Still curious about the Activa...

JCraig · Post by **JCraig** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 7:26 am

So the cpap.com size guide doesn't list Activa as being a good fit for me. But I know lots here ignore that thing... I also, though, want to stop having to order more masks to try. So I'm wondering... Based on the list of masks it DOES think will work, does anyone here think the Activa will also work... It lists: ComfortClassic (Medium), DreamFIT (Shallow), Mirage Vista (Standard), Profile Lite Gel (Small), Ultra Mirage II (Standard), SomnoPlus (Medium), Ultra Mirage Full Face (Medium), in addition to a bunch of "all sizes included" choices.

kurtchan · Post by **kurtchan** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:00 am

JCraig,

Of the masks you listed, I have personal experience only with the Activa and the Vista. The Activa was the first mask I was given when I started CPAP therapy and, while it worked well for me, I likened wearing it to having an athletic supporter stretched over your head. I found the flexible part of the mask to be great in avoiding leaks, but the overall size of the mask and the headgear was cumbersome and hard for me to keep on all night. The Vista, on the other hand, was much more comfortable to me and, perhaps because of the fact that my sightlines were unobstructed, felt smaller and less annoying.

I know it's going to be different for every person, but thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. It's tough to choose a mask without getting to try them on, so the more input you can get from others, the better.

By the way, why and by whom was the Activa not considered a good fit for you?

Good luck,

Kurtchan

tmaiberger · Post by **tmaiberger** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:02 am

I use a standard size activa and just got the standard size ultra mirage 2 nasal mask about a week and a half ago. Both work well for me. As for a size comparison, when I tried the large UM2 v. the standard UM2 at my DME I could not really detect much of a difference (there was no leakage with either when I laid down on the floor with the mask attached to a machine set at 10 (the RT looked at me like I was insane when I did this, but I told her I do not sleep sitting and that is why I did it. Surprisingly, she actually seemed to understand). I opted for the standard UM2 size. The activa has a larger footprint over the face (maybe I should say face print), but probably close to the same amount of the masks touch the face (in other words the activa is larger in front of and off the face). Hope this helps.

Todd

JCraig · Post by **JCraig** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:06 am

kurtchan wrote: By the way, why and by whom was the Activa not considered a good fit for you?

No idea WHY (it doesn't tell you!), but the cpap.com sizer, like I said, doesn't think the Activa will be a good fit.

Ric · Post by **Ric** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:15 am

I have used the UM-2 "standard" size, mostly. When I got the Activa I got the "standard" size. That was a perfect fit. I did that on sheer bravery and daredevil instinct, and some general advice from people on this forum and NOT based on any help from the sizing guide, nor from any advice from the gentle folk at cpap.com. It also seemed sort of logical since both masks come in sizes "shallow", "standard", and "large", and they are both made by Resmed. The Activa is missing the "shallow wide" size, but otherwise I would guess the sizing chart for the UM-2 is probably a good approximation to the correct size for the Activa.

Having said that, I am not willing to refund your money if you guess wrong. Neither is cpap.com from what I can tell. I made a huge fuss about the sizing chart for the Activa a while back, but nothing seems to have changed. I tried every combination of facial dimensions that any recognizable human might dare sport in public, and the answer from the sizing chart is the same "There is no Activa® that will fit THAT face, BWAHAHAHAHA!".

Good Luck! In the near future it won't even be an issue with me if Resmed chooses to raise their online prices as announced. The sizing chart for Resmed products will not be needed.

-Ric

JCraig · Post by **JCraig** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:20 am

I would think a "Standard" from the same manufacturer, would be, well, standardized, too. Hmmm.

Vader · Post by **Vader** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 9:07 am

I use the large size Activa, and I really like it. I have a small mouth, but it doesn't obstruct or cause any real discomfort.
It gives a really great seal for me, and as I have said here before, it has been the mask that's given me hope for CPAP compliance.
Every nasal pillow type that I tried caused me a lot of pain and discomfort, so for me, even if I had to pay out of pocket, I wouldn't care if they doubled the price on it.
The Activa is VERY comfortable.

JCraig · Post by **JCraig** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 9:12 am

Vader - do you mind sharing your measurements, as requested by the cpap.com online mask sizer tool? I'm curious to compare with mine.

(If you don't know where it is, goto cpap.com, scroll down and look for "Size CPAP Mask" on the left side menu.)

I'd really appreciate the info. As well as from any other Activa users (and let me know what size Activa you're using).

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 9:53 am

The sizer on the site seems to be restrictive in its recommendations. I suggest calling CPAP.com and talking to one of their helpful people. Activa did not show up on the sizer for me, but after giving them my measurements they recommended a large and it fit great. The folks there are very helpful and won't steer you wrong.

JCraig · Post by **JCraig** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 10:07 am

They wouldn't even look at my numbers, they said "the sizer is always right, if it says no it's no"... Seriously.

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 1:59 pm

WOW very suprised at that response. Very different from my experience. Sorry.

mousetater · Post by **mousetater** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 2:31 pm

Actually, the first time I called about sizing for the Activa, I got the same "the sizer is always right" response. I called back two days later, got another person, who used my measurements to recommend the "standard" which works great for me.

Try calling back, hoping to get a different rep.

Vader · Post by **Vader** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 2:38 pm

JCraig wrote:Vader - do you mind sharing your measurements, as requested by the cpap.com online mask sizer tool? I'm curious to compare with mine.

(If you don't know where it is, goto cpap.com, scroll down and look for "Size CPAP Mask" on the left side menu.)

I'd really appreciate the info. As well as from any other Activa users (and let me know what size Activa you're using).

I'd hate to bore everyone with my sizing results, so I PM'd you with said results.( or is that "sad" results? )

But all I can say is they must not like to sell the Mirage Activa, because it wasn't recommended for me.
I really like the mask, and in spite of my generously sized nose, , I get an excellent seal, with NO air leaks.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 4:45 pm

basically it says you can use about any mask in the Med-Standard size.

Don't get it too small or it can cut into your nares. The Activa is probably the best mask if you are having trouble with leaks but it won't do anything for mouth breathing.

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Still curious about the Activa...

Still curious about the Activa...

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