My 0.2 cents worth on using full face mask

I have spent several nights using my new ResMed Activa nasal mask. But, I had also purchased the ResMed Activa Mirage full face mask. Because I didn't want to open it unless I intended using it, I got agreement from my sleep studies clinic to borrow one of theirs for 3 nights.

I was worried that the mask would not seal properly and that because of the way I tend to open my mouth while sleeping on my back, equally concerned that I just would be right for a f/f mask. I figured I would just resell my unopened Mirage (eBay) if I wasn't going to use it.

Well after 2 nights I love it.

Easy to breath - 1st night was all nose breathing - last night was quite a bit of mouth breathing. The air felt very nice on my face, I actually enjoyed it.

So now I have two masks I like but am now thinking that although I had told my self the Activa was tops, I now think the Mirage has the edge for ease of wearing, minimal leaks etc:.

Anyway, after tonight I will revert to the Activa for a while but I am definitely keeping the as yet unopened Mirage mask.

At some future date I will try a nose pillow mask but I have quite a few reservations about them with my nose (Sinus sufferer & as a child had the nose operated on to get it straightened (septum?)).

The freedom of movement & the vertical exhausting of air have convinced me (well RG convinced me) to try an Aura - maybe next month if I have any spare change.

Cheers all & happy Cpaping

DSM

I'm delighted you've found a face mask you're happy with. As you can see reading a lot of these posts, many of us struggle to find the right mask, going through several before finding one that works.

I've been using a ResMed Mirage f/f mask (the old one, I guess. Understand they're coming out with a new version) for the past several weeks & it's a major improvement from the nasal mask I was struggling with before. It's a large, but I do get a lot of leaks during the night & it seems like a slightly larger mask would fit just enough better that the leaks would probably go away. I'm a mouth breather, too, & have been for 60+ years, so doubt that it's realistic to think I can change. So I guess I'm always going to need a f/f mask, but like you, the air flow in the face is almost a pleasent sensation, so I sure don't mind the f/f mask.

Isn't rg great? I think she's tried every mask manufactured, so she's an excellent source of pros and cons on all the different options.

RG stands for Right hand of God

Seriously - that gal has done so much for so many she deserves a sainthood. Well perhaps a medal for meritorious service in her giving to others of her time, her experience and her strength.

She has so much energy and has been a source of inspiration to so many of us. Her untiring input and friendly comments and support reminded me how someone with the heart can change the world around them. She is a great role model and I hope many who come here try to emulate her, I am not embarrassed to admit that I am. This kind of positive support to strangers in need is humanity at its best and transcends borders and cultures.

RG you can stop blushing now.

Cheers

DSM

i could not have said it better! and my hat off to you and all the others who try to help. that's what life should be all about-if we can't try to help one another get through this journey then i think we are lost! just my thought"s.

ufo13

Here here!

I propose we submit RestedGal's name to the Vatican or whoever is in charge of Saints and ask them to bless her with the official name:

"Saint DreamGal".

SnoreNoMore2005

Last night was the 3rd trial of the Mirage f/f mask. I set C-FLEX to 3 (amximum).

It is a *wonderful* feature & truly loweres the effort to breathe out but I found 2 side effects & switched back to C-FLEX 2 this morning.

1) The noise of the machine changing pitch bother my wife
2) The face mask sprang more leaks as the pump changed pressure (which it does quite quickly)

Cheers

DSM

I'm glad the Ultra Mirage full face worked for you. It's really helps when you find a mask that works for you so soon. It's also just another example of what works for one won't for another. I also enjoyed the air of the full face blowing on my face but I would wake up several times a night with leaks and had to really strap it down tight to keep it from leaking. Also, my dry mouth was actually a lot worse with the full face mask and I do use a heated humidifier and turned it all the way up and down and still got awful dry mouth. I drink lots of water and don't use any meds that should cause dry mouth either. I really wish I could have gotten it to work because I need a chin strap with my Breeze to help keep it in place and I really would have liked the Mirage because I don't wear a chin strap with it. I have the small regular Mirage but I just can't get it to stop leaking and cure the dry mouth problem. I hope it keeps working for you. I think finding the right interface is probablyi the most important part of cpap treatment.

Hmmmm, I am up at 3:30 am because I couldn't sleep after switching back to my Ultra nasal mask.

I have renamed myself 'snake man' - hissing all night from my mouth.

Makes the f/f mask a must have.

Cheers DSM