Ultra Mirage full face mask- any suggestions

[BRUCEDEVAUXONE]

I started CPAP in 1990 I never joined a used group. Even back then there was no groups. I have used many nose mask, even a few nasal. I adjusted well to all of them. For last 3 years I have been using the Mirage Quattro full face mask. My head gear is about to break its last tread so I am thinging the Ultra Mirage looks more sturdy (better)

One term I am not sure about is in the sizing "SMALL/SHALLOW".
Can anyone explain. And can anyone suggest this Ultra Mirage full face mask.

[DoriC]

Welcome! Well, if I'm reading your post correctly, you've been successful with the same Quattro mask for 3 years including the headgear? That's quite an accomplishment so unless you just want to try something new which may or may not work for you, why not just get a new replacement Quattro and hope for another 3years? The Quattro and UltraMirage are similar but it has been noted here many times that those who can wear the Quattro don't do well with the UM and vice versa. My husband is an example of that, could never adjust to the Q but uses the UM successfully for almost 3yrs, although we do have to replace the mask and headgear about every 6months when it starts to get leaky. I was told by the DME that the Shallow size is more comfortable for those with broader noses or somewhat Asian features.

[Julie]

Hi - been wearing it for years, but recently have reconsidered and am trying out something else. It's a great mask, but I've had trouble (possibly because of the way I sleep) with a couple of expensive little parts breaking more often than I can afford now, but if you don't sleep as I do (on my front) you may not have any trouble. Another problem for me is that Resmed won't allow Cpap.com to ship to Canada so I either have to use a different mask or else pay Canadian prices, which are outrageous.

[The Bandit]

Hi - been wearing it for years, but recently have reconsidered and am trying out something else. It's a great mask, but I've had trouble (possibly because of the way I sleep) with a couple of expensive little parts breaking more often than I can afford now, but if you don't sleep as I do (on my front) you may not have any trouble. Another problem for me is that Resmed won't allow Cpap.com to ship to Canada so I either have to use a different mask or else pay Canadian prices, which are outrageous.

I love Mystery Women.

[DoriC]

Julie, what mask are you trying out? How is it comparing to the UM?

[Julie]

Hi Dori - can't believe you're still hanging in so well with everything that's been happening, but so happy you are ,

I'm trying out the ZZZ full face but haven't actually used it yet. It seems to fit well (small) but there's a hard ridge that sort of digs in at the top (probably because of how I personally sleep) so don't know how it will work out. I wanted it because while it does vent from the elbow like most do - a major reason for the UMFF too (the vent isn't blocked when I'm on my front) the ZZZ vent has a cover on it to diffuse the CO2, so it can't be really blocked as most can....

Will say more once I've tried it properly.

Hope you both feel better soon!

[Vader]

I used the UMFF for about a year. It was my first FF mask and I liked it a lot, but had to quit using it as problems with my neck got worse. The forehead piece is a bit large and it used to prop my neck up uncomfortably on my pillow. I'm mostly a side sleeper.( I still have an old one still sealed in the original package from about six years ago.)

After discontinuing that mask, I tried a whole bunch of others including F&P models, Respironics FF, The Original Hybrid, Somnotech (German), The Mojo FF, and just about every FFM out there.
Finally had good results when I tried the Quattro, and used it for a few years, and I felt I was finally happy with the right mask (other than the problematic leaking and sore nose bridge!)

However, happiness doesn't last forever in the world of cpap therapy, so I just switched to the Quattro FX a few weeks ago, and I have never been happier. ( So far, anyway) If it continues to hold out and not develop problems, this may be the mask for me. I'm sure they'll always develop something *better*, but for now, it's working, and I have never had AHI this low. My average has been about 1.0 and I'm not needing as high of a pressure on my apap. It's also gentler on the neck.

What Dori said about the Ultra Mirage FF/shallow is accurate, but the only way you're going to know if you'll like the mask is to try it yourself.