Which FF Mask Do You Like & Why?

[millich]

Ok, ok. I know that everyone is different and there is not one mask that will work for everybody. But, I would like to hear which FF mask people use & why they chose that particular one.

I'm currently using nasal pillows and am making good progress. (viewtopic/t44412/Three-Weeks-In-amp-I-A ... gress.html)
I still feel the need, though, to have a backup mask in case my nose gets too sore or in case I catch a cold. So far, I've tried the Quattro in two different sizes and the ComfortGel. Both leak like sieves. My DME says the problem is the bridge of my nose is narrow. Of course, this is the same DME who said, "if you get a cold, just don't use CPCP for a few days. It's not going to hurt you.".

Talk to me about your FF mask, please!

[Pugsy]

You might check out the Hybrid brand or the ResMed Liberty. They are similar masks but yet different.
They use the nasal pillows but with a mask over the mouth. They qualify as a full face mask but without the over the nose fitting problems.

[Muse-Inc]

Hybrid for me. I read posts here of someone who liked the OptiLife (oh, my beloved former mask) who also liked the Hybrid...I figured our faces might be similar. Plus, the Hybrid comes with all possible sizes and has fewer parts than the Liberty to wash every day. Watching the online videos of each helped too.

[millich]

You know, Pugsy & Muse, those are good suggestions. My thinking was that I'd get a back-up mask that doesn't have nasal pillows in order to give the lower part of my nose a rest. But now, I'm thinking you just might be right. If nasal pillows are a good fit for me, perhaps I should go with a hybrid type mask.

Thanks!

Other input anyone?

[Muse-Inc]

Oh, forgot to add, one night I was pretty congested (forgot my Astepro & Nasonex sprays...I was temporarily nuts) and found I was breathing thru my mouth with the Hybrid so for that gotta have a backup for stopped up nose thing...I found mine! Some dryness but nothing bad, I could live with it (HH is on passover now); if I had a cold, I'd run it heated as I plan to do come winter.

[Pugsy]

I was just thinking of the nose bridge problem you already mentioned with regular nasal mask. You would still have to deal with the bridge with the other full face masks. Since you already are comfortable with the pillows... I would think the Hybrid might fit it the plan a little better.

I have the Hybrid (not the ResMed Liberty) that I am trying, off and on. The nasal pillows aren't seated as forcefully with it as they are with the Swift LT. It is a thought, plus it does come with the 3 sizes of cushions.

I have not tried the Liberty so I can't say anything about it but I would think that if the bridge of our nose was going to be problematic, I would avoid it and just try the Hybrid.

I haven't tried any other nasal or full face masks. I have my own nasal bridge issue with extreme congestion with the least little pressure, so any of those types are a no go for me.

[millich]

Great info and insights, you two! I REALLY appreciate it.

[Muse-Inc]

...nasal pillows aren't seated as forcefully with it as they are with the Swift LT...

I looped 2 of the short ponytail scrunchies together and the end loop of each thru the top strap. When I put the mask on, I drop the scruncies over the top flange of the pillows to make sure they are postioned securely. Might try that Brenda and see if it helps. I'd really like a LG pillow that had slightly longer 'nares' or just an XLG -- I called RespCare and told 'em to think about offering that as an add-on and to consider an XSM mouth cushion as I'll need one if the next batch of lost wt is like the first

[DoriC]

You could try the Resmed UltraMirageFF. My hubby has been very successful with it after trying many FF. He's a mouth breather so he must wear one. All the others he tried gave him bad sores on his nose even with the fixes,but the UM seems to be more pliable and it has adjustments and less leaks. He tried the Quattro, ComfortGel, ComfortFull, Flexifit .

[Pugsy]

I looped 2 of the short ponytail scrunchies together and the end loop of each thru the top strap. When I put the mask on, I drop the scruncies over the top flange of the pillows to make sure they are postioned securely. Might try that Brenda and see if it helps. I'd really like a LG pillow that had slightly longer 'nares' or just an XLG -- I called RespCare and told 'em to think about offering that as an add-on and to consider an XSM mouth cushion as I'll need one if the next batch of lost wt is like the first

I have trouble with the back lower strap that goes around the neck to lower jaw area. It puts unwanted tension on my cervical spine which already is bad place for me. I didn't have any problems with the pillows staying in while I lab ratted the lower strap but I experienced really, really bad aerophagia after one night. So it is a work in progress yet. It is entirely possible that my lab ratting to reposition that strap added to my air swallowing.
The pillows were easy.

It was comfortable mask to sleep in. I need the small cushion. That was the only time I have swallowed air...
I would like to make it work for URI season as a precaution but it will never be anything but a back up. I want the least amount of stuff on my face and head as possible.

[jskinner]

ResMed Liberty became my preferred mask. I used a Hybrid as well (Thanks to a very kind soul on cpaptalk.com) but the Liberty was smaller and lighter.

[WindFlyer]

I've never had any complaints about my UMFF. I recently tried the Hans Rudolph mask and found out that, just like the product challenge said (which I saw too late, btw) the UMFF was superior.

[DoriC]

As you're a 5-year cpap veteran, I'm glad to know that you agree with my analysis of our FF mask. It seems to me that the DMEs are pushing the Quattros now and not recommending the UMs. We had to have a little "conversation" when we were first set up because they brought the Q instead of the UM which we requested as that's what the sleep center used for hubby's titration and he liked it. I also noticed that quite a few of the"oldtimers" here use the UM as well. When we needed a replacement, again they said they don't stock the UM and we'd have to take the Quattro. This time the Medicare lady I called had to get involved and they suddenly "found" some UMs hidden on the "top shelf". Do you know why this is?

[millich]

Thanks for the info Dori, Windflyer & JSkinner.

Dori, my DME is also really pushing the Quattro. My guess is they are getting bigger rewards from ResMed for selling the Quattro over their other masks.

[DoriC]

My guess is the same, it's all about profit margins.