I just bought a Mirage Activa mask after my Respironics Comfort Gel no longer worked. This is my second mask, I've been using a CPAP for 4 months. Any suggestions or comments on using the Mirage Activa would be appreciated.
From a ComfortGel to a Mirage Activa
4 posts
• Page 1 of 1
The activa has 5 adjustment points:
two straps left side
two straps right side
the piece on the bridge of the nose.
Proper adjustment is the key. I like my top straps a little snug, my bottom straps a little loose, and the nose piece all the way out.
Play with the different adjustments until you find what is comfortable and what works for you. I think you will find that tighter is not always better with the activa.
two straps left side
two straps right side
the piece on the bridge of the nose.
Proper adjustment is the key. I like my top straps a little snug, my bottom straps a little loose, and the nose piece all the way out.
Play with the different adjustments until you find what is comfortable and what works for you. I think you will find that tighter is not always better with the activa.
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Snoozing Gonzo
- Posts: 199
- Joined: Wed Mar 08, 2006 2:11 pm
- Location: Western Montana
I just made the same switch you have from Comfort Gel (my first mask) to Activa. Unfortunately, due to sizing inaccuracies in my original equipment, my Activa (purchased at CPAP.com) is too large (the new cushion is due to be delivered today). However, the weeks with the large mask has forced me to really pay attention to the adjustments. Let me say that even the too-large Activa can seal well and be very comfortable. You'll love it after a short break in and learning period.
The first thing you will notice is that the overall size (even when the cushion is sized right) is much larger than the CG. As is mentioned often here, the fit and adjustments are counter-intuitive because the cushion seal is a bellows that pushes against your face rather than from the straps at the back of your head. Often leaks are a function of adjusting too tight and over compressing the seal/bellows - unlike the CG that you may have had to crank down until it almost hurt and left marks. The cushion must be pliable able to move with you and not be rigid due to over-tightening
Suggestions on this and other sites that I found work are to put the mask on before the machine is on (use the quic-release hose snag). Straps should very loose (like the jcobb607 I find the top strap better when its a little more snug than the bottom but never as tight as the CG). Pre-adjust the bridge for face angle.
Once the air is flowing and you are laying down, top and bottom leaks can be adjusted out by the bridge and readjusting the straps. This may change the first few nights so be patient. Try to snug up in tiny increments, and even them out to both sides. Any marks in the morning mean it’s too tight. The bridge adjustments are more effective than the CG. Once you find a spot that works pretty well for several nights, mark it on the strap so after you clean the unit you'll have the gross adjustment done.
I feel the Activa seems more sensitive to face oils on the seal than the CG and needs cleaning more often (every day or every second day).
Finally, the Activa seems to collect condensate more than the CG and really needs a covered hose and the hose elevated to the interface like from a headboard. My next purchase is a heated hose. Use the search function to find many other excellent hints.
Good luck.
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): activa, hose, cpap.com, seal, clean
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): activa, hose, cpap.com, seal, clean
The first thing you will notice is that the overall size (even when the cushion is sized right) is much larger than the CG. As is mentioned often here, the fit and adjustments are counter-intuitive because the cushion seal is a bellows that pushes against your face rather than from the straps at the back of your head. Often leaks are a function of adjusting too tight and over compressing the seal/bellows - unlike the CG that you may have had to crank down until it almost hurt and left marks. The cushion must be pliable able to move with you and not be rigid due to over-tightening
Suggestions on this and other sites that I found work are to put the mask on before the machine is on (use the quic-release hose snag). Straps should very loose (like the jcobb607 I find the top strap better when its a little more snug than the bottom but never as tight as the CG). Pre-adjust the bridge for face angle.
Once the air is flowing and you are laying down, top and bottom leaks can be adjusted out by the bridge and readjusting the straps. This may change the first few nights so be patient. Try to snug up in tiny increments, and even them out to both sides. Any marks in the morning mean it’s too tight. The bridge adjustments are more effective than the CG. Once you find a spot that works pretty well for several nights, mark it on the strap so after you clean the unit you'll have the gross adjustment done.
I feel the Activa seems more sensitive to face oils on the seal than the CG and needs cleaning more often (every day or every second day).
Finally, the Activa seems to collect condensate more than the CG and really needs a covered hose and the hose elevated to the interface like from a headboard. My next purchase is a heated hose. Use the search function to find many other excellent hints.
Good luck.
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): activa, hose, cpap.com, seal, clean
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): activa, hose, cpap.com, seal, clean
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(James Gurney, Dinotopia)
I wear my Activa so loose it feels like it is going to fall off when I walk with the mask on. In fact, I awoke one night to find one of the lower straps was not connected but the mask was still sealing. That says a lot considering I sleep on my side and stomach. My Activa can be hard on the bridge of my nose if I don't keep it pushed up. The forehead adjustment is somewhat limited due to my sleeping position and its T bar configuration. If you were happy with the Comfort Gel, you might want to consider the Comfort Classic or Select. They have the same basic shape, seal just as well and the cushions are more durable than the Comfort Gel. My Gels have lasted about 2 months each before the outer cushion loses its sealing capabilities. My Comfort Selects last about a year. My Comfort Classic is still going strong after 3 years.
4 posts
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