Bravo Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Probably OK for some, But Not Me

Frank S, VA – June 29, 2010

"I have been using InnoMed's Nasal-Aire II for years. It is Great! So, this headgear looked like another step forward, created by the same company. Perhaps it is for some, but not for me.

Here are my issues:
1.) I found that the nasal pillows were extremely difficult to get into my nose, even after making sure I had the right size, and also after I clipped off the middle bar between the two pillows (recommended by the manufacturer under certain circumstances.)
2.) Of greater import, the entire setup creates a solid horizontal structure just below the nose (and about the wide as from the outside of one eye to the outside of the other) which I found extremely uncomfortable when laying on my side, which is my preferred sleeping position. And, as I use a tempur-pedic pillow, which is somewhat harder than most, this problem is exacerbate.
3.) As another reviewer noted, I also found the actual breathing to be more difficult and unnatural. The new nasal mechanism also was much louder than my Nasal-Aire II, and the placement of the much smaller multiple exhalation holes created an updraft to my nose and eyes which made me feel there was a leak (there wasn't) and was constantly irritating.
4.) The headgear itself looks as if it would be an improvement; it certainly is easy to put on and take off. But, again, it wrapped parts of my face that weren't touched by the Nasal-Aire II system, and bothered me a lot. Perhaps that may have disappeared over time.

I really was looking forward to trying this product, and wanted to like it and give a 5-star review. But, alas, I cannot. For me, it is flawed. Perhaps not for another person."

Walter S, IL – May 19, 2010

"This mask is great for the price. I would like to see the nasal pillows made more soft at the point of contact with the nose. Otherwise this is really great. The headgear is verry comfortable and the entier mask is very well made."

Lightweight

Cheri S, AZ – May 15, 2010

"I prefer this mask just because I do not like a lot of extra coverage on my face. It does disengage through the night because I roll around a lot. Appreciate the fact that I can order extra pillows."

Great mask, easy to wear

Barbara S, LAKEWOOD, WA – January 07, 2010

"I actually bought this to morph it with a Nasal Aire II cannula. Works great. The NAII cannulas are interchangeable with the Bravo cannulas. I just need more stability in the headgear than the NAII offers. But I prefer the prong cannulas."

Comfortable fit but hard to breathe

Matthew – June 25, 2009

"I was initially encouraged by how comfortable the Bravo seemed to be when I first put it on. I had no problem getting the pillows to seal properly and had no leaks even with what I considered a pretty loose fit on the headgear.

The problem is that I did not feel like I could exhale. I was really having to force air out and it made my breathing very unnatural and made it impossible for me to sleep. I had read in reviews of other masks how people were concerned that the blast of air from the exhalation port would keep their partners awake, but with the Bravo, it seemed like I could barely get any air to come out of the exhalation port which consists of 6 very small holes.

I ended up ordering the Hybrid, also made by InnoMed, and what a difference! I had no problem exhaling through my nose. The difference is the size of the exhalation ports (holes). Even though the Hybrid also has 6 holes, they are much larger in diameter which explains the better airflow. This was also confirmed when I looked at the exhalation airflow graphs in the manuals for both masks. According to InnoMeds data, the Hybrid has around 60% greater exhalation airflow than the Bravo. I would have thought that this would be standard among all mask, but I guess not. Unfortunately, since the air chamber on the Bravo is all silicone, I can't come up with a good way to increase the size of the holes to match the Hybrid.

I gave this 2 stars because it is actually quite comfortable. Otherwise it would have only been 1 star."