What's the vote on the better Full Face Mask? Which to get?

Derrell · Post by **Derrell** » Mon May 16, 2005 11:46 am

I need to get a full face mask for those "stuffy" times. Hate to, because I really love my ComfortCurve.

Anyway, Respironics has 2, the ComfortFull and the Total Face Mask.

Resmed has 2, the Ultra Mirage and the Mirage Series 2 (though I hear the Ultra is an upgrade Series 2).

Finally, anyone with experience on the Hans Rudolph?

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Mon May 16, 2005 12:03 pm

Here is my caveat on asking for opinions on masks:

In terms of mask selection, I think there should be a permanent post explaining comfort and fit are highly subjective based upon the shape of one's head, the shape of one's face, the length of one's face, the width of one's face, the shape of one's nose, the amount of fat on one's face, the prominence of one's cheekbones, the distance between one's eyes, etc. There are so many factors influencing proper fit and comfort, one cannot possibly make a selection based on someone else's proclivities.

That being said, I'm sure you'll get lots of advice!!

Good Luck!

Derrell · Post by **Derrell** » Mon May 16, 2005 12:16 pm

I have to agree with all of the above. It will be interesting to see which way the group leans. I know some had trouble with the ComfortCurve, while I had no problem whatsoever. I understand that face characteristics are a major factor.

Thanks for the reminding thoughts.

Severeena · Post by **Severeena** » Mon May 16, 2005 12:16 pm

NEVER go with the MIRAGE. Sorry. If you do go with the Mirage, then you will have to read my post on how to make toilet seat covers or the anti-farting cover.

BuffaloAl · Post by **BuffaloAl** » Mon May 16, 2005 12:18 pm

I tried masks for about 6 months but was uncomfortable all the time. I finally tried nasal pillows, which were, while not quite completely comfortable, much easier for me to sleep with.

Howkoolguy · Post by **Howkoolguy** » Mon May 16, 2005 12:39 pm

I have been using my Ultra Mirage FF mask for almost 4 weeks. I have not encounted the whistling and other noises that people have. I think it is a great mask and strongly recommend it. However, as was said above, the fit and comfort of the mask is a highly individualized thing.

Howard

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Mon May 16, 2005 1:37 pm

I know there's someone on this forum who loves the Fisher and Paykel FlexiFit HC431 Full Face Mask, but I can't remember who it is.... I really like it too in terms of comfort, but I had leaks with it just as I do with my Ultra Mirage Full Face... I am constantly battling leaks no matter what I use!!!

Georgia Hosehead · Post by **Georgia Hosehead** » Mon May 16, 2005 1:59 pm

The Hans Rudolph FF mask looks like a great one, with the chin cup and the extra piece for the nose. However, it didn't work for me (leaked like crazy). And the head straps were really hard to get in place. I even tried swapping the head net piece with other head straps that I had. I tried the mask both with the extra nose piece and without it, without success in stopping the leaks. Anyone want to have a Hans Rudolph FF mask? My old standby mask is the Activa, one of the first to hit the market and still works just fine. Georgia Hosehead

jdacal · Post by **jdacal** » Mon May 16, 2005 2:12 pm

I have been using the Ultra Mirage probably since it was introduced.

PROS: great seal, hardly any leakage even when straps are not super tight. However, this doesn't apply if you get to a pressure above 17. At 18 mine leaks like a broken water balloon, unless the straps are super tight which causes a lot of marks on your face when you get up in the morning.

CONS: always some leakage around the bridge of the nose. Minor. But at times can get out of control and needs several re-adjustments to stop it. Switching from Medium to Large size mask helped this and damage to the skin on my nose as well.

I tried the Respironics too, but its shape just didn't feel as natural for my face as the ResMed did.

And speaking of high pressure, what masks do you high pressure users find leak the least for you?

th · Post by th » Mon May 16, 2005 2:31 pm

I have tried all you have mentioned even the Hans Rudolph. They all did poorly and leaked.(FOR ME) I only found one that worked and that was the ultra(IMO) mirage by resmed

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 16, 2005 6:14 pm

The Ultra Mirage works very well for me. No farts here. hehehe

I highly reccommend it. Every mask does not work for everyone. Find what works best for you.

SleepyGuy · Post by **SleepyGuy** » Mon May 16, 2005 8:25 pm

I like the Ultra Mirage. The clips on the ComfortFull were sometimes hard to release. The Ultra Mirage also has the anti-asphyxiation valve. That helps alleviate the fear if might suffocate you if the power goes off. This is probably irrational, but still important.

I did have whistling problems for the first week. It would whistle for about 20 minutes before quieting down.

It can be hard to get the straps adjusted right. I also have to make sure I sleep with it off the edge of the pillow so the pillow doesn't knock it off center.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon May 16, 2005 11:00 pm

Derrell, I've used these full face masks:

1. ResMed Ultra Mirage FF
2. Respironics ComfortFull
3. Hans Rudolph FF (I might have had it in a size too large since I had a "small" and it comes in two smaller than small sizes.)

The best one of those, imho, by far....

ResMed Ultra Mirage FF
_____________________________________
My disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, nor have I ever worked in the health care field. Those are just my personal opinions. A mask or machine I love/hate could be completely the opposite for others. Finding suitable equipment can be an expensive trial and error experience.

Derrell · Post by **Derrell** » Mon May 16, 2005 11:11 pm

Thanks everybody! Sounds like the odds are with the Ultra Mirage. I know all depends on the individual face structure, but I consider myself fairly "standard".........LOL.

JerryR · Post by **JerryR** » Tue May 17, 2005 7:38 am

Derrell wrote:Thanks everybody! Sounds like the odds are with the Ultra Mirage. I know all depends on the individual face structure, but I consider myself fairly "standard".........LOL.

With a lower pressure like yours, you'll likely do well with an Ultra Mirage. I have it and the F&P HC431. neither one works for me. My pressure is 18 which causes both of those masks to leak and make constant farty sounds all night long. In addition, the Ultra Mirage does pushups on my face. Both now live in a box in the bottom of my clothes closet.

Mask

What's the vote on the better Full Face Mask? Which to get?

What's the vote on the better Full Face Mask? Which to get?

I like the Mirage