My sleep apnea was categorized as mild to moderate, so certainly not as bad as some have it. It has been controlled very well with CPAP. I went from an average of something like 90-100 apnea episodes per night to an average of about 1 per night (based on the data the doctor extracts from the memory card at my check-ups).

I have tried a few different masks and for me, the nasal pillows work best. They are the only thing I can use that rarely ever results in soreness or a painful pressure point.

Also, about 8 or 9 months ago, I switched from the Respironics Nuance headgear to the newest type that has the main air tube at top of your head instead of the "elephant trunk" configuration. It's called the Respironics DreamWear. I think it's been one of the more significant improvements for comfort and convenience. The frame itself has air tubes built in the sides (but they are soft) and they bring air down from the main tube that's positioned above the head. You no longer have it in front of your face, so you can move around easily, change positions while sleeping. I love it.