Seeking Ultra Mirage Advice

greyhound · Post by **greyhound** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 9:09 am

I've only been on cpap for less than a week and hope that I'll be able to use the Ultra Mirage successfully. The first night I tried the Ultra Mirage (my 3rd cpap night) it was wonderful for 5-6 hours - comfortable, just floating above my face. Then, after my second bathroom break, it developed a noise that sounded like "gas" - a very scary thought if that's a typical cpap result (I know it's not).

The following night, I kept getting a high pitched sound which, I assume is a sign of a leak. This leak was accompanied by intermittent cpap pressure and an error message indicative of an interface problem.

So, I guess it's going to take some experimentation to get things to work right (a mustache and short beard, I know, don't help). But those initial 5-6 hours certainly motivate me.

Severeena · Post by **Severeena** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 3:32 pm

greyhound welcome to the world of Ultra Mirage mask.

They are only good for one night the way I have it figured out.

I am now using the Hans Rudolph which I really like and highly recommend this mask.

dkeat · Post by **dkeat** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 11:10 am

greyhound wrote: The first night I tried the Ultra Mirage (my 3rd cpap night) it was wonderful for 5-6 hours - comfortable, just floating above my face. Then, after my second bathroom break, it developed a noise that sounded like "gas" - a very scary thought if that's a typical cpap result (I know it's not).

Welcome to the wonderful world of full face masks!

I have had this experience too many times to mention. If you are using an APAP and you develop a leak, the pressure may skyrocket very quickly to your set limit. The problem is that you set your straps on the Mirage for a lower pressure and now you can't get it to stop making disgusting noises and leaking. The trick for an APAP is to shut it off and restart the machine. That will reset the pressure back to the lower limit and you can go back to sleep. Readjust the mask first.

Full face masks are a real art to master. I am finding that with time, I get craftier.

Severeena · Post by **Severeena** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 12:14 pm

David you can try to reset the pressure a little lower by turning off the machine, but that has nothing to do with a mask that is not all that great. I tried that before I finally dropped kicked it.

I have found that the Ultra Mirage is really only good for 5 hours if that. The Ultra Mirage is not good for a high pressure setting.

I have my APAP set for a starting pressure of 7.8 and will go all the way up to 20. No noises.

My mask can handle being removed to put back on with no problems of obscene or embarassing noises.

Roger... · Post by **Roger...** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 12:21 pm

David,
I wonder if you've found a more comfortable setting for your nose bridge?

I'm in the early stages of wrestling with my Ultra and haven't experienced the pain you've reported, but then I haven't found a stabile set of adjustments yet. So far the leak rate being reported by my REMStar shows some of the largest leak values and longest durations I've seen so far. It might be that I've got a short beard that might be keeping the mask from getting a good seal, but if that isn't the case it might be something is assembled wrong in the mask. So far I haven't been frustrated with the mask, but I can see if I played with it for as long as you have I would definitely be ready for something else.

Roger... · Post by **Roger...** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 12:34 pm

Sharon,
I tried to get fitted for a Hans Rudolph in my area, but couldn't find any DME that even knew about them. An email to Hans Rudolph generated the caliper sizing tool, which is really well made and useful for just about any mask, but when I asked them for a list of DMEs in my area, they didn't send anything back.

Because I couldn't find a DME locally and because the price of your mask was so high, I went with the ULTRA to keep the dollar risk down. Part of the reason to go with the ULTRA was based upon a comment you made about them testing a new headgear that I couldn't get acknowledged by an online seller, so part of the avoidance was to not get the old headgear when they knew something better was needed.

Did you buy your mask over the internet, or were you fitted locally by a DME?

Also, how did you know about the new headgear, and then get access to it?

Severeena · Post by **Severeena** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 12:57 pm

I fitted myself with the caliper and called the company to get the size mask I needed.

I asked who they had in my area of Union Grove, WI and they really couldn't help me. I went out on my own to find a DME that would even consider the Hans Rudolph and I found Metz Medical in Kenosha, WI.

