Nuance Pro Gel Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask - Philips

Nuance Pro and Nuance Nasal Pillow Masks – Respironics

When first introduced, these masks were the first nasal pillow CPAP masks to include gel cushioning at the nostrils. Sold with either a fabric or gel frame, the Nuance line of nasal pillow masks has stood the test of time in providing comfort, performance, and elegance to sleep apnea patients.

Features

• Cushy gel nasal pillows minimize irritation

• Non-slip headgear and two styles of frames to choose from

• A sleek look with a simple fit

Choose fabric or gel against your cheeks

Select the Nuance for a nasal pillow mask with a soft all-fabric frame for a better night’s sleep and fewer red marks in the morning. Select the Nuance Pro for a frame that rests gel pads against the cheeks and brings a lot of staying power. Both masks come with the same non-slip headgear. The back of the head strap is slightly tacky to help it stay in place across the back of the head.

Unobtrusive gel pillow design

These masks use the same gel-cushioned nasal pillows. The nasal pillows on the Nuance line of masks are blunter than other nasal pillows, so they do not feel obtrusive in the nostrils. A silicone tip sits in the nostrils, and the gel layer rests entirely outside, sealing and protecting the nostril from irritation. The tapered, springy design allows the pillows to move up and down like a piston to minimize friction during motion with CPAP therapy.

Out of the eyes and out of the way

Both cross the cheeks and cover the bottom of the nose but leave the rest of the face untouched. The mask stays away from your line of sight, so claustrophobia is not a concern, and reading and watching TV are trouble-free. Side sleeping does not affect the nasal pillow fit. Both the fabric and the gel pad frames include lightweight flexible tubing that reduces the downward tug on the mask. A tube management loop on the headgear also allows looping the tubing from the CPAP machine back behind the user.

Sizing and Fitting

Selecting the proper size nasal pillows is critical to achieving comfort and seal with the masks. The pillows come in small, medium, and large. The silicone tips should sit inside the nostrils, and the gel pads should sit entirely outside the nostrils. Select the smallest size pillow cushion that sits comfortably under the nose without any gaps that allow airflow to escape through the nostrils.

When putting on the masks: First place the nasal pillows in the nostrils. Hold the nasal pillows in place with one hand and pull the headgear over your head. The crown strap should be positioned so that the headgear rests above the ears like arms on glasses; the strap should also be positioned away from the eyes.

To adjust the headgear on the Nuance Pro, pull upward on the side straps.
To adjust the headgear on the Nuance, pull downward on the side straps.
Be sure to make final adjustments while lying in bed with the CPAP machine turned on.

ProTip: If you have to tighten the headgear excessively, try a smaller or larger nasal pillow. Pillows that are too large pull out of the nostrils and pillows that are too small allow air leakage and also slip out of the nostrils.

Care of the Mask

Recommended cleaning frequency

• Daily: nasal pillows, gel frame, and short tubing with elbow and swivel

• Weekly: headgear, fabric frame

Please note: the elbow and swivel do not detach from the short tubing.

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.

In the Package

• Gel Nasal Pillow (small, medium, large)

• Headgear

• Mask Frame (choice of the gel cushion Nuance Pro or the all-fabric Nuance frame)

• Swivel Tube

Accessories and Replacement Parts

• Philips Respironics Nuance Gel Nasal Pillows
• Philips Respironics Headgear for the Nuance and Nuance Pro
• Philips Respironics Nuance (all fabric) and Nuance Pro (gel-cushioned) Mask Frame
• Philips Respironics Nuance Swivel Tube

Component Materials

• Nuance Fabric Frame: Nylon / Lycra / Urethane Foam / Trico Mesh

• Nuance Pro Frame: Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer

• Headgear: Nylon UBL / Urethane Foam / Lycra

• Backstrap Soft Foam: Urethane Foam · Swivel: Polycarbonate

• Exhalation Elbow: Polycarbonate

• Cushions: Silicone Rubber · Pillows: Urethane Gel

• Tubing: Polypropylene

Operating Range 4 to 20 cmH20

FAQ

I often get my headgear all tangled up. Any tips for orienting the headgear?
The Philips Respironics logo faces outward on the back of your head.

I tried nasal pillows in the past, but my nose got very dry and irritated. Will these gel nasal pillows solve that?
The combination of the gel and the springiness of the cushion design should help reduce irritation but will probably not eliminate the dryness. A humidifier can help reduce dryness. Water-based lubricants can also further reduce abrasion and irritation of the nostrils.

Final comments

The nasal pillow masks inherit the gentle feel of gel that has made the ComfortBlue nasal mask from Philips Respironics a favorite of traditional nasal CPAP mask users. Most nasal pillows fill up the entire inside of the nostrils, but the two-layer design seals the nose with a less invasive fit. Finding the best size nasal pillows for you is vital in finding success with this mask; otherwise, the pillows will keep popping out of the nostrils. The masks come with three sizes of pillows, and one of them should fit most people. Go ahead and order from CPAPman today and give the cushiness of gel a try!

Nuance & Nuance Pro: The Choice for Better Sleep