Does anyone have trouble adjusting to the activa?

[Suserbec]

Hi,
I've read so many positive posts about the mirage activa so I bought one a few days ago. Has anyone had trouble adjusting to this mask? I was so excited about getting it and now am having trouble adjusting to it. Before now I was switching back and forth between the mirage full face and the nasal comfort get masks. Both leak.
My problem with the activa is the panic it causes me when I first try to wear it. I set my machine on ramp but I still have trouble breathing and feel like I am suffocating.
I will appreciate all comments.
Thanks

[nodding off]

I got mine about 6 weeks ago, after using a monarch mini mask for about 7 years {talk about a dumb thing to do with all the changes in technology). I noticed a couple of things. One, it presses rather hard on your upper jaw, which I got used to in a couple nights. The second, it doesn't work so well if you adjust it too tight. Make sure your headgear isn't adjusted too tightly. It should actually feel kind of loose until the mask is inflated by the machine. I actually turn my machine on and pull the mask out away from my face to let it seat. then there is plenty of room in there. Another thing you might try is adjusting the forehead pad to keep it further away from your face. It has 4 positions. Hope this was helpful.

[Sleeping With The Enemy]

I had initially tried the Activa and found that the I didn't like it because the bottom part of the mask rested on my upper lip.

I then got another one and played around with it, like Nodding Off and found that it was best if it was loosely strapped.

I am now very much liking this mask! Don't give up on this mask, it is really good, just need to find the right adjustment.

Good Luck!

[unclebob]

Hi Suserbec,

Also have the Activa and had that suffocating feeling. I don't use the ramp at all so get as much air as soon as possible. I start out on my back and when it starts blowing I tweak the lower (and sometimes upper) straps to make sure there is a proper seal and it feels good. It may then need another nudge when I roll over on my side the way I normally sleep.

So far it has worked well for me and sort of enjoy it as much as is possible. This is my first and only mask I have tried other than at the sleep study. Have no idea what they had there but I like my Activa better.

Good luck!


Bob F

[rock and roll]

I have tried a bunch of different masks but I like the Activa the very best. The secret is to have it way to loose, almost rediculously loose, and let it seat itself. To the point of falling off loose. It is a great sleep oln your side mask which I am. My only complaint is if you wash it too much, it comes apart at the seal and I have to get up at night and reseal it which is a pain. The only mask I would think would be better is if they woould make a full face mask of this type. They never want to answer their customers letters though which I find really arrogant and stupid, so we don't know if they will ever make one. stgick with it, I think I had to use if for a month before it became my favorite.

[Paul]

I bought it because everyone raves about it and I did not like it. I still don't but I am using it because it is the best seal of the many, many masks I have tried.

I find that it can move and then the mask cushion is up aqgainst the openning of your nose and you feel like you are not getting enough air. When this happens I pull the mask down my face a little to create space for the air to enter my nose - it seems to work.

I also hate that this mask is so bulky - but as i say - it doesn't leak like most of the crappy masks out there.

Good luck - I hope you find confort with the Activa.

Paul

[Suserbec]

Thanks, everyone. All of your hints were helpful. The last two nights have been better. Keeping it ridiculously loose and also not using the ramp were definitely the things I needed to do.

Thanks again!

[lynn]

I have the Activa nasal mask and like it a lot except it often leaves a red spot on the bridge of my nose. (My nose isn't THAT big...). Since I recently acquired the Swift Nasal Pillows, I switch back and forth just to give the red spot on my nose a chance to heal. I'll try leaving the Activa straps looser. "Falling off loose" is definitely looser than I've tried. Or maybe the forehead adjustment position is wrong? Will keep trying until I get it right.

I do like the Swift, too!! I don't find it noisy as some have said.

lynn

[eblack]

Hi!

I have been using the Aptiva mask for over a year now, and I find it to be the best mask of all that I have tried. I have also experienced the suffocating feeling at times when I first begin use, not limited to the Aptiva mask. I have found that lying flat on my back helps alleviate the sensation, as it allows your diaphram to help with the exhalation process. Good luck with the mask, I think it is well worth the try.

eblack

[53now]

I've used the Activa for about a year now. It's a "Love/Hate" situation. About 70% of the time, it is wonderful......no problems at all. BUT "Oh that other 30%" I have no explanation for the terrible nights (leaking...moving around on my face etc)
I agree with several others who suggest the "loose strap" plan. It's just one of those deals where you have to experiment with it.
1. Start off with the straps very very loose (dangling)
2. Turn on the "turbine engine" (machine )
3. Tighten ever so slightly...until the leaks stop
4. rotate your head from side to side...check for leaks
5. Pull the mask away from your face to allow it to "seat"

I move around a lot during sleep. Due to the Activa's large frame, this often causes the mask to get "knocked off center' yuck !

BUT !! It is by far the very best mask going (personal opinion) Hey ...I've only used 9 different masks...so what do I know

Good Luck
Rich

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[luvmykatz]

Hi Suserbec,
I like the Activa and I found as I adjusted to using CPAP that I started feeling suffocated when I put the mask on, also. What I did was adjust my ramp upward from 5 to 7. Soon, I will probably adjust it again 2 more points. I am getting used to my air pressure (15) and when I don't get enough I feel that suffocating feeling but I'm not quite ready to start out with 15--too much too soon. So, you may want to adjust your ramp in increments as I am doing. Also, loose straps is the answer, especially the lower straps. Good luck.