I need a new Mask, can anyone give me some advice please?

[guidofer]

Hi,

I need to buy a replacement mask and for my Remstar Plus CPAP machine.
I first used a Respironics Confortselect until a year and a half ago,
which worked ok although at the end I needed to adjust it quite oftenly
because it started leaking. Next I purchased a Fisher Paykel HC407.
The second week after purchasing it, the tube that is attached to the
mask started squeaking. The place where I bought it changed it, but
soon afterwards it started again so I just got used to it. Now my mask
is ready to be changed.

This time I really want to make a good choice and probably the best
place to look for advice is with other CPAP users.

What I want in my new mask:

My actual pressure is 5 (I read somewhere that some masks don't work
well with low pressure?)

1. Confort (which translates to: No leaks, No squeaks, No adjusting)
2. Size (the smaller the better, I normally read from my Palm before
going to sleep and although I got used to doing it with my mask on, the
smaller the better)
3. Durability

I really want to buy a top-of-the-line mask this time, a mask that has
been proven to work well.

Finally, has anyone had experience with shipping to Canada (Ontario)?
how did it go? this time I will purchase it on the internet.

I will really appreciate your comments.

All the best,
Guido

[Jaiello]

I have used the CPAP Pro mask for about 2 years and really love it. There is no head gear and it uses nasal pillows. The tubing is attached to a mouthpiece that you boil and fit to your upper teeth. No matter what position you move in during the night the relationship between your upper teeth and you nose stays the same. I swear by it and at $168 US it was priced right.

[oldgearhead]

Have you ever tried a nasal pillow mask? Swift, Breeze, Aura Headrest, or
ComfortLight 2? My full-face mask (Hybrid) will not close the check-valve at 5 cm/H2O. Furthermore, it is very difficult for me to inhale, through any mask at 5 cm/H2O..

[NeurosurgeryNP]

Try the Resmed Activa - it is a good mask - for me anyway - and it has worked for many on this forum

[tomjax]

I vote for the Breeze.
Not for everyone. It is a bit temperamental to get the nack of adjusting it..

Yahoo auctions have the older model for about 34 + 12= 46 bucks

[brasshopper]

I really like the Mirage Swift, despite my dislike of ResMed's attempts to protect the Canadian retailer. I use a clip that attaches to the hose with a velcro wrap and then attaches to my shirt which I wear at night, although I then run it up to a IV stand - so that it does not tangle - some people like to run their masks to their headboard, I do not like that - I like to run it toward my feet and the IV stand works great.

Good luck getting it at a decent price in Canada - it should come with three sizes of pillows.

[RedThunder94]

another vote for the activa, it is a really good mask, i had a few probs with it but not many masks work right out of the box with little or no tweaking, you should give it a whirl.

[Snoredog]

Order a Resmed UltraMirage II nasal mask. Make sure you get it the right size.

The Activa seals better but is much heavier to wear.

[ldemmery]

Hey guido!

I'm in Ottawa, my insurance won't cover out of country purchases. I did manage to get them to pay for a hose I bought in BC over the internet after I pointed out that it was cheaper than from the locals. My advice is to know your prices, find out how much locally your mask will cost first before you go buying on the internet. Do your homework.

My local DME is quite good, they let me try the masks before purchase until I find one that works well. You won't find that on the internet.

I use the F&P's Flexifit HC406. I am nasally challenged, it's for small noses. All masks are different for everyone. What is good for one, may not be good for the other.

Lynne (in Ottawa)

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): hose, DME

[cpapjack]

My vote is for the Activa. I tried others before, but they didn't work for me. The Activa is very comfortable and I've had next to no leaks with it.

[roadwarrior]

I do use a Swift on and off, but without question my "go to" mask for overall comfort and guaranteed compliance is my Activa. It is not only comfortable but reliable where no leaks are concerned. I can wear it so darn loose and comfortable without leak issues compared to other face masks.

[Severeena]

The Resmed Activa is noted for abscene noises when you go to bed.

I highly recommend the Hans Rudolph which comes in several sizes. Petite, Extra Small, Small, Medium, and Large.

You have to be measured with a Hans Rudolph Caliper that you can get from the HR company.

My husband likes my HR so much because of the quietness, he checks every night to make sure I have my machine turned on because of the mask being quiet.

[Moogy]

The Resmed Activa is noted for abscene noises when you go to bed.

I use the Activa, and it very rarely makes those noises, and they are more funny than obscene. The noises occur only if it gets out of adjustment and leaks a bit. The problem is easily corrected. I don't believe anyone should avoid this excellent mask for that reason. You see this noise mentioned not because it is a substantial problem, but because it is such an weird sound to be coming from your mask.

Moogy

[Bookbear]

I'd second Tomjax's vote for the Breeze.