2 issues: 7 months have passed and I can't get used to CPAP.
Can “Nasal Aire II� suffocate me if I roll over on the ports?

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 7 months ago in a sleep study at a sleep lab. I hated using the mask so I changed to nasal Aire. It is more comfortable but I read the other night that if the exhale ports get blocked you can suffocate. A few nights later I woke up late in the night and took the mask because I felt like I was being suffocated. The next day I had the worst headache on the face of the planet! I have the "Nasal Aire II" mask. I always sleep on my side and I have neck problems so I lean my face into my pillow. Can I suffocate myself if the exhale ports get blocked by my pillow? I am afraid so I haven't been using it. I am tired and have headaches constantly - not as bad as that one night. I also have TMJ but can't afford the night guard. O Boy! Any advice?

Loretta,
  Your risk of suffocation while using cpap would be very very minimal, in my opinion.   When untreated apnea caused a rise is CO2, and low oxygen, we woke just enough to get air, I would assume this reflex would kick in.  If you are sleeping without the cpap, you are most likely spending much more time with low O2, than your perceived nasal exhaust blockage could cause.
  If you have been on cpap for seven months, it may be that you are eligible for a new mask thru your insurance, many will buy a mask every 6 months, medicare allows one every 3 months. I mention this because some mask models have an exhalation port in the elbow that joins the hose to the mask.  This elbow is covered with a deflector, which I think might give some extra protection against blockage and peace of mind for you.  You might want to look at the information on the mirage series of masks made by resmed.  www.resmed.com  especially note the ACTIVA
  I am also a side sleeper and frequently turn my face downward, my kids call it my "spread eagle" sleeping position, LOL.  Sleeping on the edge of a tall pillow, with the mask extended out over the edge  gives good clearance for exhalation of the mask port. I am a side sleeper and use the Breeze with nasal pillows.
If you search the internet-  cpap+side sleeper pillow  -you will find types of pillows used by cpap side sleepers.  I personally use the PAPillow, many others are happy with memory foam, buckwheat hull, and even a folded down-type pillow, sleeping on the folded edge.
  The main thing you are looking for is good height on a firm non-tapering edge, that allows clearance for your mask.