Phillips Respironics Fit Life Mask

[cindjo717]

I just got the Phillips Respironics Fit Life Mask this morning, haven't tried it yet. Just wondering if any one here has experience with it. I have been using the Quatro FX since Oct. it was pretty good but a lot of leaks, so am going to give this a whirl. I have to have a full face mask because am a mouth breather plus the nasal pillows don't stay in my nares for some reasons.

[Sheriff Buford]

Did you get the Fitlife "Total" face mask?

Sheriff

[cindjo717]

Not sure but I don't think they make em much bigger! It covers my whole face even my eyes.. but it's clear and didn't seem bad at all when I tried it on.

[Sheriff Buford]

look at my mask in my profile.... is this the type of mask you are using?

[purple]

I have used this mask for several months. The most mis-understood feature of this mask is that has a very large intentional leak rate. That is, to keep the CO2 clear in the large space under the mask it lets air out around the entire ring which the tube fits into. This is normal, it is a good thing. IF you look at the movable valve, inside the down side of the tube, it should completely move between its two positions when air is flowing and not flowing, altho, I still have some air leak going out when the valve is closed. I take this to be normal. You must make sure that the flutter valve is in the right position when going to sleep or the leak rate will be too high.

There is a small cap put on a very small down pointing tube on the front of the mask. This is not for O2, it is for pressure testing or some such thing which no normal home user need worry about. Respironics RT told me that it would not matter if this cap was on or off.

The mask marks on the side of my face are greatly alleviated by washing my face with ivory soap and water in the morning. Personally I am proud of the marks left by my mask, as they give me an opportunity to talk to others about a technology that has made my life so much more fun, and I want to help others understand how great it is to get a good nights sleep again.

I am a side sleeper and I personally wonder at the experience/knowledge level of company which makes any product for OSA clients and declares the mask to be only for those who sleep on their backs. I fix the side of my face up high on pillows so nothing touches the side of the mask. Yes, sometimes I mess up and move the mask around a bit. Usually this mask makes a huge noise when it leaks around the mask flap.

Someone else said not to try to read or watch TV through the clear face of the mask, something about eye strain.

I also disregard instructions and put the bottom of the mask below my chin. It is my opinion that all the Respironics masks I have tried are meant to sit on top of the face. Which also means they will try to walk across my face with the smallest pressure difference from any one edge.

My mask does not begin to hurt until the head straps begin to stretch and cause me to cinch it down more tightly to stop leaks. We have too many book keepers making decisions about what is reasonable about the replacement of sleep apnea equipment.

The most likely leak that can trouble me is if the flap, for whatever reason, does not get into its correct pressure when the air starts blowing. I usually start the machine blowing before I strap down the mask.

The coolest feature is the snaps on the bottom of the mask for the strap. That is one I can do while 3/4 asleep.

http://www.healthcare.philips.com/us_en ... efault.wpd


http://www.healthcare.philips.com/pwc_h ... 111027.pdf

[49er]

Purple,

I love your attitude about the marks. Frankly, if I end up getting great sleep on the machine (not yet happening but I am working on it), I don't really care about the marks as long they aren't causing pain or damage to my face.

Due to feeling that my mirage quattro puts great pressure around my nasal area, I am greatly considering ordering this mask because I understand there is no pressure around the nasal area. Am I thinking correctly?

I have tried repeatedly to loosen the straps with the quattro but that seems to result in leaks, even with a mask liner.

Also, due to having a cold, I had a horrible night sleeping on the machine as I couldn't breath using the Quattro in spite of cranking the humidifier up all the way. That is another reason I would like to try this mask out.

Thanks!

49er

[49er]

I just got the Phillips Respironics Fit Life Mask this morning, haven't tried it yet. Just wondering if any one here has experience with it. I have been using the Quatro FX since Oct. it was pretty good but a lot of leaks, so am going to give this a whirl. I have to have a full face mask because am a mouth breather plus the nasal pillows don't stay in my nares for some reasons.

I am in a similar position as due to chronic nasal congestion, I can't use a nasal pillow or nasal mask. I wish.

I would love to hear how you make out with this mask as I am strongly considering order it.

49er

[purple]

The mask does not touch the nose. It touches my forehead just above my eyes. Down the sides to my cheeks, and under my chin. Although, the bottom of the mask is designed to touch just below my mouth.

[49er]

The mask does not touch the nose. It touches my forehead just above my eyes. Down the sides to my cheeks, and under my chin. Although, the bottom of the mask is designed to touch just below my mouth.

Thanks Purple, it sounds like this mask might be a possibility. God, I hope so.

49er

[Sheriff Buford]

Purple: though you are very blunt, I agree with you on the perception of the Fitlife Total Mask. The only exception I have to your opinion, is that I see folks here express that their mask is "the best" and everyone else's is bad (I'm going to ruffle some feathers here... I know!). I painstakingly jump thru hoops not to discourage other folks masks and only respond to mine when asked. The total mask causes some problem, but erases some. All masks do that in a way. There are major misconceptions to the total face mask and is usually spoken by newbies or folks that have never seen them. Everyone's mask is special to them. That makes us all unique.
Sheriff

[chunkyfrog]

Hubby also puts his below the chin--when his beard was long, it made a very nice curl there.

[cindjo717]

look at my mask in my profile.... is this the type of mask you are using?

Yep Sheriff that's it. I really like it so far.

[cindjo717]

It went very well last night. The Quatro FX left big lines on the FRONT of my face and I hated that. This mask leaves a not noticeable kind of minor imprint on my forehead which is fine. It left one subtle line on the side of my face that I sleep on but it was so far on the side and light that I couldn't even see it from the front. Big improvement from the Quatro FX. I LOVE that I have such good visual, the mask is clear and there is no obstruction of my view. It was much more comfortable and so far I am a very happy camper!

[49er]

It went very well last night. The Quatro FX left big lines on the FRONT of my face and I hated that. This mask leaves a not noticeable kind of minor imprint on my forehead which is fine. It left one subtle line on the side of my face that I sleep on but it was so far on the side and light that I couldn't even see it from the front. Big improvement from the Quatro FX. I LOVE that I have such good visual, the mask is clear and there is no obstruction of my view. It was much more comfortable and so far I am a very happy camper!

Thanks for reporting and I am happy that things went well for you.

I am going to place an order because tightening my quattro to eliminate leaks is starting to cause pain. I am not one who worries about leaks but the noise keeps me from sleeping.

49er

[audreyrose73]

Tried the fit life in a large, wish they made an xl size that was truely designed to fit under the chin. large was way too small for my face, or maybe I am just a jughead! . to me they would have a perfect mask if offered in more sizes and under chin mount seal. like the idea of a total face, wish the design was different.