How many masks do you have?

[Bon Bon]

I was just reading another thread where some members mentioned that they owned multiple types of masks, and even rotated regularly between them.

It was reassuring to read that others do that, because I've already accumulated 4 masks in the last several months. I have the Swift FX with bella loops (primary mask), a Flexifit 407 nasal mask, a Quattro FX full face mask (wanted a full face mask for cold/allergy season), and just last week I got the Aloha nasal pillow mask for those nights the Swift FX just won't cooperate. Since I haven't been able to control the leaks from the Quattro FX, I'm now considering one of the Hybrid style masks for cold/allergy season.

I think that, for me, masks may become a little like shoes - some days I feel like wearing flipflops and some days I want to wear my boots. For example, I've been using the Aloha for the past several nights but last night didn't 'feel' like an Aloha night, so I switched back to the Swift FX.

After reading the posts on the other thread, I thought it would be fun to see how many masks you have or have tried. Do you switch out between masks occasionally? Is this pretty common or am I in the minority with those who are curious about different masks, or those who are always in pursuit of the 'perfect' mask?

[TalonNYC]

I have three masks, myself. All full face, accumulated over the last year or so. Two are Quattro Mirage, one I use on the road and the other nightly at home.

I also have a Quattro Mirage FX, but rarely use it. It was an experiment =)

For me, once I found the best mask, I stuck with it. Switching out masks is not a bad thing, but since you have to adjust for leaks and such, I prefer to only switch out when necessary.

[nanwilson]

Have: 3 respcare hybrids, a quattro and a fitlife full face
Tried & rejected: swift lt, optilife, original nasal & an aloha
Nan

[Addercatter]

In my whole month of therapy I have 2 masks so far. The first one is the Mirage Liberty. We have a love/hate relationship. My newest addition is the Swift FX for Her. We just met yesterday, but I think I found a winner!

Lol, Kat

[Conrad]

I'm going on 4 months now and I only have one mask. The very first one that I tried, thanks to this forum, worked fine for me and that's what I'm sticking with.

[Bon Bon]

For me, once I found the best mask, I stuck with it. Switching out masks is not a bad thing, but since you have to adjust for leaks and such, I prefer to only switch out when necessary.

That's how I thought it was going to be for me, too. I'm a little surprised that I like experimenting and switching out between masks. It sounds like such a hassle but I've enjoyed the variety so far.

[Bon Bon]

Have: 3 respcare hybrids, a quattro and a fitlife full face
Tried & rejected: swift lt, optilife, original nasal & an aloha
Nan

Three hybrids? This must be your favorite mask.

Have you ever tried the Mirage Liberty? It seems like more people prefer the Respcare Hybrid, but my DME only carries the Liberty. I'd really like to try one of the hybrid masks out sometime soon and am debating whether to try the Liberty from my DME or order one like yours from our host. I get a bad head cold and sinus infections every December/January so I don't have long to find a mask that will work for me when my sinuses are plugged.

[Bon Bon]

In my whole month of therapy I have 2 masks so far. The first one is the Mirage Liberty. We have a love/hate relationship. My newest addition is the Swift FX for Her. We just met yesterday, but I think I found a winner!

Lol, Kat

Hey, you're ahead of me! It took me a few months before I worked up the nerve to ask my DME about trying a different mask. Fortunately, I was started off with the Swift FX for Her and that is still my most favorite mask.

Can I ask about your experiences with the Liberty? What do you like/dislike about it? Does it leak very much? How comfortable is it?

[johnthomasmacdonald]

let's see 3 FFMs (fitlife, paykal forma, and respironics full comfort) and 2 nasal pillows (swift Fx and omni 360) - I've also returned 2 ffms with insurance quatro fx and amara

[nanwilson]

Have: 3 respcare hybrids, a quattro and a fitlife full face
Tried & rejected: swift lt, optilife, original nasal & an aloha
Nan

Three hybrids? This must be your favorite mask.

Have you ever tried the Mirage Liberty? It seems like more people prefer the Respcare Hybrid, but my DME only carries the Liberty. I'd really like to try one of the hybrid masks out sometime soon and am debating whether to try the Liberty from my DME or order one like yours from our host. I get a bad head cold and sinus infections every December/January so I don't have long to find a mask that will work for me when my sinuses are plugged.

Yup! Hybrid is my fave
I didn't try the liberty because it only comes with one size set of pillows and mouth cushion whereas the hybrid comes with s, m, and l all in the same package (so much easier to get to fit) also it is cheaper than the liberty....... since I have to buy my equipment on my own ....I won't buy resmed.
Also about the head cold.....I have "started" to get a head cold several times over the past 2+ years, but by using the machine i find it only lasts 2 or 3 days and its gone BONUS!!!!!!!

