Vader's Soyala Full Face Review

[Vader]

Well I’ve taken my trial run of the somewhat enigmatic Soyala FF.
I would have probably waited a little bit longer to review it, if there was a real lot to like about this mask. I’ve tried it almost a week, and that’s about enough for me, for the time being anyway.
But to cut to the chase, for those who need to know the answer to the burning question:
“ Is the Soyala FF, the Holy Grail of masks?” …. The answer, IMHO is absolutely, unequivocally…NO!

The SFF (Soyala FF) doesn’t even come close to the facial comfort that the Ultra Mirage Full Face gives. I’ve said here many times that I always got a great seal with the UMFF, and it never tore up my nose. (or my forehead)
If it weren’t for an aggravated neck injury, that would be my full face mask of choice.

I usually don’t give up very easily, so I won’t totally give up on this mask yet.
But I have to stop for a while because my nose and forehead are way too irritated.
For now, I’ll be very content to use the Soyala nasal mask with a chinstrap.

I said this many times before, but now more than ever...”If only the Activa came in a Full Face version”


To sum it up, here are some of the pros and cons:

PROS: It has the same super comfortable headgear that the Soyala nasal mask has. Also, the same great swivel, and as expected it is extremely quiet . Nice compact design.

CONS: in spite of having all the same mask fitting adjustments of it’s better designed nasal version, none of the adjustments really gave me comfortable results. Forehead piece has 9 different positions, but evidently that’s not enough in this case, and did I mention that it’s nowhere as soft as my Resmed masks?


Who knows? …maybe at some point I can make this mask work, and I’ll be pleased to post my results, but for now I feel an obligation to caution those who may hope that this is that great mask that we’ve been searching for.
YMMV, so I can only say that it wasn’t for me…..

[shippy]

Vader Gee Whiz !!!!!!!!!!! not very encouraging news man

Just got my Soyala FF medium mask today, love the headgear but like the Ultra Mirage strap release better. Will see what happens when i hit it with 18cm"s tonight, Ultra Mirage FF large size that i was using (last two nights data, typical leak rates) large leaks 60.5 minutes and 44 minutes, AHI 6.1 and AHI 3.1 hope this improves with the Soyala. If not its another expensive ($165.00) lesson.

Dale

[Vader]

Vader Gee Whiz !!!!!!!!!!! not very encouraging news man

Oh dang! ..I'm sorry man. I really hope the SFF works for you, and it very well may work great. It just didn't work for me.

Just got my Soyala FF medium mask today, love the headgear but like the Ultra Mirage strap release better. Will see what happens when i hit it with 18cm"s tonight, Ultra Mirage FF large size that i was using (last two nights data, typical leak rates) large leaks 60.5 minutes and 44 minutes, AHI 6.1 and AHI 3.1 hope this improves with the Soyala. If not its another expensive ($165.00) lesson.
Dale

I'm starting to get a nice little collection myself, in the ole' bummer box.
...and I paid for the SFF out of pocket, because I was too impatient to wait for the next insurance covered mask. When I do get my next insurance mask, I'm thinking on giving the Hybrid one more chance. I'll try it with the new headgear.

Anyway, I wish you the best of luck with it. Let us all know how it's working for ya'll after a few days.

[Vader]

As an update to my review,
Last night I decided to try the headgear from my Soyala, on my Activa mask.

Wow. I never thought the Activa could possibly be even more comfortable, but that Soyala headgear works great with that mask!

At least now I know I didn't *totally* throw away my money on the Soyala FF.

However, once my nose and forehead fully heal, I still plan on giving the SFF another try......

[track]

I spent some more time yesterday afternoon fitting the Soyala FF mask. I also spent some time making sure my face was squeeky clean and the mask seal was clean. I was able to find a position that did not hurt the nose. In addition I found by pushing the mask in and then releasing while under pressure it resealed itself on those times it started to leak under the eyes. I also found that it seals better for me laying on my side than on my back. It's still a work in process and I definitely have not given up on it.

[Snoredog]

ah the Full Face didn't work for me either. As you mentioned, the headgear, swivel elbow and frame are good, but

the cushion sucks in my opinion, they need to go back to the drawing board with that one.

1. The cushion "feel" like having a thin-rimmed glass stuck to your face, meaning the skirt is way too stiff.

2. The section of the cushion that goes over the nosebridge is NOT stiff enough, it crushes too easily.

Not a very comfortable mask cushion at all. Thumbs down from me.

but the nasal version is the best mask I have ever used.

[Vader]

I spent some more time yesterday afternoon fitting the Soyala FF mask. I also spent some time making sure my face was squeeky clean and the mask seal was clean. I was able to find a position that did not hurt the nose. In addition I found by pushing the mask in and then releasing while under pressure it resealed itself on those times it started to leak under the eyes. I also found that it seals better for me laying on my side than on my back. It's still a work in process and I definitely have not given up on it.

Keep the reports coming, Track. I'm rootin' for whoever can tame this beast!
I think most of your observations are spot on.
I've also found that using the Pad-a-Cheek forehead piece that's made for the Activa, helps quite a bit with the forehead piece for the Soyala. You just have to cut off the left and right ends. I haven't tried that all night yet, but it seems to be a good fix while I've had the mask on, trying to get a good fit. Click here: http://www.padacheek.com/

Also, Nexcare paper tape alleviates some of the nose irritation.

[Vader]

but the nasal version is the best mask I have ever used.

I can't argue with that, Snoredog.
I've been using the Activa while healing, but I really love the Soyala nasal mask, and I'm going back to it tonight.