Modifying the Activa LT so it is functional/comfortable

[Physician]

I had to stop using the ResMed Activa LT. My main mask is now the Respironics Comfort Classic. It is lightweight and comfortable. The only problem with the Classic is that the mask is thin and thus it doesn't always seal well at the inferior lateral portions. But at least the hard plastic frame never touches my face.

ResMed needs to modify the Activa, and that was communicated to them over six months ago. Two of my CPAP friends and I find it uncomfortable because the lower horizontal mask frame goes in between our mouth lips even touching our teeth. If the lower straps are loosened to stop this uncomfortable intrusion, the mask often leaks. The horizontal portion of the under the nose has the least depth and the material is not resilient enough to keep the frame away.

To solve this defect here's what I've just done: Took two plastic rectangular pieces and inserted them in the pocket inside the mask on the lower horizontal portion. This causes a greater depth to the portion of the mask under the nose, reducing the accordion-type collapse, thus preventing the frame from getting in between my mouth lips and hitting my teeth. This worked well on all three of our masks.

ResMed needs to make the lower horizontal portion deeper and/or more resilient. When achieving a good seal, a frame portion of any mask should never touch any part of the face.

Has anyone else had this problem with the Activa LT ?

[rested gal]

That sounds like an interesting fix, Physician.

Any chance you could post pictures of the modification you came up with?

[Physician]

That sounds like an interesting fix, Physician.

Any chance you could post pictures of the modification you came up with?

Sure, if I knew how to post them here.

are you implying you have experienced this problem ?

What is important to note is the side view of the frame and mask, the occordian-type single fold creating a pocket, and how more depth is needed at the horizontal portion.

Have not found ResMed responsive to the obvious need for improvements in their products, including their head straps.

[Janknitz]

That's exactly the problem I have with the Activa LT.

"Have not found ResMed responsive to the obvious need for improvements in their products, including their head straps."

Responsive to the patient???

How does it feel, physician, on the other side of the stethoscope???

[cflame1]

physician,
upload the photos to photobucket or flickr... once they're uploaded (at least with photobucket) you'll be provided with an IMG tag and a link (URL) to the photo. Post it.

[OutaSync]

With the Activa LT, a piece of tape serves two purposes, keeps the lips closed and keeps the Activa LT from forcing it's way between the lips. I'm hoping that the Mirage FX is their improvement of the Activa LT. I'm going to try that one next.

[radaddict]

When it comes to masks, there's not such thing as one size or design fits all. The Activa LT is not my favorite mask, but it works well for me and I don't have the problem you describe. Resmed is not going to redesign one of their masks based on the input of one person. Cudos for trying though. Mask design would improve a great deal if mask engineers consulted the end users more.

[Physician]

When it comes to masks, there's not such thing as one size or design fits all. The Activa LT is not my favorite mask, but it works well for me and I don't have the problem you describe. Resmed is not going to redesign one of their masks based on the input of one person. Cudos for trying though. Mask design would improve a great deal if mask engineers consulted the end users more.

If the Activa works well for you, why are you using the Quattro ?

It is NOT just one person who has this problem with the Activa, and the modifications I've transmitted will have no adverse consequences to any Activa user. In addition, enumerable users have trouble with ResMed's head straps. The vertical straps need to be made shorter and/or adjustable to prevent the top circumferential from popping off superiorly. I've modified my ResMed straps so that they are now perfect.

It is painfully obvious that some companies need to have a more representative end-user focus group BEFORE releasing products into the general market. About nine months I listed multiple improvements needed in the S9 auto-set. That list was reviewed with two sleep centers and there was concurrence on the vast majority of suggestions.

[Physician]

With the Activa LT, a piece of tape serves two purposes, keeps the lips closed and keeps the Activa LT from forcing it's way between the lips. I'm hoping that the Mirage FX is their improvement of the Activa LT. I'm going to try that one next.

Huh ? You are taping your lips closed in order to keep the Activa frame from going into your mouth ? That's an unusual solution, and not the best or easiest solution.

[OutaSync]

Actually, I tape my mouth to keep the air from coming out, but it serves both purposes.

[summer]

Sometimes have trouble with the upper lip/Activa LT interaction. But it is MUCH better fit for me than the regular Active. Would you please describe your fix more clearly. I understand what you are trying to accomplish but do not understand clearly what you are actually doing. Thanks.

[cortez356]

Physician: Every face is different. I was using the Swift FX and decided to try the Activa LT . That mask and it's sister( gel mask) are the best I have ever used. My leak rates are almost zero and my AHI has dropped to .3 or less. I would not want them to do any mods to the mask!! I have never had any problems with the headgear. No matter which mask masks are being discussed they work like magic for some and are horrible for others. If you actually expect Resmed to respond to a consumer complaint you are dreaming. They tend to be arrogant!
Bob

[Physician]

Physician: Every face is different. I was using the Swift FX and decided to try the Activa LT . That mask and it's sister( gel mask) are the best I have ever used. My leak rates are almost zero and my AHI has dropped to .3 or less. I would not want them to do any mods to the mask!! I have never had any problems with the headgear. No matter which mask masks are being discussed they work like magic for some and are horrible for others. If you actually expect Resmed to respond to a consumer complaint you are dreaming. They tend to be arrogant!
Bob

I have yet to find someone, other than you and one other, who does NOT have a problem with the Activa lower frame getting too close to mouth lips or actually going into the mouth, so in answer to your question, YES--- every face is different. But when glaring defects are present they can be a problem with any face. As for ResMed... I know someone who works there, but I don't want to push any issue unless and until many people report this problem.

Which straps are you using ? Look at prior posts and you'll see MANY complaints about ResMed straps popping off the head during the night.

Don't worry about the proposed modification. It will improve the mask. It cannot make it worse as it would only extend depth-projection in one area. Sometimes we don't realize there is a problem until it gets corrected.

[Physician]

physician,
upload the photos to photobucket or flickr... once they're uploaded (at least with photobucket) you'll be provided with an IMG tag and a link (URL) to the photo. Post it.

Okay. I'll do that in the next few days. Thank you.

If anyone here has the Activa LT and does NOT have this problem, please message me and/or post here.

[Physician]

When it comes to masks, there's not such thing as one size or design fits all. The Activa LT is not my favorite mask, but it works well for me and I don't have the problem you describe..

Please press on the frame so the lower part of the mask goes toward your face. Does the mask & frame go between your mouth lips and perhaps into your mouth ? What is your average leak rate ? Are you certain the lower circumferential strap is tight enough to create a good seal in the section under your nose ? How old is your mask ?