[squid13]

I have the Fisher&Pakel Forma full face which is my main mask. I also have a Swift FX and a Swift LT. I don't use the other two they are just in the drawer taking up space.

[Bon Bon]

Have: 3 respcare hybrids, a quattro and a fitlife full face
Tried & rejected: swift lt, optilife, original nasal & an aloha
Nan

Three hybrids? This must be your favorite mask.

Have you ever tried the Mirage Liberty? It seems like more people prefer the Respcare Hybrid, but my DME only carries the Liberty. I'd really like to try one of the hybrid masks out sometime soon and am debating whether to try the Liberty from my DME or order one like yours from our host. I get a bad head cold and sinus infections every December/January so I don't have long to find a mask that will work for me when my sinuses are plugged.

Yup! Hybrid is my fave
I didn't try the liberty because it only comes with one size set of pillows and mouth cushion whereas the hybrid comes with s, m, and l all in the same package (so much easier to get to fit) also it is cheaper than the liberty....... since I have to buy my equipment on my own ....I won't buy resmed.
Also about the head cold.....I have "started" to get a head cold several times over the past 2+ years, but by using the machine i find it only lasts 2 or 3 days and its gone BONUS!!!!!!!

Sweet!!!!

Oh I hope I'll be the same way.

[xenablue]

I have 5 masks - Mirage Liberty, which hasn't been used since the first month of therapy almost 2 years ago; Swift FX with regular headgear and Bella Loops; Swift LT which is my most-used mask; a SleepWeaver Advance, which I love the most, but still struggle with leaks, and the newest addition an Opus 360.

I have the Opus (not my first choice for a new mask) because my DME informed me they will no longer be ordering SleepWeaver masks (I wanted the Elan) and my second choice, an Aloha, wouldn't be available for another month or so.

Despite me being a little miffed with my DME at not making available the mask/s of my choice, they DID print out my script and everything to do with my neuro's orders etc., so I could purchase either of those masks elsewhere, if I wish, so they're kinda back in my good books.

I use all of my masks in a loose rotation (except for the Mirage Liberty) - depending on my mood, allergy levels, position of the planets etc.,

Cheers,
xena

[JO'M]

Right now - just one. The F&P ESON which I love. I have a loaner Quattro FX to try out.
I plan on picking up an extra ESON and trying out the Wisp when it comes out

[Addercatter]

In my whole month of therapy I have 2 masks so far. The first one is the Mirage Liberty. We have a love/hate relationship. My newest addition is the Swift FX for Her. We just met yesterday, but I think I found a winner!

Lol, Kat

Hey, you're ahead of me! It took me a few months before I worked up the nerve to ask my DME about trying a different mask. Fortunately, I was started off with the Swift FX for Her and that is still my most favorite mask.

Can I ask about your experiences with the Liberty? What do you like/dislike about it? Does it leak very much? How comfortable is it?

Here's what I like about the Liberty:
1. I got the same effect of a FFM without having anything touching the bridge of my nose (I have a deviated septum)
2. I had less claustrophobia with it than with the FFM I used in my sleep study
3. The headgear is fairly comfortable. I added the pad-a-cheek strap covers and the headgear is SO comfy now
4. It actually does come with S, M and L nasal pillows and my DME fitted me for the mouth cushion (I wear small)
5. Leaks, as far as this mask is concerned, are very slim. It seals well and does great with high pressure (other issues were making me get occasional leaks during the night nothing to do with the mask itself)

Here's what I dislike about the liberty:
1. The part where the hose connects to the mask so it can spin freely (if that makes sense, not sure of the term), it makes a VERY loud creaking noise any time it moves. I would imagine I just happened to get a fluke one as I'm sure they aren't all like that. BUT if you try one to take home, definitely check for any noises first. It is VERY annoying.
2. I still wake up in a panic of claustrophobia at times, but that's just me, not the masks fault
3. Again, not sure if this is a fluke in just mine, but the top straps come out of the connector parts on the top of the mask if they bend even a little bit backwards. This doesn't happen when I'm wearing it, just while I'm trying to put it on. Annoying
4. There are a couple of parts on the mask that seem like they could break easily, such as the above mentioned part that the top straps connect to. If they broke, the whole mask would have to be replaced. This has NOT happened to me, just a personal concern from observing the parts

As far as total comfort, I found the Liberty to be FAR more comfortable than the FFM from my sleep study. It's comfortable enough for me to watch tv for a few hours while wearing it and not being bothered by it at all.

If you decide to try this mask, also make sure you try each nasal pillow as well as the mouth piece to make sure you get the correct fit. My DME tried to rush me, but this is important so I took my time anyway.

Let me know if you have anymore questions for me. Good luck, and if you try it I hope it works well for you!

Kat