New Mask Review of Somnotech Somnoplus mask

th · Post by th » Thu Sep 22, 2005 4:17 pm

I was sent a new nasal mask from Somnotech to try out free of charge. In the past 3 other Manufacturers have also sent me masks to try. Their's have all failed and I did not post anything out of common courtesy to those companies (do not ask what masks). The Somnoplus by Somnotech was successful for me.

http://somnotech.com/_wsn/page2.html

Review of Somnotech Somnoplus nasal mask

When I first saw the mask my first impressions were not good. The mask looked like every other nasal mask on the market and I knew without a doubt that this mask would blow out and leak when it hit a pressure of 8.I turn my remstar auto up to straight cpap 10. I was surprised no leaks and the noise level was almost non -existent. I tried the mask lying down and turning over several times with no leaks. My wife tried the same pressure and found the same results. I have tried all of the Respirionics nasal masks and all the Resmed masks and the F&P nasal masks and they all failed(except one) when the pressure went over 8.The only nasal mask I found that would not leak for me and my wife was ResMed Activa. This mask (Somnoplus)was smaller and lighter than the Activa and the rotating elbow was not as stiff as the Activa. I was also impress by the fact the straps could be worn loose up to a pressure of 10. I did try the mask at pressures of 12 and 14 and I did have to tighten the straps then but they(straps) were not overly tight.The true test would be for my wife and me to put it to the test and wear it for a whole night. My pressure was set to 5 to 11 and my wife's was set to 7 to 11. What we found out in the morning was my leak avg was around 16 and my wife's was around 23. For both my wife and me this was the lowest we have seen on our leak rates. My average runs in the low 30's to no better than the mid 20's. My wife's leaks have been running around the mid to low 30's. Our AHI was: mine 0.3 and my wife's were 3.6. We were very pleased with the results of the mask.

Pros There were many on this mask. Extremely lightweight, extremely quiet, Extremely small, Very little exhaust air coming out of mask.One of the best quick releases(elbow) I have found on any mask out on the market. The elbow on the mask turns quickly and easily 360 degrees.The straps could be worn loose.

Cons Although this had no effect on my wife or me. I would like to have seen the forehead adjustment support where you could have made the adjustments to the mask and not having to change out and try 4 different sizes to get the correct adjustment. When you find the correct support there is really no reason to ever have to change this though, so this is not a big deal. I found the top of the headgear to slide(move) down low right above my eyes thus causing the back net of the headgear to also ride low in the back this happened to me and also to my wife. This was not uncomfortable to either of us and did not create any problems with leaks.The biggest issue I have with the mask is the headgear.I like the headgear to fasten by snaps and not with Velcro. I wish Somnotech would have design the headgear similar to the ResMed Activa.

I wanted to add. I was successful with this new mask and it will replace my Activa mask. I will continue to use my Swift mask and rotate it out with the Somnoplus nasal mask. As everyone knows, all masks do not work for everyone so if you decide to try this mask ...its like rolling the dice. You might not have the success that I did with this mask. My advice to you is :If you have the money to gamble and you are looking for a lighter, quieter nasal mask this one might be one you want to try. My advice to Somnotech is whatever on line store you select to sell your mask:Have an introductory offer of the first 100 mask sold a 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. If Somnotech is going to compete again ResMed & Respirionics they will have to take a more aggressive approach to promote and compete against the larger companies.The more feedback that comes in on this mask will inspire more confidence to others to buy or pass. My understanding is that this mask is only being sold thru some DME's so you have to call Somnotech at 1.800.795.4450 to find who has this mask. The 3 nights with the mask gave me these numbers AHI 0.3 Leak 16.07, AHI 0.2 Leak 16.16, AHI 0.3 Leak 18.63. I do not use a chin strap or tape. These numbers are half the amount (AHI & Leaks)I get with the Activa, Comfort Curve & Swift.
th

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, activa, swift, CPAP, DME, AHI, auto, Comfort Curve

capt · Post by **capt** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:52 pm

Thanks for posting such a complete mask review.

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:55 pm

Thanks, th.

How do you get on the list to be a "guinea pig" for these companies? I would love to try new masks if it meant writing a review. Lucky man, you! And your wife...

th · Post by th » Thu Sep 22, 2005 6:22 pm

Sleepless on LI wrote:Thanks, th.

