions on several message boards about this particular mask, bearing in mind that until recently it was known as the "Aura":

Links to Aura nasal pillows mask topics

If you want to stick with the nasal mask style, consider the Mirage Activa.  I recent switched to one of those, and it's working out quite well.  It's designed so that the part that seals on your face is very flexible, so as you move around at night the mask can move without the seal being broken.  I sleep exclusively on my sides and it's worked out pretty well.

If you look at pictures of it on the resmed.com site, you'll see that the vents do point downward at a bit of an angle.  If you wear it with the hose going downward, it will blow air on your partner if you're facing her.  However, I prefer my hose to go upward toward the headboard - if I swivel the hose that way, the vents in turn point  upward and don't hit her.


_________________
--Frank (FJC)

Thanks for the sympathy and the advise.
I am not allergic to trees or anything else that I know of. I think it's just the discomfort of the mask. It could also be that my body is so used to waking up at least once an hour with the apnea that it just automatically rouses me. Yes, it is a real mystery. I have heard good things about the nasal pillow masks and may go for one.  Has any of you had any negative experience with the nasal pillows vs a full nasal mask? The venting above the eyes makes a lot of sense.

If you are looking at where the vent blows you might want to look at the ultra mirage series masks, which has the vent in the elbow and is covered with a shield deflector.  
The Devilbiss Serenity mask, has a single vent hole in a gray silicone "knob" that can be turned in any direction, like a dial, directing the airflow, up, down, right or left, or anywhere in between.
The fisher paykel aclaim series has a "difusser" in the exhaust system (looks similar to a filter)

of course when you mention being an active sleeper, that is the slogan of the ACTIVA, which maintains an incredible seal with it's inflatable chamber during movement.

Having said all this, my favorite is the Breeze with nasal pillows, the airstream blows upward with a slight forward angle, and is very quiet.  I have used the breeze for about 5 years.  I am also a side and stomach sleeper.

Dear Redhead, you and I are at the same point in this crazy CPAP thing. I am soooo tired. Each night there is a new challenge to the mask, the hose, the humidity.... Do you think we will actually feel rested in the future?

Yes, I too am at the same place 2 weeks into treatment.  I wake up again and again with leaks &/or moisture.  After 4-5 hours, I just take it off so I can sleep.  I might have less apnea events and higher oxygen saturation for most of the night, but what's all this waking up doing to my/our sleep cycles?  I just want one good night's sleep.

Ditto
Having tried CPAC for about a week, I've decided that it's a last resort.  If alternatives won't work, then I'll get a machine and keep hoping that there will be a solution someday.


_________________
mild6

Well some good news (knock on wood) I had the best sleep I've had in the last month or so last night. The mask still leaked on occasion but I was able to adjust and fall quickly back to sleep. I remember waking up about four times but I always got back to sleep fairly easily. At times the mask just seemed to disappear.  I still think that a better mask or nasal pillow might make it even better but I am encouraged by last night.

I found that tightening the mask helped a bit. It is uncomfortable cinched that tightly but it is better than leaking every few minutes.

Last night gave me hope that I might actually get used to this thing. It's been about two weeks.

Redhead

Congrats on the good night's sleep!
I do find now, that with the mask, I'm able to fall asleep quicker.  When I do awake, I take a restroom break, put the mask back on, and fall asleep instantly.  I must be leaking from my mouth (though a full mask made me feel really claustrophobic), since I'm so tired during the day.  Then again I have severe allergies, asthma (both new to me along with apnea...right when I turned 40), teach all day, come home to a 10 year old and 10 MONTH old, and am stressed to the max! That could explain why I'm always so ridiculously tired. At least I'm not driving off the road any more!!!

I got my machine yesterday, and got the Swift nasal pillow type, which worked quite well. I slept 5 hours, awakening before my alarm went off. I woke twice during the night because of the mask, I think. Overall a good experience.

I really like the swift air pillows.  The full mask made me feel like I was being held captive somewhere!  At least I feel some freedom using the air pillows.  I just hope I'm keping my mouth closed.  I must be for the most part, since I no longer wake up with a dry, irritated throat.  I just hug my pillow and keep it under my chin. It's comfortable, and seems to work.  I will, however, take it off if I wake up an hour or so before the alarm goes off, but for the most part I use it every night, all night.
___Rich

Update: second night with Swift nasal pillows, slept 8 hours, quite comfortable, woke refreshed. Wife woke me once because of leakage (nose piece slipped to one side) and I woke one other time to roll over. (sore back) I'm feeling pretty good about this so far.