Mask Question

Liam1965 · Post by **Liam1965** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:30 pm

OK, folks, as it seems I may be heading into another trial of xPAP (now that they have treatment for Complex Sleep Apnea, which seems to fit my symptoms), I also need to figure out the latest in mask technology.

I remember from last time that what mask fits best generally varies from person to person and facial shape to facial shape.

However, other than the pressure induced centrals, my other problem last time was the inability to fall asleep with the mask on, and the fact that every time I rolled over or changed position, the mask would unseal from my face and I'd have to partially wake to re-adjust it.

So, given all of that, what's your own personal favorite mask in terms of stability when moving around in bed? If/when I get a chance to try one of these new funky machines that should stop the centrals along with the OSA, which mask, in your opinion, gives me the best chance of coverage through the night, even as I move from one position to another?

Thanks,

Liam, getting Silver out of the stable and getting set to try on the old mask, one more time.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 12:45 am

Hey Liam! Wow!!!

The best mask is:
A mask that you can stabilize with what I have recently seen defined as an "RG strap"

An "RG strap" is also known as a cut off pantyhose leg, wrapped around strategic parts of the mask.

There are many new masks that are probably more comfortable - but I would say a majority of masks on a majority of faces, may need a little bit of additional support.

And you may also want to consider buying Dr. Krakow's book "Sound Sleep Sound Mind" which may help you use your valuable mental abilities to help you fall asleep - instead of having them driving you out of it. (Read the two threads he originated as user "BarryKrakowMD". I bought the book and have read it - I remember your struggles to fall asleep, and I definitely think it may be worth it for you,

My personal favorite mask is an Aeiomed Headrest, deconstructed, and used with two of the aforemetioned RG straps. The RG comes from "Rested Gal"...

Some of the SV machines are picky, maskwise - which means mask tweaking and hose handling are going to be even more crucial.

O.

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:45 am

Hi neighbor,

I haven't found a mask yet that I haven't needed to tweak to reduce leaks to a manageable level. What works for one may not work for another.

If you're still going to the same sleep lab you mentioned, they don't tell you this but you can go there and borrow masks and take them home to try them. The first time just call and ask if you can stop by to see a tech for some help. Some of the techs have OSA and so are very familiar with mask issues!

Mindy

jsmythe · Post by **jsmythe** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 2:17 pm

Hi Liam, glad to see you back!!

I also use the Headrest (pillows) and love it! And my favorite nasal mask is the Activa. Once it gets adjusted right, there are absolutely no leaks. I am a very restless sleeper and it stays sealed for me. Took me a long time to get it just right, but now, all I do is slip it on,lay down and go to sleep. No fiddling with it. Just my opinion though. Others have had good luck, and others have had bad luck with it.

sharon1965 · Post by **sharon1965** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 2:27 pm

next week i'm booked for a fitting for a full face mask, and the quattro has received a very high rating in my informal poll, so we'll see; i'd just like to have one for backup

...but i've been using the headrest since last april, it's my absolute fave

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 3:09 pm

Hi Liam!

I'm new here since you last went through this. Read a little of your resurrected thread from 2005 - glad you're back and trying again!!!

I'm a big fan of the Nasal Aire II. I'm claustrophobic, a chronic mouth breather, and a side sleeper. Between the NAII and a Tiara Topaz Chinstrap, I'm finally 100% compliant, and beginning to feel better. NAII is the only mask I can keep sealed while tossing and turning.

Everyone's different - there's about half here who will second my recommendation, and about half who swear it's for the birds. See if you can get one to "test drive". If not, keep me posted - I may have one I can loan you for a test in a week or so.

My Tip Sheet on the NAII:
cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t23207/Babettes-Nasal-Aire-II-Tip-Sheet.html

That's just about everything I have to say on the subject. But feel free to PM me.

Cheers,
Babette - who can't log in at work, and doesn't currently have any cpap-related problems (other than the excess sexual energy), so I just keep surfing the list, and adding what positive contribution I can

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 3:37 pm

What the heck ... if you be starting over, may as well try 'em all

Really though, I hope you can get it to work this time around.

Kenv · Post by **Kenv** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 4:51 pm

I found the Fisher and Paykel Flexifit 431 full face to be really good and very comfortable - they now have a 432 which I have heard is better still.
Ken

inacpapfog · Post by **inacpapfog** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:16 pm

Oh, Liam!!!
So great to read ya' again!
And best of luck as you try to "ride this horse" again!
Personally, my favorite mask is the Hybrid. no problema with leaks and it is wonderful not to have to deal with mouthleaks anymore! Believe me, I tried every chinstrap, every tape, every sealant and every mouthpiece that was out there! The Headrest and Swift were good, but I had to have mouthleak solution! When I tried the Ultra Mirage FF, it was OK, but tended to spring leaks as I shifted positions through the night. If I had to try another FF, I would try the FP Flexifit for sure. Have heard great things about it from others here!
Hope you find what suits you best! Please,leep us posted!

