Pilairo Q CPAP Nasal Pillow Mask - Fisher & Paykel

Pilairo Q Nasal Pillow Mask – Fisher & Paykel

With the Pilairo Q nasal pillow mask, Fisher & Paykel introduced their novel inflating AirPillow seal. The Pilairo Q uses a highly effective nasal pillow that expands to a custom fit using airflow from the CPAP machine. The one size fits all Pilairo Q mask moves and flexes with the wearer, delivering a stable fit with a low-profile mask frame and a choice of adjustable headgear or stretch-wise headgear. Fisher &Paykel’s unique Q Cover works with a cloth diffuser to tamper down noise from airflow, making the Pilairo Q one of the quieter masks around.

Features

• Nasal pillows inflate to seal
• Choice of two types of headgear
• Low-profile lightweight frame

3D contoured nasal pillows

The Pilairo Q has an AirPillow seal that inflates with the air from the CPAP machine. The pillow also has wing-like stabilizing side supports. The side supports also inflate so that there is cushion stability both in the nostrils and outside the nostrils. This double seal strategy also reduces friction in the nares by reducing the movement of the pillow in the nostrils. The nasal pillows are also 3D contoured with Variable Thickness Silicone, so the region of the cushion that touches in and near the nostrils is extra-thin to prevent chafing and irritation further.

Adjustable headgear or stretch-wise headgear options

The Pilairo Q comes with two styles of headgear. The CPAP user can decide at home which style works best for them and their sleep therapy needs. An adjustable headgear with side strap adjustments, an over-the-head strap, and a behind-the-head strap allows plenty of sizing adjustment for any size head. An elasticized, single-band headgear is also included. The single strap rests flat against the back of the head and auto-adjusts to the user’s head circumference.

Quiet, light, and low-profile

Whether used with adjustable headgear or stretchable single-band headgear, the Pilairo Q mask has minimal contact on the face. Only the cheeks, nostrils, and lower nose are touched, so vision is unobstructed, reducing concerns for claustrophobia. The frame itself adds more stability to the inflatable cushion; as a result, the Pilairo Q is designed to provide a durable seal for CPAP therapy without the need for tight-fitting headgear. A flexible delivery tube connects via a ball and socket swivel. The rotating elbow reduces drag from the tubing and allows the user to position the CPAP tubing overhead if desired. The frame uses a cloth diffuser to significantly reduce noise so that the wearer and the bed partner both get a quiet night’s rest.

Sizing and Fitting

The Pilairo Q mask has only one size of nasal pillow. Choose the headgear type that gives you the best seal and the most comfort.

Fitting adjustable headgear

1. Place your thumbs on the side supports on the pillow and spread the pillow open.
2. Guide the pillow tips into your nose. 
3. Hold the pillow in place with one hand and lift the headgear up and over your head with another hand.
4. Position the buckle at the crown of the head.
5. Adjust the crown strap so that the crown straps are above each ear.
6. Adjust the side straps so that they are above the ear.
7. Connect to your CPAP machine and allow the nasal pillows to inflate.

Fitting stretch-wise headgear

1. Place your thumbs on the side supports on the pillow and spread the pillow open.
2. Guide the pillow tips into your nose.
3. Hold the pillow in place with one hand and lift the headgear strap up and over your head with another hand.
4. Connect to your CPAP machine.

Adjusting for leaks with either headgear

The Pilairo Q is meant to be loose-fitting. The inflation of the nasal pillows by the flow from the CPAP machine completes the seal of the mask. If leaks persist after inflation, gently pull the nasal pillows away from the nose with the headgear on, then return the pillows to the nose. This reseating allows the cushion to inflate areas that may have been crimped.

Care of the Mask

Recommended cleaning frequency

• Daily: nasal pillows, mask frame, and swivel
• Weekly: headgear

Note:

• Do not detach the ball and socket and flexible tubing from the frame during cleaning
• Do not wash the cloth diffuser.
  • Remove the Q cover and set the cloth diffuser aside.
  • Wash the Q cover daily.
  • Replace the cloth diffuser if it gets dirty, or the mask gets noisy.

Cleaning process:

1. Wash in warm soapy water using a mild dish soap.
2. Rinse thoroughly in clean water.
3. All parts should be air-dried out of direct sunlight.

Important: Do not clean with products containing alcohol, scents, antibacterial agents, antiseptics, bleach, chlorine, or moisturizers. Do not soak any parts for more than 10 minutes.

Operating Range 4 to 25 cmH20

Component Materials

• Headgear Fulflex: Polyisoprene covered in Nylon/Suede Label
• Headgear Hook/Overmould: Makroblend UT408, Polycarbonate/Polyester Blend /Thermolast K
• Adjustable Headgear: Lycra / Polyurethane Foam Laminate
• Adjustable Headgear Clips & Buckle: Acetal / Polypropylene
• Elbow Exhaust Cover: Polycarbonate
• Diffuser Exhaust: Polyester Fiber
• Silicone Seal: Silicone
• Mask Frame: Polycarbonate (PC)/Silicone (LSR)
• FlexiTube: Elastollan
• Elbow & Swivels: Polycarbonate

FAQ

I like the idea of an inflatable mask. How does the Pilairo Q differ from the Brevida?
The Pilairo Q only has one size of nasal pillow that fits it. The Brevida uses the same nasal pillow design as the Pilairo Q, but the pillow is available in two sizes. The Pilairo Q stretch-wise headgear has a single back strap. The Brevida headgear uses stretch-wise headgear as well, but it has a split strap that allows for some fine-tuning of fit. The Brevida does not have a choice of two styles of headgear, however.

The cloth diffuser is pretty small. What happens if I lose it?
The Pilairo Q comes with extra diffusers. Also, the mask can be worn safely without the diffuser in place. It will be a bit louder, but your sleep therapy will still be fully effective.

Pro-Tip: Place the coarser side of the cloth diffuser up and facing out.

Final CPAPMan comments

The best CPAP mask for anyone is the mask they will wear consistently. Simplicity promotes compliance, and the Pilairo Q offers that in abundance, especially if the stretch-wise headgear works for you. Including both styles of headgear in the package with the Pilairo Q is a clear win for the patient. The inflatable nasal pillow bundles in many features of an under-the-nose cushion, so you get the benefits of both types of CPAP cushions in one mask. Order a Pilairo Q from CPAPMan and find out if this simple, inflatable mask is a good fit for you!