POLL: Must-have mask features

[jromano]

Happy Monday everyone,

With well over 50 mask choices on the market and rapidly growing, the list of features and options has become quite extensive.
Many would agree that the mask is the key to successful therapy.

For your preferential mask(s), which features are most important to you?

Please feel free to make note of any that are not listed, as well as any not-so-favorite features.
Looking forward to all opinions!

Cheers,
Jess

[Janknitz]

I don't really care what it LOOKS like as long as it is 1) comfortable, 2) seals well, and 3) quiet. Quick release is a plus.

With a good mask, I'm only awake in it for a few moments, so the rest doesn't matter.

One other feature I'd add is that it should be easy to clean and put back together without having to readjust everything. And it should be somewhat "idiot proof" when you put the pieces back together--that is, you can't put it together incorrectly (think the tabs on the Swift FX nasal pillows vs. no tabs on the Opus pillows).

[jromano]

Good point about the reassembly, Janknitz. There's no need to piece together a space shuttle every night before bed.

Less to lose, break, mis-fit, or end up as the family pet's new favorite toy...

[chunkyfrog]

I know this would involve a completely new sizing paradigm,
but how about a database which would have 3-D models of masks --especially full-face),
with which patients (or providers) could compare 3-D models of faces, thus eliminating masks which simply will not fit?
I believe that most first-purchase masks are essentially unused. This is a shameful waste.

[robysue]

Seconding Janknitz's suggestion that "easy to clean and reassemble" is an important feature.

And find a way to quietly diffuse the exhaust flow instead of designing a mini-jet plane engine that blows strong little streams of air on either you or your bed partner all night.

And add "durable, long lasting pillows/mask cushion" to that wish list too.

[snuginarug]

Quick clips! Of course the mask has to seal, otherwise, there is no point. Everything else is not interesting to me except the forehead piece. But boy do I need quick clips! I'm pretty terrible at adjusting my mask to get it right. I tried one mask without quick clips and it made me cry.

[howkim]

I noted several, but the most important to me is that the mask be QUIET. My current one is significantly louder than my machine. Of course, it only matters when I'm awake, and it doesn't keep me awake.

[LoQ]

Yes, comfort is not on your list and is the number 1 thing on my list.

I also agree with quick release clips, but DO NOT make the mistake ResMed and others do of assuming which places on the mask the user wants to undo to take it off. You all have no idea of how various users will end up needing to get out of it, so make every single connection quick release, both sides, all the way around.

Many people have discovered that a fabric interface to the mask is much better at sealing than the traditional silicone/rubber/whatever. For whatever reason, fabric tends to absorb moisture or something and prevents a "slick spot" from occurring, which is a source of leaking. I have no idea how you could incorporate this bit of knowledge. I'm just throwing it out there for what it's worth. Perhaps you could find a non-allergic interface that acts similarly.

[archangle]

I'd add:

Easy to clean, especially "dishwasher safe."

Works well with eyeglasses. I often put on my mask and watch TV in case/until I fall asleep.

Replaceable cushions/flap.

I think the diffuse exhaust/"Doesn't blow air on your spouse" option could be a real big seller. This seems to be a very common complaint that hurts CPAP acceptance.

I'd like to see an anti-asphyxiation valve or optional adapter for nasal masks. I'd like to be able to breathe comfortably if the power goes off or the machine fails. It would also help keep the mouth tapers from dying.

[jromano]

chunkyfrog,
That's a really interesting paradigm. I would imagine there would still be surprises with pressure points and sealing, but to your point, perhaps total mis-fits and flunks could be eliminated, starting the user out with a better set-up and eliminating expensive, barely used masks.

robysue,
You're right: easy to clean and reassemble is absolutely an important feature. Duly noted.
You're description of the exhaust valve made me laugh... only because you're spot on.
Do you find that it's more convenient to:
a) Have the air diffused more strongly in one direction such that it could (ideally) be pointed away from all parties or
b) Have air diffused in multiple directions with the intent of minimizing said jet stream?

snuginarug,

Everything else is not interesting to me except the forehead piece.