If you deal with what I call a chain, they will not help you nor will they be willing to help you get the mask, I found this out with American Home Patient.

If you need help, you may try Sunrise Medical.

If you need further help let me know.

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Nita · Post by **Nita** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 2:05 pm

I think I like my Ultra Mirage FF. I tried just the nose mask when I first started with C-PAP, but it didn't work for me as my mouth drops open when I'm sleeping. I can't compare it to any other, but I've not had trouble with it once I got used to it. I'm about due for another, so I'll keep reading to see what others are suggesting. Nita

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Severeena · Post by **Severeena** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 4:54 pm

Nita, you may be one of the lucky ones that has not had trouble with the Ultra Mirage. If you have not had any leakage, obscene noises like someone expelling gas, then you are OK.

Good Luck.

I love my Hans Rudolph and I will continue to use this mask.

Sharon

Nita · Post by **Nita** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 8:46 pm

sharon, obscene noises I got! Woke me up wondering what was going on. But after awhile, the mask started fitting better. I sleep on my side and even on my stomach, smashing and poking my Joe Boxer pillows just right, until my face sort of hangs over the edge but the mask is secure.

I'm going to do that mask fit thing. Maybe I'm just one of those generic faces that fit any mask. I feel pretty generic most of the time.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 9:03 pm

I think there are LOTS of us RESMed Ultra Mirage FF mask users that like our masks A LOT.

I haven't had to adjust mine hardly at all since the first couple of nights with it (more than six months ago). Doesn't leave red marks or any kinds of irritations. Very few leaks. I don't mouth breath with it.....mouth/throat isn't dry in the morning. I feel great when I wake up in the morning, etc., etc., etc.

In other words, you couldn't get me to give up mine!!!

Best wishes.

Den

Yoga · Post by **Yoga** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 11:46 pm

I Teach,

At what store did you purchase the Bandaid clear spots?

joey · Post by **joey** » Sat Nov 26, 2005 8:30 am

I use the Ultra Mirage FF and love it. I was on CPAP for nearly a year trying several different masks before I found this mask and was able to sleep all night. I think it is very important to clean this mask often but mine NEVER makes the above mentioned obscene noises. I do intend to try the Hans Rudolph mask when my insurance will pay for a new one in Jaunary. Good Luck with Ultra Mirage it works for me.

dkeat · Post by **dkeat** » Sat Nov 26, 2005 10:49 am

Roger... wrote:David,
I wonder if you've found a more comfortable setting for your nose bridge?

I'm in the early stages of wrestling with my Ultra and haven't experienced the pain you've reported, but then I haven't found a stabile set of adjustments yet. So far the leak rate being reported by my REMStar shows some of the largest leak values and longest durations I've seen so far. It might be that I've got a short beard that might be keeping the mask from getting a good seal, but if that isn't the case it might be something is assembled wrong in the mask. So far I haven't been frustrated with the mask, but I can see if I played with it for as long as you have I would definitely be ready for something else.

Yeah, I get huge leaks too from the Ultra Mirage. The problems with leaking is, the APAP goes crazy and pumps up the pressure, which causes more leaking. At lower pressures the mask is fine for me. But I haven't made it through the night once without SOMETHING happening. I have nothing personal on this. It works for many people, bless their souls. I guess if I had a beard, as you do, I might consider reassigning my facial hairs. Like try a stache and a small beard under your lower lip.

ITeach · Post by **ITeach** » Sat Nov 26, 2005 12:47 pm

Yoga-I got the Band-Aid Clear spots at Walmart and Walgreens.

Another thought for the "obscene" noises: I find them far less common with washing my face and mask really well daily. I get up to 18 some nights, and rarely have difficulty. I found watching the goofey CD about fitting helped also.

I love my ultra mirage and wouldn't give it up for anything.

Good luck to all of you.
Sue

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