Looking for opinions and feedback on your favorite mask!

[gorfanides]

Hello to all,

I'm new to this forum, but, have been using auto-cpap for about 3 years now. The only mask that I have ever used is the respironics comfort gel nasal. I was sleeping so very little that I took to cpap immediately. The mask they gave me at my sleep study was the comfort gel nasal. I guess I was so glad to get a good nights sleep that I didn't mess around trying other masks out, but now I am starting to feel the need for a change and am starting to consider the full face mask, specifically I've heard good things about the respironics full life mask. So now I'm looking for your opinions, feedback, favorite mask suggestions, any constructive feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,
gorfanides

[Eureka]

You will probably get a wide variety of responses. I am using the F&P Flexifit 431 FFM. I got it as a backup in case of congestion, and after having it a couple of months (unused) I thought I should try it in case I should need it. I was surprised that I liked it -- and continue to use it. I average 2.2 AHI with it. No one mask will satisfy everyone, but this is the one I am now using and like it. And it is the one my DME also uses.

[BleepingBeauty]

I am starting to feel the need for a change and am starting to consider the full face mask, specifically I've heard good things about the respironics full life mask. So now I'm looking for your opinions, feedback, favorite mask suggestions, any constructive feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,
gorfanides

Hi, gorfanides, and welcome to the forum.

As Eureka said, you'll get lots of differing opinions on masks, as we're all different. What works for one doesn't work at all for another, and the only way to know what will work for you is to try it yourself. That said, there are some good resources to check out:

• https://www.cpap.com for User Reviews at the bottom of the page for each product they sell. cpap.com offers Return Insurance on many masks (you get some time to try the mask and, if you don't like it or it's not working for you, you can return it and get your money back - minus the insurance and shipping fees).
• Product Challenge results (top of the page) to see detailed user reviews on similar masks that were pitted against each other. (In fact, the FullLife was recently featured, challenging the Quattro.)
• http://www.cpapauction.com for much lower prices on equipment (often brand new). It's like ebay for xPAP. You can save a lot of money on the auction, enabling you to try more masks than you could otherwise afford to do.

I used the FullLife for a couple of months, when it was first released. I really liked how it felt on my face - lighter than most other FFMs, and it doesn't have any kind of forehead support. But it did a number on the bridge of my nose (red, swollen, tender), as do many other FF and nasal masks. I tried using moleskin for a long time; it helped, but I eventually gave up on the FullLife as a full-time mask. FYI, there's no easy-release clip on the headgear, which means you either adjust the neck strap every time you put the mask on or you just pull it over your head without undoing any of the straps (which will likely stretch out the headgear before long). The mask has an innovative quick-release mechanism where the hose attaches to the mask, but no such luck re: the headgear.

If you have any concerns about nose-bridge irritation, you might want to look at the Mirage Liberty or the Respcare Hybrid. They're both considered "hybrid" FF masks (oral cushion and nasal pillows combo) and offer the same protection as a FFM with nothing going over the nose. The Hybrid comes with more sizing options than the Liberty, so it offers a more tailored fit. (I tried the Liberty first but couldn't get it to seal well. I now use the Hybrid, which works really well for me.)

Anyway, I hope that helps. Do check out the other options I listed above, and best of luck in your search.

[montana]

Masks are a very personal choice..I picked Full Life

[SnoresLikeWalrus]

Love my Mirage Liberty. Was the third mask I tried. It IS so individual.

[jmelby]

Activa LT is the best mask I have used, though I haven't tried many other nasal masks. For full face, I could not get the Full Life to work without leaking profusely... which seems to be a common theme among people who tried it. For full face, I've tried the Forma, Full Life, Comfort Gel FFM, Ultra Mirage FFM. For comfort, I rate the UMFF the best. For fit (lowest leak), it's the Comfort Gel FFM.

[rjjayrt]

I guess my first response would be if you have a mask that works and its comfortable, why change...Change for changes sake is not usually sucessful. But if your having issues with your mask then by all means change it. No one on this forum can tell you what mask will work for you. Your first decision should be what type of mask do you want to try and why do you want to try it. After you've decided that itr gets difficult, theres many many good masks out there by several manufacturers and its basically a process of elimination. Facial features, sleep habits ect ect play a part in the process and sometimes it takes time to settle on a mask. Your DME should be able and willing to help you with this process, if there not, change DME's and find one who will. This is one process that will go smoother if you have a competent DME that will help you.

[Komodo]

The Comfortgel nasal is my everyday mask as well. Like you, I also wanted to get a FFM. Since my Comfortgel Nasal felt so good, I figured the Comfortgel FFM would be just as good. WRONG!!! There is nothing "Comfort" about the Comfortgel FFM!!!! It has a totally different fit than the nasal, and is EXTREMELY uncomfortable.
Still searching for a FFM, I had my DME bring over several different masks for me to try. (I told them which ones I wanted to try!!!!) The Mirage Quattro FFM fit me like a glove! My nasal is comfortable, but the Quattro is even MORE comfortable! It is the perfect fit for my facial features. If I could, I would make it my every day mask. Unfortunately..........I found out that I can't use a FFM. It's a shame, because I really, REALLY like the Quattro!

My suggestion to you is, wherever you get your new mask from, make sure you can exchange it.