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Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat May 12, 2007 5:43 pm

Mike,

I'm so sorry that mask didn't work out for you.

Can you possibly go to a local DME to try on masks? If you're going to be paying out of pocket, you would be able to pick any DME you wanted.

If you're going to look into a local DME, I recommend asking the following questions ahead of time:

1. Do they have the masks you are interested in trying?

2. Do their RTs have experience fitting FF masks? Someone - maybe it was you - posted that an RT discouraged FF masks because they can "collapse". That's ridiculous and clearly shows the RT is either biased against FF masks or doesn't know anything about them.

3. Will they allow you to exchange your mask at no charge if you have trouble with your first choice? If so, how many times?

4. Do they have a setup where you can lie down with the trial mask on and hooked up to a CPAP at your pressure so you can see if it leaks.

5. Will the RT spend as much time with you as necessary to find a mask that fits properly?

6. Does the consultation to fit the mask cost anything? My DME doesn't charge for the time spent fitting the mask - they just charge for the mask. (I think they build the RT service into the cost of the mask)

7. How much does each mask you're interested in cost? Even with local DMEs there will be price differences.

It just seems like it's going to cost you quite a bit to buy masks without being able to try them on first.

blowfish · Post by **blowfish** » Sat May 12, 2007 6:17 pm

blowfish · Post by **blowfish** » Sat May 12, 2007 6:20 pm

pemoha · Post by **pemoha** » Sat May 12, 2007 6:40 pm

Are we talking about the Fisher&Paykel 431 ff mask?

blowfish · Post by **blowfish** » Sat May 12, 2007 6:57 pm

pemoha · Post by **pemoha** » Sat May 12, 2007 7:02 pm

I was considering getting that mask. I use a UM FF now and have a lot of trouble with leaks.

blowfish · Post by **blowfish** » Sat May 12, 2007 7:04 pm

SleepySandy · Post by **SleepySandy** » Sat May 12, 2007 9:30 pm

Hey Mike

The Activa is supposed to be a great mask. I've seen posts by people wishing Resmed would use the Activa technology on a FF mask. I don't know because I haven't even seen the Activa. That's probably better - I would probably get really jealous.

I don't remember what you've tried to keep your mouth closed, but keep in mind there's chin straps, taping, and also poli grip (or something). I saw a post not too long ago about how poli grip was the greatest thing ever.

If you decide to try another FF mask, maybe wait for the Quattro. I had a lot of trouble with leaks on teh UMFF and I think the additional forehead settings might help with that.

Or, there's always the Hybrid. I don't know if you can do nasal pillows, but I'm telling you I'm becoming a huge fan of this mask. Even if you can't do nasal pillows, it might be worth a try - my nose hurt like crazy when I used the Swift and it did hurt when I started with the Hybrid. It doesn't hurt anymore.

One more idea - lots of people here have dud-drawers. Maybe post what mask you're interested in and you'll find someone who has one for a low price or is even willing to send it to you to try and then send back. You're certainly not the first person to buy a mask and have it not work, so it never hurts to ask...

.

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Oh Well - HC431A Full Face Review and For Sale

Oh Well - HC431A Full Face Review and For Sale