Trouble-Free Masks?

snufflepgs · Post by **snufflepgs** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 4:47 pm

After reading many, many posts about the endless search for a good mask, and about tweaking, rigging, re-sizing, and fiddling with masks to get them to work right, I'm just wondering...How many users out there have found a truly trouble-free mask? One that fits, that works all the time under all conditions, that they haven't had to retro-fit or re-engineer, that doesn't start leaking or fall off their face halfway through the night, that they don't have to wrestle with or fight against?

I feel pretty fortunate. I just started this whole thing about three weeks ago, and me and my UMFF have settled in nicely. It's quiet, comfortable, and seals well (as long as I keep the pressure below 12). I've been able to wear it through the night with minimal awakening (usually cat-related). Is my case that rare, or is there a silent, somnolent majority out there who have hit the mask jackpot?

lvwildcat · Post by **lvwildcat** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 4:57 pm

Yes-the mask can make you or break you. I'm on a pressure of 15 so that also comes into play. I used a Flexit 431 for 8 months-worked but I wasn't in love with it. For the last 4 months I have been using my DREAM mask-the Oracle. Go figure I believe that 99% of people who have tried this mask HATE it but for me I'm in heaven. I don't think there will ever be 1 perfect mask out there.
And you are so right we are a group that tweaks and rigs over and over again-hey we're just improving on the design of the equipment

linda b · Post by **linda b** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 5:28 pm

I think my Comfortlite2 using the simple cushion comes pretty close. The only adjustment I've made is adding an extra "half strap" that velcros to the headgear at the neckline. This stabilizes the mask and keeps the headgear from riding up too much. It is very, very rare that I have any leak problems and I do not have any red mark problems, either.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 5:39 pm

snufflepgs,

I've been using the UMFF mask from the beginning and we've gotten along just fine, too. More than 18 months and counting.....same mask, seals, headgear and it's given no signs of wearing out. In fact, it seems to get even more comfortable and I haven't had any large leaks for quite some time and they've been few and far between anyway.

AND......no "modifications".

I DID try the Comfortfull 2 for a few nights, but my UMFF got jealous and I had to go back.

Best wishes,

Den

Bregory · Post by **Bregory** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 5:43 pm

I've only ever used the flexifit HC-407 for both a trial period of 4 weeks and 3 weeks with my own.

I often wonder about other masks after reading about them on here but the one I have does the trick. Sometimes I wish I would have been more demanding when I had the oppurtunity to try out some different masks, but in the end I got one that works for me and figure its not worth venturing out looking for one that may not work as well.

curtcurt46 · Post by **curtcurt46** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 6:00 pm

I have had consistent success with the UMFF, activa mirage, swift , and F&P 407. The activa is my favorite and have had my best numbers. The swift works well and the F&P 407 also worked well. I still have several I want to try.

Bregory · Post by **Bregory** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 6:06 pm

The only problem now is the cost, everytime you want to try one it costs.

Bookbear · Post by **Bookbear** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 8:11 pm

For me, its the Breeze. Consistantly zero leaks, good fit, comfortable. I know I am very lucky...its only the second mask I have tried. (p.s. I always side sleep, so the hard plastic anchor piece at the back does not bother me.)

cwsanfor · Post by **cwsanfor** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 3:21 pm

How many users out there have found a truly trouble-free mask?

I wouldn't go as far as "trouble-free", they're all trouble, but I seem to be setting on the much-maligned Respironics ComfortFull 2. First bit of luck I've had with 9 masks is that the best one for me is cheap and made by a company I prefer to do business with.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 3:40 pm

the closest thing I've found is the Somnotech Soyala. I did have to put a drop of hot glue on the silicone retaining ring on the elbow to keep it from unscrewing, but other than that it has been the best nasal mask I have used in more than 5 years on cpap also the quietest mask I have ever used, it is friggin silent.

I'm hoping to try their FF version when it becomes available next month as I prefer a FF mask over nasal due to mouth breathing.

snoozeandlose · Post by **snoozeandlose** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 11:55 pm

I started out with an Ultra Mirage and have been very pleased with the fit--practically no leaks. If it starts leaking its usally a sign I need to get a new gasket or whatever they are called. Then I discovered I had begun mouth breathing. I have been taping, but you do get tired of it. Have tired the ResMad FF mask. It was terrible. Just got the Fisker Paykal 431, but am still having trouble getting a comfortable fit. I also tired the Ruby chinstrap that some people rave about. It is useless--I still can open my mouth. It is very discouraging and its been a long while since I have gotten a good nights sleep. Chris

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 8:31 am

that they haven't had to retro-fit or re-engineer,

What's the fun in that? Everything "cries out" to be modified..

mattman · Post by **mattman** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 8:51 am

Respironics Comfort Select. It's worked perfectly for me right out of the box.
I highly recommend it!

mattman

KimberlyinMN · Post by **KimberlyinMN** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 5:13 pm

For a full face mask, I think my Comfortfull 2 works okay. I just wish I could wear my glasses while the mask is on. I've had a nasty cold this last week so I've been wearing the mask. (Although I went without the CPAP machine completely on Saturday night due to all of my coughing.) I haven't made any alterations anyhow. The only "problem" I've really had with it is the rain out. My heated hose just came in the mail today so I'm looking forward to going to bed tonight to try this out. I found a power strip with a digital timer built in at Target today for $9.99. It has eight plug-ins, with four of them being programmable. I had planned to buy a digital timer AND a power strip, so it was pretty cool that I found exactly what I wanted in one unit.

When I can breathe through my nose, the ComfortCurve or the Swift work just fine. I'm going to try very hard to NOT buy any more masks. Although I do wish I would have given the Hybrid a bit longer to try out. Three days may not have been enough time.

Kimberly

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 5:39 pm

Out of the 18+ masks I own, multiple copies of many, and several of these masks that I have modified and combined, the Comfort Classic is still my go to mask when I need a good night's sleep. I have 3 of them, 2 new ones that I bought as replacements that have never been out of the box. The first one won't die (worn 3 to 4 times per week for over 3 years). I combine that mask, and all of my other Respironics masks with the Tiara "H" style headgear. The Tiara straps are wider and the elastic seems better than most other headgear. If the Classic seals for you there are none better. The Classic is available in multiple sizes so fit should not be a problem. I have issued open challenges on different web sites over the years for anyone to prove other nasal masks are better, using any set of objective criteria. No one has accepted the challenge, for good reason.

For the record, I have no connection to any company in the medical industry or any person in the medical industry. I am just an APAP user trying to get a good night's sleep and calling things as I see them.

Mask

Additional Comments: Machine:Resmed S7 Elite; Oracle Mask(YES! My DREAM mask!!)

Machine	Mask

Additional Comments: Avg. AHI .4