FF Masks

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:18 pm

Okay. Open for everyone's opinions (boy, am I setting myself up for this one). I know they are going to differ greatly, but I am interested in knowing what you would consider the best ff mask for a side sleeper who is a bit active at night. When I say "best," I mean the least leaks, least uncomfortable, least marks left on face in the AM and least binding on the head as far as headgaar/straps go. I am about to try out the new and improved Oracle, but am preparing myself for a backup and think it might be wise to be armed and ready. I promise to post my opinion about the Oracle after I've had a little time to present an informed one. But in the meanwhile, I'd be interested in your comments about ff masks. Thanks for your comments in advance.

RED SOX · Post by **RED SOX** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:31 pm

Mirage ultra f.f. mask works well for me .

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:52 pm

F & P FlexiFit HC431 FF mask. Very few leaks, very comfortable. I found the Ultra Mirage to be leaky and made loud farting noises. The F & P 431 is by far quieter with a lot fewer leaks.... FOR ME.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 12:04 am

The "for me"'s you're seeing sprinkled in these posts are the most important bits of information. Because every mask can be heaven for one person and a disaster for another person.

ResMed Ultra Mirage FF works well for me whenever I need to use a full face mask, like when I have a rare cold or congestion.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 2:24 am

The ResMed Ultra Mirage works great for me as well, as long as the pressure doesn't exceed 17. Then it starts making noises. I am able to sleep well with it face up and either side, even though I do find that I have to fold the pillow to get my head at an angle where the mask has plenty of space around it when sleeping on my side. But out of the three I've tried its been the most comfortable and least leaks.

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 4:34 am

Thank you, all, for the info. I do realize that it is all so individualized for every person. Just interested in seeing what's being used, AND LIKED, out there. However, neversleeps, is the one you write about the one the goes below the chin? If so, I think that's the only ff mask that goes down that far, no?
I had my first night on CPAP last night with the Oracle. May I ask, is it normal to wake up the first night many times a night? I was honestly surprised I fell asleep at all with the mask on, but I did. It really wasn't that bad, but I do have the wrong machine for the mask since the exhaust loudly lets you know each time you inhale and exhale. The tech said it is probably the wrong bias for the Oracle. And a few times during the night, the machine hose was burping and I had to straighten it out and drain the water back into the cannister, I guess telling me the humidifier was on too high although my throat would disagree with it. This is just the rental for now, so I will get an auto humidifier when I buy the keeper. But could someone tell me if getting up a few times during the first night is "normal"? I know, me with all these questions. You guys are going to change my name to Pain In the Neck on LI...
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier, hose, oracle, CPAP, auto

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier, hose, oracle, CPAP, auto

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:38 am

Yes, it is the one that goes below the chin. I think that may be why its so much more comfortable to me than the Ultra Mirage. Your face is more open (less constricted) because there's nothing pressing on the indent between lips and chin.

Dot · Post by **Dot** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 8:53 am

Just wondered if you have the Humidifier sitting on a lower level than where your head is laying? Thats important as if it isn`t kept lower you could have the water running into the hose for you to be breathing in. Keeping it placed lower, you only should get the mist effect which helps. I have mine sitting on a low stool beside the bed so the top of the Humidifier is still about a foot lower than the top of the mattress.
I use the Comfort Full face mask, but there are two styles. The biggest difference between them is the way the plastic adjustment is made, so if one style doesn`t bend to fit your face right without hurting your nose, you might want to try the other style. The one with the large outward curve hurt my nose, while the less curved bends a bit inward and doesn`t. I also like having the extra soft plastic fillin on the part where it can touch your forehead.

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 1:19 pm

Dot, I do have the humidifier on a little table about a foot lower than the mattress. I took the machine and humidifier to the DME this morning and he said to place it on the floor so that the hose doesn't end up looping and holding condensation in it. The straighter it is and more on a downward slant, the better it will be. Also, he thinks it was turned up too high. He said I might have to fiddle with it until I get it just right, which is fine by me as long as the end results work. So tonight, the floor it is.

Drewfer · Post by **Drewfer** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 1:45 pm

I have the same problem with my hose getting condesation in it. I placed it on the floor and I still get the "burping" noise. I sleep okay except when the darn thing makes that noise. I drain the water back in the tank. After I drain it out of the hose some of the water blows back on my face and then drips for awhile . I have messed with the heater setting but still have problems with it.

I have read about the Aussie heated hose. Does anyone know if this will take care of that problem? Are there anyother heated hoses out there?

See Ya,
Drewfer

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 1:55 pm

Oh, no! Didn't want to hear you say that. I spoke with someone from F&P and he said to wrap an old sock with the toe cut off around the hose and secure it with rubber bands as an insulator. I don't know if that will work, but you could give it a try. Did you try turning down the setting on the humidifier to a lower one? I know that sounds like a stupid question as that was probably the first thing you tried. Just asking...

Drewfer · Post by **Drewfer** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 2:02 pm

Sleepless,

I did turn down the setting but I like my room cool so I still get the water. I have turned off the heater and that stops the condensation but then I plug up and can't breathe. Kinda of a catch 22.

I searched the message board for the Aussie heated hose and found a helpful thread at viewtopic.php?t=2973&highlight=aussie. It answered my question and seems to be the solution to our problem. I'm going to order one. Hopefully it will take care of it.

Take care,
Drewfer

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 4:13 pm

Drewfer,
This is like what the tech guy from F&P said about insulating the hose with an old sock, but I'm sure the heated hose would work much better. Before I go spend the $$$, I am going to try a few home-made remedies, but I'll probably end up spending the bucks, like everyone else, when it fails. But, hey, you never know. Thanks for sending the link my way.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 4:32 pm

Drewfer, glad you found the link. The Aussie heated hose is THE #1 best way of all to prevent rainout, as much as possible. Eliminates it completely for most people who've gotten one, and reduces it to a manageable level for anyone who can't stop it completely. The heated hose really is a miracle - love mine!

Sleepless, you'll need as much humidity as possible when using the Oracle. I have an Oracle that I seldom use...nose-snort air leaks and/or trying to plug the nostrils comfortably, plus the aggravating little nub that my front teeth hit... all those things were too disruptive for me to sleep comfortably with it. One of these days, I'll get that nub cut off flush inside and give it some more tries because otherwise it worked well enough for me.

Anyway, the Oracle is always going to dry the mouth more than any other interface, since all the air flow is going directly into an open mouth. If other fixes don't control the rainout for you with the heated humidifier on its highest setting (which I really think is the setting you'll need, using the Oracle) the Aussie heated hose will be the way to go. Good luck!

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:18 pm

Rested Gal,
If they ever have elections for a mayor of these message boards, I am going to nominate you! You always are so helpful and have such great advice on so many topics. Once again, you have the answer on the Oracle and the rainout. Thank you so much, really. I am going to look into getting the heated hose. Sounds like I am going to need to turn that dial all the way up on the humidity. Even with it at a 2 1/2 - 3 last night and already having the problem with hose burping and drips, it didn't feel like my mouth was getting enough moisture. So I think it would be well worth my while to invest in the Aussie. By the way, I don't know when you bought your Oracle, but they have revamped it in the past three months so there is no "tongue depressor" feature anymore. I don't know if that is the one you have or not.
Thanks again for your expertise. Let me know when you need a campaign manager.

FF Masks

FF Masks

Reply to Neversleeps

Humidifier?

Reply to Dot

Hose burping

Burping Hoses

Reply to Rested Gal