Thinking of trying a different mask

Spiritus · Post by **Spiritus** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 1:10 pm

Hi,

Now that I've had two nights with C-PAP, I'm thinking I might call my homecare provider and see if they can get me a different mask to try.

I'm currently using a Fisher & Paykel FlexFit HC407, but I've been reading such glowing reports on the ResMed Mirage Activa, that I'm wondering if it might be worthwhile to give it a try. I noticed that there are three versions of the mask - shallow, standard and large - would I be correct in assuming that my homecare rep would know the correct one for me?

What do folks think of the Fisher & Paykel FlexFit HC407 compared to the Mirage Activa?

Thanks,

Rob

53now · Post by **53now** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 2:47 pm

Hey Rob
There are plenty of posts made here in the forum regarding the positive and negative aspects of the Activa. There is a big difference between these two interfaces. After "molding" to your face, the Flexfit is supposed to be nearly "leak-free"..............Well If you're used it , you know that is not true. This "leaky" condition can only be eliminated by pulling the straps tighter ........and tighter.......and tighter (I think you get the message). the Activa is completely different. The "dual flapped" cushion opens up upon inflation and actually sucks to your face. I never have to tighten my straps. The mask will actually stay on my face without headgear. It's a completely different concept. "RESTED GAL and WADING THROUGH THE MUCK can explain it much better than me.
I tried the Aclaim2 mask (which has FlexFit technology) and it did not work for me. The biggest complaints with the Activa is probably it's size and a connecting hose that connects to the mask. The Activa sits rather low on my face; it actually sits on the top portion of my top lip. this sounds bad but it's not a problem with me. I have tried ....................hummmmmm about 11 different masks. The only nasal mask that even comes close to the Activa is the Ultra Mirage. (my opinion here)
The Shallow cushion (Activa) is for flatter noses. I use the Standard
Good luck
Rich (53now)

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 2:52 pm

Hey 53now,

You did a great job of explaining most everything there is to know about these masks.

IMO the Activa is always at least worth a try and at most the best mask you'll ever wear.

Spiritus · Post by **Spiritus** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 3:23 pm

53now wrote:Hey Rob
There are plenty of posts made here in the forum regarding the positive and negative aspects of the Activa.
...
Good luck
Rich (53now)

Thanks Rich. I'll give my provider a call tomorrow morning and see if I can get an Activa.

Rob

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 3:55 pm

Can't do better than Rich's explanation!

Spiritus, I wouldn't put a lot of faith in your DME fitting you right with anything. Best you take charge of the fitting as much as they'll let you. Take your pillow with you and try to get them to let you be fitted laying down in your normal sleeping position. Or at least, in a recliner, if they have one.

I'd even go so far as to take my machine along and insist on getting to try the mask for at least ten minutes with my machine going. Try to simulate your sleep positions as much as you can. That's going to be the best way to find out if the "shallow", "standard", or "large" cushion fits you best.

So much changes about the face and neck when one lies down. An Activa that is fitted properly will be so loose it will feel like it's about to fall off your face while you're sitting up. Everything tightens up quite a bit with any mask/straps when you lie down, so all masks should really be fitted and adjusted while in sleep position. With the Activa, when you actually turn the machine on, the "suckage" of the Activa pretty much makes it fit you all by itself. (I love that made-up word...heard a lady say it once about her vacuum cleaner..."It ain't got no suckage." LOL) Tweaking the angle of the forehead support is the main key to adjusting the Activa to fit well.

Cause a scene. Lie down on the floor with your pillow and make them fit you like that.

Spiritus · Post by **Spiritus** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 4:58 pm

rested gal wrote:Can't do better than Rich's explanation!

Spiritus, I wouldn't put a lot of faith in your DME fitting you right with anything. Best you take charge of the fitting as much as they'll let you. Take your pillow with you and try to get them to let you be fitted laying down in your normal sleeping position. Or at least, in a recliner, if they have one.

Cause a scene. Lie down on the floor with your pillow and make them fit you like that.

LOL!

Thanks for the heads-up about the fitting procedure. I'm in Canada, so it works a bit different here. As it turns out, the rep actually comes to my house, so my main concern will be getting that to happen well in advance of my titration study. When he does arrive, I'll be able to set it up with my machine, and with me lying down.

Thsnks again,

Rob

karmich · Post by **karmich** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 9:44 am

Thanks Rested Gal for the pointer on getting fitted for a mask by a DME. I go into my DME office tomorrow I will be sure to take as much control over my fitting as I can. Did anyone get more than one mask when they were first getting fitted or do you only get a second mask when the first isn't working for you?

ldemmery · Post by **ldemmery** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 10:24 am

Thankyou too Rested Gal, you've given me another idea.

I've got all new equipment now, a setup just like my loaner, only I'm having problems with the mask. I'm almost to the point in demanding my loaner stuff back. I forgot completely that to get it to work last time I lay down and adjusted the mask...and had no problems with it from that time on.

I'll try to do it tonight and hopefully I won't have any more leakage.

Thanks again
Lynne

Spiritus · Post by **Spiritus** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 3:51 pm

Well, the Activa arrived this afternoon, and I'm looking forward to trying it out. It has quite a different feel than the FlexiFit.

Rob

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 4:30 pm

Rob,

Definately fill us in on how you like/dislike the love sick octopus (Activa)

Remember not to tighten the lower straps too much. It's not necessary with the Activa. I adjust the head gear portion an let it hang over my nose, then adjust the side straps so they clip into the mask without puting any additional pressure on the mask.

Good luck!

Spiritus · Post by **Spiritus** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 8:22 pm

wading thru the muck! wrote:Rob,

Definately fill us in on how you like/dislike the love sick octopus (Activa)

Remember not to tighten the lower straps too much. It's not necessary with the Activa. I adjust the head gear portion an let it hang over my nose, then adjust the side straps so they clip into the mask without puting any additional pressure on the mask.

Good luck!

So even though it initially feels like it's just lying against my face, that's ok? Heck, I shaved my beard off yesterday in aid of getting a better seal...

Rob

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 8:27 pm

Wader is so right about wearing the Activa's straps fairly loose.

The angle of the mask to the forehead seems to be the most important adjustment to make when lying down. Play more with the little forehead arm adjustment button than with the straps. After everything seems adjusted right, if you feel a tiny mask leak starting, you can sometimes just lift the mask away from your face for a sec (the beauty of those loose straps) and let the "suckage" plop it back into place more securely.

Spiritus · Post by **Spiritus** » Tue Nov 30, 2004 11:55 am

rested gal wrote:Wader is so right about wearing the Activa's straps fairly loose.

The angle of the mask to the forehead seems to be the most important adjustment to make when lying down. Play more with the little forehead arm adjustment button than with the straps. After everything seems adjusted right, if you feel a tiny mask leak starting, you can sometimes just lift the mask away from your face for a sec (the beauty of those loose straps) and let the "suckage" plop it back into place more securely.

Well, after my first night, I think I'm going to be fine with the "lovesick octopus"! Definitely more comfortable than the FlexiFit. When I finally do my second sleep study, and my pressure is set correctly, I can see that when the cell on the mask has more air passing through it it will push against my face and seal itself.

Rob

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