Circadiance - Sleepweaver - 100563 - Elan Cpap Starter Kit Nasal Style Small / Regular Large Cushions Adult

The Sleepweaver Elan mask is what allows me to use a CPAP at all. I am allergic to latex and the rigid mask made me claustrophic and marked my face. The Sleepweaver Elan is light soft and small, made of material like sportcloth. I take a very large hat size, and have a large nose for a woman, and the Regular fits me just fine. It *is* quite hard to learn to use so that it does not leak The video and leaflet help, but so does patience. The method that works best for me is to lie on my back (I sleep with my head propped up a bit) during the ramp period (10 minutes), supporting the featherweight* connecting tube with a couple of fingers so that the weight of the tube does not distort the not yet fully inflated mask. If you get a good seal to start off the night, you are usually leak free. (*you have to use a short light tube between the mask and the regular tubing). This said, the best way to correct a leak is to slightly and very briefly lift the mask either at the place of the leak, or opposite it. this allows you to slightly reposition the mask and get a better seal. The mask pressure compensates for the leak temporarily, which also helps.I am sensitive to the rhythym and pressure of the CPAP even with this mask. The pressure across my face resonates down my back and can make my low back ache. When this happens and I start to toss and turn (this mask is leaks if you toss and turn) I get up for a couple of minutes and take an over the counter muscle relaxant if I need to. Regular chiropractic care is also helpful. The back issues would happen for me regardless; they are not mask related. Just to note that you do learn how to turn over without really waking up, supporting the tube and not brushing your head against the pillow (which tends to shift the harness and cause a leak).If you have sleep apnea and make the commitment to use a CPAP and cannot use a hard mask, the Elan is the mask for you. Stick with it and sleep becomes a beautiful thing again.

After trying multiple, traditionally made masks and headgear that were not only heavy and cumbersome, but all made from chemicals and man-made ingredients that produced an allergic skin reaction, I thought Id never get the help for sleep apnea that I so desperately needed. I was so thankful to find this product that is unique, cleverly yet simply designed, lightweight, and moves easily with the wearer throughout the night. I highly recommend this mask for any one that has skin sensitivities or allergies to chemicals.