To Rested Gal: Standard vs. Shallow

Suserbec · Post by **Suserbec** » Mon Nov 08, 2004 5:22 am

Hi Rested gal,
Can you tell me the difference between the standard activa and the shallow activa?
Thanks

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Mon Nov 08, 2004 7:16 am

Hi suserbec,

In case rested gal in indisposed, as I unerstand it (mostly from her description) the only diference is the depth of the indentation at the bridge of the nose. Flater (Asian type) nose - shallow mask. Full (Roman type) nose - standard mask.

Since rg's got both I'm sure she can fill in the blanks for you. (or tell you if I'm all wet)

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Nov 08, 2004 8:22 am

Standard and Shallow are cushion sizes - both will fit into the same plastic frame of the Activa. Wader got it right - the two general face types that ResMed had in mind.

For me, shallow differs from standard in that the shallow is considerably roomier feeling inside...a tad wider at the bridge and along both sides of the nose and wider at the bottom of the cushion at the nostrils. Vertically both are essentially the same height, but the inside top of the shallow is more blunted off - a bit wider at the top - not quite as much of a point to the top of the cushion triangle.

The top of the standard sits ever so slightly higher up on the bridge of my nose, but there really isn't much difference in height of the two. The real difference is in the width.

I guess the best way to describe the difference in the feeling of the two fits is: I have an average size woman's face and a nose that is average/small - not at all prominent - nor wide. I suppose that's why either size fits me without leaking. I prefer the shallow because I don't like the feel of anything being against the sides of my nose, even lightly. While the standard doesn't really touch the sides or the bottom of my nose, it just feels like it does - hard to describe. The standard feels more snug all over. For me, there is definitely more roominess inside the shallow - definitely a "wider open" feel on the face. Both seal the same on me - no leaks. If I knew nothing about the names of sizes and I took turns holding each against my face, I'd think of the standard as "little" and the shallow as "big".

I really think "shallow" is a bit of a misnomer. I'd just call it "wide" instead. Shallow makes me think of something that has less depth inside and would sit flat against my nose/face, perhaps squashing it. Maybe that would be the case for a person who has a prominent bridge of the nose. For me, it feels just the opposite...the slight extra width of the interior of the shallow makes it feel more roomy inside in every way.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:22 am

Interesting description rested gal.

The only problem I've had so far with the Activa is in the middle of the night if the mask gets misaligned the inside of the cushion rubs the flair of my left nostrel.

Sounds like the "wide" might be better for me.

My nose measured exactly the same as the measurement example at cpap.com so I guess I have an average man's nose (other than the nare issue )

I always learn something reading your posts. You should try out for the Oprah cpap reality show discussed in the excess fatigue thread - I'm sure you'd be the last one left and get the Oprah bucks.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Nov 08, 2004 10:28 am

heheh, Wader...the reality show bit in that other thread was cute.

About your Activa sometimes rubbing the flare of your left nostril. You're adventurous.... perhaps a little judicious trimming with scissors? The cushion - not your snout. heheh

I'd be afraid of messing up the good seal, but you're brave. Might be worth a try at customizing it a bit, if it gets too annoying. With all the prize money you're gonna win, you could afford to ruin a mask or two.

syed20 · Post by **syed20** » Sat Oct 18, 2014 6:36 am

I really think "shallow" is a bit of a misnomer. I'd just call it "wide" instead. Shallow makes me think of something that has less depth inside and would sit flat against my nose/face, perhaps squashing it. Maybe that would be the case for a person who has a prominent bridge of the nose. For me, it feels just the opposite...the slight extra width of the interior of the shallow makes it feel more roomy inside in every way.

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Sat Oct 18, 2014 7:57 am

As long as you realize this thread is 10 yrs old...

Eureka · Post by **Eureka** » Sat Oct 18, 2014 8:13 pm

The thread may be ten years old, but it was really nice to have Rested Gal on the forum again. She is missed.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sat Oct 18, 2014 8:29 pm

syed20 wrote:I really think "shallow" is a bit of a misnomer. I'd just call it "wide" instead. Shallow makes me think of something that has less depth inside and would sit flat against my nose/face, perhaps squashing it. Maybe that would be the case for a person who has a prominent bridge of the nose. For me, it feels just the opposite...the slight extra width of the interior of the shallow makes it feel more roomy inside in every way.

Copy and pasted from Rested Gals comment that is 10 years old, why, slow weekend nothing to do. Jim

Or just nothing new to add, but had a keyboard.

49er · Post by **49er** » Sun Oct 19, 2014 5:07 am

I found resurrecting the thread valuable as I had really never understood the difference between standard and shallow sizes before regarding UM full face masks. Thanks to RG, now I do.

To Rested Gal: Standard vs. Shallow

To Rested Gal: Standard vs. Shallow

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