Poll for women using FFM's and Hybrids

[ozij]

Women's heads and faces have a somewhat different shape than men's.
I can no longer use my beloved Headrest nasal pillow mask, since I can no longer keep the seal between my nose and palate
I'm not doing well with the UMFF - and I started wondering which of the full face masks women preferred.

The ZZZ is not good for me - but I added because I hope this poll will help other women too.

I'm a side sleeper - so comments about that will be appreciated.

Thank you for replying.
O.

[Hawthorne]

I don't wear a full face mask all the time but have searched for one that would work for me if I needed one. I thought that the Hybrid was a good one for me but the mouth piece never seemed to seal well.

I got an F & P 431 and I really like it, although I have yet to need it for a full night. I have tried it for a nap and find it fits me well. I have a somewhat receding chin, something you mentioned in a previous post Ozij.

I really like the chin flap on these F & P masks. One thing I found is that the cushion can slip out of the frame if not inserted very securely. I do use RemZzzs with it and have no nose bridge issue, I think because of the RemZzzs but have not used the mask without them. I also find the F & P 431 to be one of the lightest FF masks. I don't like FF masks but, if I had to wear one, I feel I could deal with this one.

I am, of necessity, a back sleeper.

[Slinky]

I went on the assumption that the PMI ZZZ is the same mask as the ProBasics Zzz-Mask full face.

I recently tried the Respironics FitLife full face mask and really liked it but I was only able to try it for two naps. The absolutely only leak I ran into was at the center of the forehead. Others have mentioned leaks at this same area as well. It is like the FitLife is more curved at the forehead than most of our foreheads which evidently are flatter than Respironics anticipated.

Once I finish this trial w/the PR SystemOne BPAP Auto w/Bi-Flex I intend to dig that FitLife back out to see if I can "fix" the center of the forehead leak. At least one person has successfully done so using a Mack's Silicone Ear Plug.

[BlackSpinner]

I started with a quatro small but if it fits at the nose the chin falls out. With the hybrid I could tailor it closer to my face shape (with the help of an extra strap)

[djr1215]

I'm not voting because I'm in my first month and have only tried the Respironics ComfortFull Gel - first in small and now in Medium. I asked the DME for a Hybrid but they say they can only sell Respironics. So I've asked for a FitLife to try. These comments are helping me with ideas if that doesn't work. There are many suppliers in this area, so I'm planning on getting a copy of my prescription when I see the doctor or the 7th and see what else I can find, even if I have to pay for it myself.
The ComfortFull Gel has too many leaks and causes great pain on my nose.

[WearyOne]

I've tried almost every one in the poll and the Hybrid is the only one that works, and I am mostly a side sleeper. Interestingly, it works better for me when I'm on my side than on my back.

[newhosehead]

The Quatro works for me and I am a side sleeper. It is horrible if I am on my back but I don't want to be there anyway, so not an issue!

Jeanette

[Kiralynx]

I primarily use the Headrest and/or the CL2.

However, I needed a full-face for respiratory infection time, and the ZZZ-mask fills the bill for that. I very nearly lost my mind with the headgear supplied with it, so I removed that and substituted a CL2 strap. With the CL2 strap at the back of my neck, the Zzz-mask now works for me when I need it to.

I did make my own Rem-zzz for it out of t-shirt material because I really have a hard time with plastic on my face.

[Mary Z]

Using Philips Respironics FitLife total Face Mask, getting ready to try the Flexi Fit HC 431.
The bridge of my nose breaks down- thin skin, hence the FitLife Total Face Mask.

[Mary Z]

slinky, try Mack's silicone ear plugs rolled into the size of a pencil on the forehead part of the FitLife. Works for me. I reuse the silicone- take it off each morning and roll into a ball and put into an airtight container- it lasts longer that way. Only takes a minute or two. The cleaning wipes seem to leave a film so the silicone doesn't stick. I use mild soap and water to clean. I put the mask on in the mirror to center it on my face as I don't want to have to move it once I get it in place. Good luck.

[Slinky]

Yep, MaryZ, I saw your suggestion earlier about the Mack's working for you w/the FitLife and that is my intent when I finish this trial and we find the right pressure settings for me. I'll be giving the ole FitLife a true workout. I liked it that much those two naps I tried it.

[djr1215]

slinky, try Mack's silicone ear plugs rolled into the size of a pencil on the forehead part of the FitLife. Works for me. I reuse the silicone- take it off each morning and roll into a ball and put into an airtight container- it lasts longer that way. Only takes a minute or two. The cleaning wipes seem to leave a film so the silicone doesn't stick. I use mild soap and water to clean. I put the mask on in the mirror to center it on my face as I don't want to have to move it once I get it in place. Good luck.

Where do you put the silicone? in between your forehead and the mask? or where? and where do you get the ear plugs?

[Slinky]

Mack's Silicone Ear Plugs (NOT wax) can be found at RiteAid, Walgreen's, K-Mart, WalMart, etc. In my case, and MaryZ's, the only place we need it is at the center of the forehead but it can be used for leaks w/just about any nasal cushion or full face mask where the leaks occur. Usually you would roll one or part of one in the palms of your hands to form a rope or tape then lay that on the mask cushion where the leak occurs, even along your cheeks on the side of the nose, etc.

[Muse-Inc]

Hybrid with extra strap across the pillows. Side sleeper but have rolled onto back twice and it works well that way too. Works well breathing thru nose or mouth. I like the variety of sizes; small oral cushion and large pillows give me the least leak. Wish I could order the headgear in a smaller size.

[Rebecca R]

Ozij,
I am a side sleeper--well actually a thrasher arounder--I move around often while asleep. The Innomed hybrid works very well for me. I have also found that I can sleep on my stomach with it, without leaks and couldn't with any other mask I've tried. I can sleep on my side with the side of the mask pushed into my pillow and it doesn't leak. It did take a bit of patience to get everything adjusted and working well, and I even find that I don't need the extra strap I made anymore.

r