Suggestions on full face mask.

[PeterC]

I've been using a Mirage Activia LT nasal mask for the past couple of months with mixed results.

I'm waking up with a dry mouth and throat even though I'm using a humidifier. My wife complains that I'm doing the "Motorboat" overnight, so I suspect I'm mouth breathing.

Would one of you kind folks be able to suggest a full face alternative to the Mirage?

Thanks for you input.

Peter.

[BleepingBeauty]

I've been using a Mirage Activia LT nasal mask for the past couple of months with mixed results.

I'm waking up with a dry mouth and throat even though I'm using a humidifier. My wife complains that I'm doing the "Motorboat" overnight, so I suspect I'm mouth breathing.

Would one of you kind folks be able to suggest a full face alternative to the Mirage?

Thanks for you input.

Peter.

Hi, Peter, and welcome to the forum.

It sure sounds like you're mouth-breathing, so yes, a FFM is a good way to go. I recommend the Respironics FullLife. I've been wearing this mask for about six weeks now, and it's working very well for me. Many here use the Quattro or the Ultra Mirage FF. Others like either the Respcare Hybrid or the Mirage Liberty (both have an oral cushion and nasal pillows; effectively a FFM, but nothing goes over the nose). I'm sure you'll get many different suggestions from forum members.

Just keep in mind that everyone's different, and everyone's face has its own individual shape. So what works great for me might not be a good option for you. You have to try a mask for yourself (and give it time and patience with adjustments) before you'll know if it'll work for you.

For research purposes, you might want to check out our host's site (https://www.cpap.com) and look at various full-face masks. Read the user reviews at the bottom of the page for each mask, to see what people like (or don't) about that particular mask. One really good feature of cpap.com is they offer Return Insurance, which gives you 30 days to try the mask at home. If it doesn't work well for you, you can return it and get a refund on the price of the mask.

Once you've determined which mask you want, you can also check the auction site (http://www.cpapauction.com), as the prices are often great. Or peruse CraigsList. I often see masks offered for sale there, too. Even amazon.com sells some CPAP supplies.

Hope that helps, and best of luck.

[GaryG]

I loved the Activa as well, until I realized I was a mouth breather. I liked the fit. Found the full face masks irritated the bridge of my nose, and didn't have any luck at trying to reduce irritation, so I'm trying the Liberty Hybrid now, for about a week, and it seems to be working fine with me so far.

[Muse-Inc]

RespCare Hybrid FFM...it covers the mouth, has nasal pillows, AND does not cover the node or touch the forehead. Very comfortable. Pretty easy to fit as it comes with 3 sizes of oral cushion, 3 sizes of nasal pillows that can be set at 2 different heights.

[nobody]

Or you could just tape your lips that's what I do.

[mars]

you can also check the auction site (http://www.cpapauction.com), as the prices are often great.

Hi PeterC

The above suggestion from BleepingBeauty is a great idea.

I recently bought 3 different ff masks from cpapauction for less than the cost of 1 mask at normal retail. And I will keep on doing this until I have tried all the ff masks that seem reasonable. Just because something is good does not mean it is the best, so experimenting is really the only way, and for masks at least, with cpapauction it is affordable for most of us.

Good luck

cheers

Mars