Mirage Activa Mask

JimH · Post by **JimH** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 10:13 am

Hi,

Last night a tried a new mask, the Mirage Activa. Does anyone else use this mask and how do you like it. Also, I understand that the nasal portion of the mask is supposed to expand when you turn it on. But mine did not last night. Does this mean it was too tight? I tried this morning standing up with it on and it expanded. I am cornfoosed. Any hints or tips with this mask?

Thanks Jim

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Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 10:22 am

Chances are you had it too tight, It's been said it's supposed to act like a love sick octopus. I have used it but had a problem with the headgear slipping up and pulling the mask up into my eyes. I retired it and went back to my Comfort Gel.

Turn the XPAP on, place the mask against the face, tighten the straps to keep it level, don't overtighten. the mask moved in and out when you breath.

Catnapper · Post by **Catnapper** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 10:38 am

The Activa is a great mask. When I wear it, it is so loose I can easily take it off or on without unhooking it. The forehead part almost never touches my face. You may not notice it moving in and out much, and you may get used to it very quickly. The good part about the mask is that it seals very well when it is very loose. I can sleep on my side without breaking the seal. I think it is a good mask for beginners.

On the down side, it is pretty big for a nasal mask. It covers a lot of your face.

Catnapper

JimH · Post by **JimH** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 2:22 pm

I started with the comfort gel. that worked well for awhile for me anyway. unfortunately it was pretty loud then. Also, having the red mark on my forehead and the strap marks on my face really started to bug me too. So I tried the Swift Nasal Pillows about a year ago and have had difficulty on and off with them since. I really liked the comfort and how quiet it was, (my wife really like the quiet part) but my nares have been so bothered by it that they swelled all the time and a would get sneezing fits and runny nose. I then tried a series of nasal sprays. I finally had found Nasacort which seemed to work well. Well, I changed jobs in January and associated insurance and the Nasacort isn't a preferred drug for them. Well I wasn't going to pay 50 per month for it that is for sure. I have nasonex now, but it doesn't work very well. So now I am trying this mask.

I will definately loosen it up a bit tonight. I am so used to having it tight to avoid leakages. The respitory specialist really recommended this one. So we will try it. I also plan on enquiring with the insurance company to see if they will pay for the Remstar C-flex so I can atleast reduce the pressure through my nose for half the night. We'll see what happens.

Thanks,

Jim

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 2:43 pm

Here is a link to threads regarding the Activa. Reading them should help.

viewtopic.php?p=35284

cpapernewbie · Post by **cpapernewbie** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 11:59 am

Linda, that's a great help. Excellent links.
'
I have wear this amsk for 4 nights and am getting used to it.

1) it is heavy and large - mine is standard size
2) it will take some time to get out of the claustrophobic feeling with this mask
3) I feel heave pressure on my harelip

However on the plus side
1) you can wear this very loose
2) much less sign of wear and tear on your face
3) very little leaks (mine was 30 and I believe this is ok)

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 9:32 pm

Thanks Linda.

The posts were very helpful. Nights 1 and 2 went much better. Now I just have to get used to the "low visibility" when wearing it as opposed to the Swift Nasal Pillows.

Jim

Snoozing Gonzo · Post by **Snoozing Gonzo** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 8:25 am

It may take a few nights of little adjustments but you'll get a seal. Moving the forehead piece even one step changes all the straps a bit but will reduce pressure on your lip or the bridge of your nose as needed. I found the forehead piece to be hot and left a mark even if its not tight - skin reaction I guess. A Padacheek cover fixed that problem immediately.

Good Luck

Chris