How do you get on the list to be a "guinea pig" for these companies? I would love to try new masks if it meant writing a review. Lucky man, you! And your wife...

you are welcome
Just write to them and ask. The ones that will let you try are the ones that are just getting started........I doubt if Resironics & ResMed would give a mask to their own mother I have written them, & no reply
th

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 5:56 am

Great review. When you give them your comments please suggest they find a way to offer it online. It is unfortunate a small company limits its distribution to DMEs who will price it based upon Insurance reimbursement not product cost to them. I am willing to buy almost any mask but refuse to pay DME prices.

guest11 · Post by **guest11** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 10:41 am

You can buy the Somnoplus right here at CPAP.com. Its one of the lower priced masks out there. There a other dealers , but why not buy from CPAP.com

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 4:12 pm

guest11 wrote:You can buy the Somnoplus right here at CPAP.com. Its one of the lower priced masks out there. There a other dealers , but why not buy from CPAP.com

I looked on this site to see what this was all about and couldn't find it. Could anyone who can send a link, please? It would be appreciated.

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 5:18 pm

Found this old thread:

New SomnoPlus Mask Check It Out!

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 5:34 pm

Welcome home, Neversleeps. Missed you...hope you are okay or maybe took a vacation???

I did look up the mask online before. I just never found where cpap.com sells it, as per the comment in the previous post. But thanks for the link. I appreciate it.

john5757 · Post by **john5757** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 9:10 pm

What is the matter with everone!!!! just kidding

This is the first mask listed under CPAP masks but there two issues. First there is no PHOTO second issue it is not cheap. What head gear is this sold with? The new chin strap is interesting something to keep people
quiet.
Reading the older notes there is a few jokes, I think.

Why are they using 256 color mode for their web page?
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 5:04 am

What is the matter with everone!!!!

Now, now, calm down. Sometimes, speaking for myself, either age or OSA kicks in and I have trouble and may miss something. Don't go getting your knickers in a knot (now I really sound much older than I am LOL).

The listing of the mask DOES show a photo, though. And yes, John, you are absolutely right. It lists for $120, not cheap at all. I wonder why that rates in a class to charge that much? I know it claims to be quiet, but, th, do you think it's worth $120???

th · Post by th » Wed Sep 28, 2005 5:50 am

Lori

You might not have the success that I did with this mask. My advice to you is :If you have the money to gamble and you are looking for a lighter, quieter nasal mask this one might be one you want to try. My advice to Somnotech is whatever on line store you select to sell your mask:Have an introductory offer of the first 100 mask sold a 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. If Somnotech is going to compete again ResMed & Respirionics they will have to take a more aggressive approach to promote and compete against the larger companies

I really wanted to post this again. When you try this mask or any mask there is a good chance the mask will NOT work for you. If you are on a tight budget and cannot afford to lose $100+ or X amount. I would not try this mask. If you can get your DME to let let you try it out,then it is worth a try. I wish these companies would have some incentives to try out new products.

Update: I let my father try the mask out last night. He always uses the Activa mask. I got a call from my mother this morning. She said"your father really likes the mask" The main feature he liked about the mask was that is was lighter and quieter than the Activa...

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

th · Post by th » Wed Sep 28, 2005 5:57 am

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/somnot ... dgear.html

If you order this mask (IMO) I would ask for the old headgear not the SomnoStrap (built in chin Strap)

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 6:11 am

th,

Thanks for the addendum to your first post. I am not looking to buy anything right now as I'm still in Aura-infatuation, but it's always good to have other options on hand in case.

I think you're absolutely right about these lesser or unknown companies putting out a product and charging more for it than any of the other companies would charge for their more wellknown products, such as in this case. I think they should take a look at Aeiomed and realize that a lot of people steered clear of the Aura, until all the good publicity it's gotten on this site at least recently, because it was an unknown company charging over $100 for their interface. Or course, that doesn't make it a gimic or something of inferior quality that they're using as a cash cow, but it would cause skepticism in someone like myself and I'll bet many others.

Thanks for staying on the topic and offering your opnion.

seagull · Post by **seagull** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 11:59 am

th---do you still like the somnoplus. I would maybe try it. I think the activa would be too big for my face. My comfort get has very thin material right under my eyes, and that is where it leaks. It comes too close to my eyes actually because I have such a small face. Do you think it could fit me?

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New Mask Review of Somnotech Somnoplus mask

New Mask Review of Somnotech Somnoplus mask

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