Activa Sizing? - Follow-up

Snoozin' Bluezzz · Post by **Snoozin' Bluezzz** » Wed May 03, 2006 9:17 am

I am prospecting for a alternative interface to rotate with the three pillow interfaces I have. Last night was miserable when I could not get my trusty Swift to seal (happening more lately - may need a new one). Nose is sore as well.

I was one of those who flunked the Activa sizing chart but remain interested. I wonder if it is face length? I have a long face - 4.5 inches bridge to crease below the lower lip.

How have the various sizing adventures gone with new Activa aquirers? I am also overweight so a bit broad across the cheeks but I wouldn't see how that would matter too much. Nose is pretty average and straight.

SB

Ric · Post by **Ric** » Wed May 03, 2006 9:27 am

I have used the UM-II in size "standard".

Based on that, I ordered the Activa in "standard", and it has been a perfect fit (despite the chart).

Note that the cushion can be ordered separately and snapped into the same frame. That lowers the cost of getting the wrong size. (thanks PhilOK, and reval).

Snoozing Gonzo · Post by **Snoozing Gonzo** » Wed May 03, 2006 11:06 am

I was cross-referenced from a medium Comfort Gel to a large Activa. I made it work but it was a struggle. (The sizing chart kicked me out too.) Listing my measurements (list found at cpap.com or Resmed) to the person at cpap.com placed me "firmly in the standard size". Another $41 + shipping for a new insert and I'm set. The fault lies with the original mask sizing by the DME.

Although my full face measurement is an inch shorter than yours, I don't know if length is the biggest factor for this mask. The bellows of the Activa (both sizes) is clear to my lower lip. I bet the actual nose measurements are most important.

Snoozin' Bluezzz · Post by **Snoozin' Bluezzz** » Wed May 03, 2006 11:44 am

And the problem with the Large was - what?

How did the size problem manifest itself in your case?

SB

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Wed May 03, 2006 12:23 pm

Last night was miserable when I could not get my trusty Swift to seal (happening more lately - may need a new one).

Try soaking the Swift overnight in a 1 part water 3 parts vinegar solution. I has helped others (you can search for posts by "yawn"), and helped me with my Breeze pillows.

O.

twillson · Post by **twillson** » Wed May 03, 2006 12:51 pm

I have a swift and a UMII in size "large." I remember playing around with small variations in measurements on the CPAP.com sizing program and sometimes getting the dreaded, "there are better choices" message on the activa. However I was consistently in the "large" range for UMII, and when I did get a recommendation for an activa, it always matched the UMII. I have tried both large and standard activa masks and both work, but the large works better.

Based on this I strongly recommend you start with whatever size you would need in a UMII (which has a much less forgiving fit, in reality.) I am a large mostly because of a long nose, and the difference between standard and large is primarily in length. I would suggest you start with a large if you have the choice.

BTW, I have have also noticed more problems with my swift over time. I think the main problem is having too much stretch in the headgear since I find that tightening the back strap seems to help. However I will definitely try the vinegar and water idea.

Snoozin' Bluezzz · Post by **Snoozin' Bluezzz** » Wed May 03, 2006 1:02 pm

Thanks Ozij, I have done that as recently as this weekend. And, Twillson, I have noticed the same thing. It is a reason my nose is sore. Thing is, it was fine, really good even, late last week. Go figger huh!!!????

When it works it's great and when it loses its fit it's difficult.

SB

Snoozing Gonzo · Post by **Snoozing Gonzo** » Wed May 03, 2006 1:57 pm

[quote="Snoozin' Bluezzz"]And the problem with the Large was - what?

How did the size problem manifest itself in your case?

The bottom of the insert rested pretty low on my upper lip (when inflated) and if I pushed it up a 1/4 inch or so higher on my face (so it touched my eyelids), it leaked on the upper outsides (blew between the cheekbones and bottom of my eyes). It was wide enough (again, when inflated) that it had to conform to part of the cheekbone area rather than rest along that rather flat area between the nose and cheek... more leaks, usually downward. The width of the bridge of the nose was actually better than the standard as it fit around bumps from breaks caused by mis-spent youth.

The too-large Activa could be adjusted to compensate for most of the above by tightening it more than most folks recommend; which, of course, leaves marks and a little sorness. The too-large Comfort Gel (darned DME) could not be adjusted to minimize leaks without fairly major discomfort.