Full Face Mask Question

Spinfall · Post by **Spinfall** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 3:24 pm

I am very interested in getting a full face mask, but upon talking to my rep at the medical supply store, she didn't recommend it. Said it causes major problems and could colapse or give inaccurate readings. I am looking for some input on this. Thank You.

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 3:41 pm

spinfall, if I were you, I think I'd start looking for another DME (medical supply store, aka Durable Medical Equipment supplier)! For one to say that a full face mask causes major problems or could collapse shows they either 1) don't want to sell you one because they make more $$ on a nasal interface, 2) don't know what they're talking about and are way undertrained or 3) just don't have a clue about masks, period! Either way, it sure seems like you'd be better off with another DME.

I've been using an UltraMirage Full Face (UMFF) mask for over 2 years now and it has not caused ANY problems nor has it ever collapsed. I'm a mouth breather pretty much 100% and have a rather high pressure....14 cm...and this one has been my "go to" mask. I've tried another mask, the DreamFit, a nasal mask, and it works for me, but after a night or 2, my upper teeth hurt. So, back to the UMFF I go.

Good luck and welcome to the forum! You're in a great place to get answers to all kinds of questions about OSA, CPAP and XPAP.

Kajun

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 4:02 pm

Ditto on what Kajun said about the DMEs and the UMFF.
I did try a Comfortfull 2 for three nights before it got too painful.
Two years on my UMFF, too.
The only way you could make it collapse is if you drove a truck over it.....and then I wouldn't guarantee it. All the parts on it are replaceable, so if something breaks or wears out, you can just buy the part you need. Many other masks have to be thrown away when they're worn out. I dislike the company's policies but they do make good masks.

Den

SleepySandy · Post by **SleepySandy** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 4:25 pm

Another person in agreement with Den and Kajun.

What your DME said is by far one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. I have 3 FF masks at the moment - UMFF, CF2 and Hybrid. All 3 have a hard shell as a component of the design. There's NO WAY it could collapse on your face.

Definitely find another DME. Since this one is biased against FF masks, she won't be a good choice to make sure you get a good fit.

Jcastle · Post by **Jcastle** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 4:28 pm

I have on the UMFF II for 4 months and see no way that it could collapse. The main body is made from a rigid plastic that could withstand any abuse you could throw at it.

The two issues that I have with the mask is that 1) I have not figured out how to stop all the leaks, and 2) I am using using the large mask and could use an X-Large which they don't make.

Janine · Post by **Janine** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 5:58 pm

If the FF mask collapses, it is because your ceiling is on top of it.

I am new to this but over the last couple of weeks tried a nasal and then ff mask. The Ultra Mirage FF mask is the one thing I am NOT having problems adjusting to in this whole cpap experience!

roster · Post by **roster** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 6:45 pm

Spinfall wrote:I am very interested in getting a full face mask, but upon talking to my rep at the medical supply store, she didn't recommend it. Said it causes major problems and could colapse or give inaccurate readings. I am looking for some input on this. Thank You.

It may cause a major problem. That is a major problem in the rep's mind if he/she has never fitted anyone with an FF and doesn't want to bother with it.

Spinfall, why are you interested in a ff mask? If you are breathing through your mouth or leaking air out of your mouth, then trying a ff mask is a good step.

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 7:12 pm

I'd be tempted (being the mischief-maker I can occasionally be) to call back that RT and ask her what she DOES recommend for people who mouth-breathe, if not a full face mask. If she says "a chin strap," say "I tried one of those on at [your sleep lab or doctor's office name] and all it did was keep my jaw shut. It didn't keep me from leaking air through my lips." I would love to see what your RT had to say about that. Sounds like she's dumb enough to think mouth leaking isn't important.

SleepySandy · Post by **SleepySandy** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 7:44 pm

I'd be tempted (being another mischief-maker) to ask the RT to show me a FF mask and explain how it could collapse.

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 10:38 pm

SleepySandy wrote:I'd be tempted (being another mischief-maker) to ask the RT to show me a FF mask and explain how it could collapse.

Seconded!

I have a UMFF you can borrow if you promise to video the interaction.

jasper · Post by **jasper** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 8:53 am

Collapse? Ridiculous.

My DME was also against FF masks, because, he said, they leak. Well, they do leak for me, somewhat more than my Activa. However, with practice in making adjustments you can get it to work. My experience is with the Comfortfull II (hated it) and the F&P 432 (like it as a FF, but still get a sore nose). Use a bandaid on the nose bridge, and keep experimenting whether you go UMFF or 432 or other.

When I asked my DME what I was supposed to do about mouth breathing, since the chin strap did not work for me either, he just shrugged.

Obviously he just didn't get it.

Thanks to this and other forums, I've found other methods, like taping, and occasional FF use that have given me some workable alternatives.

I agree, get another DME. One who understand the problem , and maybe even has used a mask him or herself.

Good luck...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 10:19 am

the Fischer and Paykel HC431 and HC432 are excellent full-face masks, too. Try several before deciding... UMFF, HC43x, etc.

But yes, your DME is spewing nonsense. I consider FF masks the best form of interface for those without psychological issues ("claustrophobia" or whatever). Covers all three holes, including the big one. Far superior to only covering two holes and then just HOPING the third stays shut all by itself, or holding it closed with tape or straps around the head.

Good luck!

Mask

Additional Comments: Current flow rate is 8 cm