Do you find forehead pieces more annoying or useful? Are you able to benefit from additional stability or would you rather have an unobstructed field of vision?
LoQ mentions that quick clips are often assigned to only one or a few connection points on the mask. Would you prefer quick clips at every connection or are the bottom straps most convenient?
Quick clips are a must! No extra tears!!

howkim,
I'm glad the noise doesn't keep you awake, but you make an important point that quieter IS better!

LoQ,
The reason I didn't add 'comfort' as an option is because I assumed that everyone wants to be comfortable every night and that it was a given! But we all know what assuming does...
I suppose that different people have different levels of tolerance as long as their getting effective therapy and that for some it may be more or less of an end-all factor.
You're point about the quick-release clips is really interesting - thanks! I've only seen a select few masks with quick-release at every connection.

I also agree with quick release clips, but DO NOT make the mistake ResMed and others do of assuming which places on the mask the user wants to undo to take it off. You all have no idea of how various users will end up needing to get out of it, so make every single connection quick release, both sides, all the way around.

I'd love to hear more people's take on this...

archangle,
Just a personal opinion, but I believe that many masks will indeed be dishwasher safe in the near future, simply due to the fact that so many people are doing it anyway... time will tell.
Have you found that you're able to wear glasses over a forehead support, or is this strictly either/or?
Replaceable cushions to extend the life of the mask without purchasing a whole new kit and kaboodle?
As robysue so nicely put, a personal jet stream is not indeed as desirable as it sounds and needs to be addressed.
Adding an anti-asphyxiation valve for nasal masks is interesting; I think numbers of mouth tapers are underestimated.

It would also help keep the mouth tapers from dying.

That'd be nice...

..................
Thank you all so far - there are some great ideas and pointers!!
Cheers,
Jess

[Guest]

Would you prefer quick clips at every connection or are the bottom straps most convenient?

I'd love to hear more people's take on this...

Ok, I'll play. Don't listen to LOQ. What does he know? I only need 2 quick clips. (But it's not the bottom 2.)

A mask only needs to work for ME, not for other people. Please don't put in features that make it work for everybody.

[nanwilson]

Easy to get OFF...my #&*#@ phone rang at 4AM this morning and I couln't get my dang mask off fast enough. My daughter leaves for work at 5:30am and I (in my foggy brain) thought it was her...probably had had an accident.
Aftrer fiddling with the clips I finally just yanked the whole thing off, thinking oh oh I've broken the darn thing.
Needless to say my 4am phone call was a computer generated scam call...................................#&**#@.
Didn't break my mask (wooppie) got masked back up but I was so mad and disoriented I couldn't go back to sleep. When D got up for work I was sitting in my chair drinking coffee...still mad. Guess who will be in bed really early tonite .
To put a long story short.....we need a quick release on our masks...in case of emergency .
Cheers friends
Nan

[howkim]

I also agree with quick release clips, but DO NOT make the mistake ResMed and others do of assuming which places on the mask the user wants to undo to take it off. You all have no idea of how various users will end up needing to get out of it, so make every single connection quick release, both sides, all the way around.

I'd love to hear more people's take on this...

Here's an example. I'm right handed. Several years ago, I had surgery on my right hand and it was out of commission for a couple of weeks. The mask I was using at the time had releases only on the right side of the mask. Not cool. How about releases only at the bottom of the mask. Or only at the top. Best IMHO would be releases at the upper and lower left and right. Maybe the back, even. Who knows.

[jimnsc]

I'd like to see masks have user adjustable exhaust vents (people sleep in different positions).

I'd like to see all masks that offer each size cushion and/or pillows in the same package also sell the mask to repeat users who only want the size they need inclosed at a reduced price.

Finally, I'd like to see all masks and their parts sold for more reasonable prices. A simple cushion probably is worth a dollar and a half.

[Wulfman...]

I couldn't find where it was specified that this was about nasal or full face masks, but........
If you can essentially copy the ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face mask (and headgear) without infringing on any patents, go for it.

In no particular order of importance (but they all are):
Essentially all parts replaceable.
Good seal.
Good anti-asphyxiation valve.
Vent is angled upwards.
Quick release clips.
Good forehead support.


Don't care about the other features you had listed. I sleep with my head on a pillow so weight is not a factor. I also sleep in the dark so color choices aren't important.


Den