I got my new ACTIVA

Moogy · Post by **Moogy** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 5:02 pm

I recently ordered a new Mirage Activa from cpap.com.

I originally asked the DME for this mask, because I thought it was the one I used for my titration study. But the therapist didn't like it and she steered me to the Swift. I do like many things about the Swift, but I have leaks with it. Not so many that it hurts the therapy, since my AHI is now doing fine, but enough that it wakes me up...

I am fortunate to live pretty close to cpap.com, so I got my order quickly without even paying extra for fast shipping.

I got the Activa by UPS yesterday, and I just had to try it last night! I hurriedly did a quick wash and dry. The headgear was still damp, so I used a blowdryer on it for a bit. That is probably terrible for the headgear, but I was SO eager!

It felt GREAT! Much less pressure on the inside of the nose! After a bit, the air seemed too hot and humid and still inside the face mask, so I turned off the humidifier for a few hours. I kept checking the exhale port to be sure the air was still flowing freely, because it felt like just breathing normally, only with a piece of reasonably comfy plastic over my nose!

I woke up feeling great--best night I have had so far during therapy. Checking my software, I see that my snore index dropped WAY down, AHI not too far off what I was getting before, average leaks a little better, and maximum leak MUCH better.

It just keeps getting better....

Moogy

roztom · Post by **roztom** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 5:19 pm

Great News !!!

I can see where one would want to have a number of different masks.

I understand the Activa is one of the most popular masks.

IT's a shame these things are so expensive. Otherwise I'd have a collection. Mask of the Month Club.

I've only got 2 so far.

Tom

sleepyred · Post by **sleepyred** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 5:28 pm

I love my activa! I just got a breeze and like it because it is not so "restrictive" and bulky. But nothing works like my activa! Just love it!

Tash · Post by **Tash** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 5:52 pm

This is a mask I have been very interested in - the only drawback I have is that I am a mouth breather (who can't yet master teaching myself not to mouthbreathe). I was curious with how low the bottom of the mask goes, do you think mouthtaping would interfere with the seal?

Thanks in advance and sleep well,
Tash

capt · Post by **capt** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 6:55 pm

It is a very good mask for me. It is always nice to hear someone at this forum try a new mask or other piece of equipment, and have so much success using it.

Moogy · Post by **Moogy** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 6:57 pm

I don't think tape would interfere with the seal. On me, part of the mask sits on my lips, reminding me not to open them (but it isn't uncomfortable). Let me clarify that this is NOT the actual seal that touches my mouth--that area is higher. The way this mask is constructed, there is a lot of flexible plastic in the nasal covering. It is the outside of that that touches my lips.

Moogy

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Tash · Post by **Tash** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 7:22 pm

Thanks for the detailed information - that helps a lot . I couldn't tell by looking at the picture, and it concerned me. Let us know how you like it after a few nights of sleep with it, in case anything changes.

Thanks, and sleep well,
Tash

FairSpirit · Post by **FairSpirit** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 7:26 pm

Darn, I wish my Activa worked so well for me. I guess it just depends on the person. I'm so glad it is working well for you though!

Jeeper · Post by **Jeeper** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 9:23 pm

Moogy,

I certainly enjoy my Activa mask. I find two modifications that help me. One is a short hose cover made of fleece to cover that long flexible hose. It works well in conjunction with my Aussie heated hose too. The second is a piece of filter foam ramped over the vent holes and held in place by two rubber bands. Make sure the foam is loose over the vent holes. The foam diffuses the vent air and quietens the mask considerably.

Moogy · Post by **Moogy** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 9:58 pm

Jeeper wrote:The second is a piece of filter foam ramped over the vent holes and held in place by two rubber bands. Make sure the foam is loose over the vent holes. The foam diffuses the vent air and quietens the mask considerably.

Wow, Jeeper....and I was thinking what a quiet mask this is already....I have snored LOUDLY for so many years that my husband can sleep through almost anything. And of course, I have been so sleep-deprived that I can sleep through anything.

I assume the foam doesn't interfere with the air flow?

Thanks for the tip,

Moogy

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Wed Mar 22, 2006 2:59 am

With your new Activa mask, some suggestions:

1. I wouldn't take the mask apart to clean it, it can be difficult to get the cushion snapped back in place correctly on the main shell (causes a large leak), easier to just remove the headgear using the clips, fill a sink with the hottest water you can run with soap of your choice and give it the agitation action, then rinse. Mask can be tough to get all the water out but if you have a microfiber towel you can mop it out of the cushion real fast, then blow dry with hair dryer if you want.

2. I wouldn't wash your headgear daily, you'll only wear it out prematurely. I bet I don't wash mine but once a month then it is only hand washed in the same sink suds. Headgear is expensive to replace.

3. The Activa is worn really LOOSE compared to any other mask/interface you might have used, final adjustment of the mask is best made while lying down in bed with head on the pillow and cpap machine On. The large bellows portion of the cushion should not be collapsed against your face (i.e. headgear may be too tight if that happens).

OldSeaRock · Post by **OldSeaRock** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 3:54 pm

I love my Activa, I've tried several and for me nothing else is close.

Simple Green® diluted with lots of water has been the best thing I've used to clean my mask.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 6:13 pm

Old Sea Rock,

What is Simple Green. I have never heard of it. Where do you get it?

Mask

Additional Comments: Aussie Heated hose for rain out/PapCap Headgear and chin strap