Liam1965 · Post by **Liam1965** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 5:31 pm

Hey, folks,

Thanks to everyone for the advice and encouragement. I haven't written more because so far I've still not received a response back from my primary physician, and since he needs to refer me...

(He's very much in demand and tends to go off and lecture fairly regularly, so he may be out of town this week).

But I appreciate all of the info, and I will definitely tuck it away for when it's time to start looking into masks again.

Liam, who remembers days when "getting to my PCP" meant something completely different.

nosbig17 · Post by **nosbig17** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:52 am

I have found that pillows interfaces usually have limited latitude. By latitude I mean the amount of movement in the frame (part that holds the cushion/pillows) without loosing the seal. Most people who have success with pillows report that they have taken steps to stabelize the frame in relation to their head. At first most of us who realize this try cinching the head gear tighter, but this results in sqeezing and the opisate results than what is desired. So! a snug (not too tight) fit works best.

The standard hose (tubing) comes with cuffs on the ends. These cuffs add weight and tend to put a strain on close couppled nasel masks. When compaired to the Ultra Mirage, ResMed removed the axel-swivel from the elbow-radial-swivel assembly on the Activa and supplied an inlet tube and swivel assembly which has smaller/lighter end cuffs. This is an improvement over the standard cuffs, but I find a cuffless hose to be even better, cheaper too. Therefore I have modified my Activas making their elbows like the Ultra Mirage elbows.

The latest mask I've tried is the Fisher & Pakel FlexiFit 407. I was able to get it adjusted in a few minutes (best to do while laying down). Been using it every night for a little over two weeks. This mask has a unique feature which allows the headgear to shift without affecting the frame very much, (Glider Strip). I would rate this interface on par with the Ultra Mirage and the Activa. AND IT COSTS ABOUT HALF AS MUCH.

Welcome back to the Quest!

The Activa

goose · Post by **goose** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 9:49 pm

Hey Liam....
I use the headrest as do some of the others. I'm a side sleeper and move a lot. The mask tends to stay put for me. I have not decapitated it to use RG's straps (though I now have a second one that I may use normal and decapitate the older one -- just to try it out that way) and I will say that the headgear leaves a bit to be desired, but it seems to work ok for me.......

Glad you're back at it -- good luck in your search and with your treatment!!!

Take care
cheers
goose

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 5:18 am

Hi Liam,

I agree with jsmythe re the activa nasal mask. It's very comfortable and rarely loses its seal when turning side to side. I find most of my problems relate to the other stuff on the head necessary to deal with keeping the mouth closed. I use a chinstrap plus mouth taping, although as time goes by I am finding that both of these can be looser than when I started, so maybe there is hope that I will eventually learn to keep the mouth closed naturally?? I never could find a full face mask that would seal properly with side sleeping.

I wish you well with the return to PAP therapy.

beegee

sharon1965 · Post by **sharon1965** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 10:00 am

[quote="inacpapfog"]Oh, Liam!!!
So great to read ya' again!
And best of luck as you try to "ride this horse" again!
Personally, my favorite mask is the Hybrid. no problema with leaks and it is wonderful not to have to deal with mouthleaks anymore! Believe me, I tried every chinstrap, every tape, every sealant and every mouthpiece that was out there! The Headrest and Swift were good, but I had to have mouthleak solution! When I tried the Ultra Mirage FF, it was OK, but tended to spring leaks as I shifted positions through the night. If I had to try another FF, I would try the FP Flexifit for sure. Have heard great things about it from others here!
Hope you find what suits you best! Please,leep us posted!

BigGayBert · Post by **BigGayBert** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 1:31 pm

I have tried lots of masks lately, and I always come back to my two favorites: the Activa and the Quattro. The Activa keeps its seal no matter how much I move around. If I am a little bit congested, I use the Respironics Premium Chinstrap with it. If I am quite congested, I use the Quattro. It holds a great seal, but just not quite as well as the Activa. Regardless, I have excellent leak rates when I use either one. They are pricey, but worth every penny.

The only problem I have with the masks is that both of them cause the bridge of my nose to be a little sore. Pad-A-Cheek's Nose Bridge Protectors help alot, and I have them on both my Activa and my Quattro. They also cover the forehead piece and are very comfy. The straps don't bother me at all so they're naked.

Good luck finding a great mask!

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