Neverending saga: In Search for THE mask

[out of the fog]

Hi, Y'all
I am new here and like most of you have been trying to find the ever elusive 'perfect mask'...I was diagnosed with OSA 2 months ago and have since embarked on the journey.
Tried nasal masks - can't do that - 'cause I'm a mouth breather...
Tried full face masks - can't do that - 'cause they indented the bridge of my nose big time...
Tried the nasal pillows/oral combinations (Mirage Liberty and Hybrid) - can't do that - 'cause they smashed my nose up like Ms Piggy so bad that the bridge of my nose hurt in the a.m.
And then it happened (drum roll) I got a total face mask - the FitLife (background music)...
Tried it last night and ......I like it! It's a little tricky to seal all leaks but it can be done...I am a side sleeper so it is a challenge. However, if you tighten it enough it's good to go! It's not perfect but it's close...
(Only tried it one night so I will get back to y'all and give a more detailed report...)

[katherinefulmer]

Welcome!!!

It is wonderful to hear that you may have found "The One!" The One you'll take to bed each night, The One that will see you through the foggy times and into the happy, clearheaded times. Le sigh. I'm happy you've found us, too

Just some clarification needed. Is this really the FitLife or is it the FullLife? There's been a bit of confusion about that in this office on our board. Oct 6th we'll be releasing Product Challenge results on the FullLife vs. Quattro. Should be an interesting result.

I hope the FitLife or FullLife or whatever it is works out well for you! If you find yourself back at the old drawing board, or looking for a backup mask I'd advise you look over past Product Challenges. You can save a lot of headache by learning from others experiences with masks and Product Challenge consolidates that data by pitting one product against another.

Best wishes!

[GaryG]

OOTF, Welcome. As a newbie who has had all of a couple of weeks of experience with the Mirage Liberty Hybrid Mask, I'd say that the mask just wasn't adjusted properly. Many things can be done to have it fit better. (Use nasal gel before use, make sure you use humidifier, top straps should not be tight, bottom straps need to be tight...).

But glad you may have found YOUR mask. And continued success. And if you have any questions, there are folks here with experience in almost any type of mask, so come back and ask away, and let us know how you're doing.

[karessamom]

I was having mask issues myself as well. I did start with the Full Life mask and had troubles with it. I had problems getting it to seal --then it'd be cinched up so tight it would hurt my nose etc. I have found success with the Ultra mirage mask. i've now slept over 4 nights with ZERO leaks! and it appears to be easier on my nose if it's put on right. I still have a sore spot on bridge of my nose but i think that's mostly from the other mask. It is healing! I haven't tried the FitLife yet which is the TOTAL face mask that covers your entire face. Good luck with that! I'm Glad you found a mask that works for you. I think Everyone is different when it comes to masks and what works really well for 1 person isn't going to work for the next one that comes along. That's the trial and error with masks! My husband was really fortunate last year--The first mask he tried on was the comfort gel and he's stuck with it ever since! I couldn't wear it because it leaked too much! our face structures are all totally different and the key to good therapy is finding that ONE mask that fits good and seals with no or very little leaking.

[out of the fog]

Hi, again
Thanks for welcoming me on board! This is a great site for those with the same OSA journey.

Katherinsfulmer, It is the Total face mask - Fitlife - not the normal FF mask Fulllife, and you are right - it is totally confusing(!?!) - full face is not really the full face but nose and mouth are included - total includes the eyes as well. And btw air doesn't bother the eyes at all! It is directed away from the eyes.

GaryG, thanks for the tips. Tried that but still like the total face mask better - there's no contact with my poor nose at all!!!

Karessamom, you are so right - there is no perfect mask for everyone - there's no one size fits all - but we can hope that everyone finds their right mask.

Does anyone know how to edit our profile here? I want to change the mask on my profile.

[JimIllinois]

Left side of the page, near the top, "User Control Panel", "Profile", "Edit Equipment"

Consider changing to the "text" equipment, rather than photos, because we old folks can't see the tiny photos very well.

[out of the fog]

Thanks, JimIllinios
Finally figured out how to update/edit my profile thanks to you!

[headbored]

I have been using the Nasal Aire 2 prong mask supplyed by Babbette as a trial for the last 4 nights and it is great.It feels like you are not wearing a mask and your nose is not hot from the humidifier.Once you pick the right size from the kit there are no leaks and I am a side sleeper so for me my old mask always leaked during the night from changing sides.Th air venting is a bit louder than my old mask,but oh well the sleep is well worth it.And no mask marks on my face in the morning another bonus!

[raneyday]

I'm also on the Quest for the True Mask. I'm going to be getting a bit of a bonus in a few weeks, but am I planning a cruise? Buying new clothes? A flat-screen TV? Heck no, I'm waiting like a kid at Christmas to buy a new mask!

[out of the fog]

Raneyday, I totally get it!

[DJ_Boxer]

When I started I got the Fisher & Paykel HC407 Nasal Mask which was used for both of my studies and liked it except it always marked the bridge of my nose with a sore(rubbing the skin away). Ordered an Fisher & Paykel Opus 360 through my DME & doctor after showing him for my first follow-up and it sounds if there might be leaks at times but they have been few and far between and I am liking it. The first and second night I woke up great, this third night I woke up with a very runny nose that I had to blow constantly, could be the microfilter will check out when I get home to my flat. I am also developing something on the bridge line where the upper lip area meets the nose on the nose between the nares: will put something on it.

DJ

[Scarlet834]

Out of the fog, I love your avatar!

I am still seeking "The Mask". I am completely comfortable with nasal pillows but waking up many times during the night. I'm worried I'm dislodging them enough to negate treatment in the early morning because I am still awfully tired. Will try enabling leak detection and analyzing the smart card (waiting for reader to arrive) before doing any major changes. I'm already on my second mask and would need to buy the next one myself. I'm tempted by what I've read to try the Activa if I can't ultimately keep the nasal pillows in place all night.

Anyway, I congratulate you on finding your right choice!

[chris147]

Hi all,

I have tried full face masks but they irritate the bridge of my nose too much. I now have a FitLife total mask as well with 2 straps. I'm not sure which one to use as one of the straps seems to hurt my ears whereas the other strap might be too big, or I just haven't played around with it enough.
I tried adjusting the top strap but that doesn't seem to do the job.

Which strap would you recommend?

Many thanks,

Chris

[b360155]

If you're someone that needs to use a full face mask but have had issues with nose bridge soreness, I'd highly recommend trying the Resmed Quattro FX if you can demo one. I have a Mirage Quattro which does cause nose bridge soreness for me but the design of the Quattro FX is slightly different and doesn't cause any nose bridge soreness at all. The main complaints with the Quattro FX have more to do with getting a good seal against leaks, but you need to watch the fitting videos as it goes on a little differently than other masks. It's been my mask of choice for over 6 months now. Very comfortable, no nose bridge sores at all and very low leak rates for me. Padacheek liner is a good addition for comfort. Like all masks, your results may differ.

[macewa]

I am using the FitLife Total Face Mask and have been for several months and so far it is the mask for me. I'm a huge mouth breather and with my high pressures the nasal mask doesn't work (wish it did). The full face mask left me with a bruised nose and pain that would by mid day end up being a horrid headache. The TOTAL face mask works for me. Except just a few minutes ago I realized I'm getting an indentation on my forehead because I have to pull the straps so tight to stop the leaks, The adult head straps were too large for me so my DME swapped them out for pediatric straps and they work much better, but I still have to pull them real tight. I'm trying to find a full face mask that I can wear because of summer coming and I know the total face mask will be hot . . .but so far, no luck.