Nw Remstar C Flex & Ultra Mirage came today!

[MichaelM]

Well this adventure has taken me about a month or so, through two providers but today I was issued a Remstar Plus w/ C-Flex and a humidifier. They also provided me with an Ultra Mirage full face mask both of which were researched here at cpaptalk.com!

Although its only a setting of 8 my first opinions are favorable. I'll begin tonight sleeping in the guest room until I am used to the thing and can return to our bed hopefully not to disturb my wife.

Things learned along the way. Be persistant with doctors, insurance companies and providers. Research, research then research some more. This site helped greatly as well as those posting and answering my questions.

I actually let my doctor know what I wanted and why. He obliged. I had to dump the first provider who tried to shuffle me into what THEY wanted to sell, not what I wanted to try.

The second provider actually let me try on TWO Ultra Mirage masks settling on the second. The first provider had said whatever we open, I am stuck with it for six months.

The present provider will supply me wioth a new mask every three months if I want one. (Strangly the headgear is only replaced every six months) The filter and hose cna be replaced monthly or as needed. Not so with the first provider.

Will I adapt to this unit? Who knows at this point but to begin by obtaining what seems to fit my needs and comfort the best is sure to help.

Thanks for all the help and I will post as experiences grow.

[UKnowWhatInSeattle]

Michael,

Sounds like you're on the right track. Your persistence and knowledge can only help, even if the docs and DMEs can't keep up to date!

I have been using a Remstar Pro w/C-Flex for about a year. I found that at a pressure of 8 myself, I didn't need the C-Flex and that the noise of the machine doing its C-Flex "thang" was kinda bugging me, so I had my DME turn that feature off. Many others find the noise not to be a nuisance and find that C-Flex helps even at lower pressures. I mentioned it just so you know that it can be turned off.

I did happen to get a defective machine where the motor bearing was making too much noise, so I talked my DME into replacing it. The second one was much quieter.

Good luck in getting used to things. Hopefully the Remstar/Ultra Mirage Full Face combo plate will work out perfectly. I suspect all the research up front will give you a great head start!

[MichaelM]

UKnow,

Thanks for the comments.

Here is my first nights experience. (I won't be offering a diary, just comments when opinions warrant)

Went to their local store for a fitting and to pick up the unit. The RT went over the machine and had two Ultra Mirage full face masks to try on. The medium did not fit well but the large did.

He then took the mask apart (the silicone part) to show me how it could be done in case cleaning warranted it but when next he fit it to my face with the CPAP on, it made a whistling noise. Very high pitched, he said he had not heard that type before.

He could not find the source and it was not constant but said it could be stopped by adjusting the headgear.

Never gave to me or did I see a manual although he had it out of the box when I arrived. (Before I pay my share of this I will expect a manual)

Off I went with my new sidekick.

Setup went well,

The mask was very comfortable and the machine made little noise. I did note a slight sound from the left side of the mask similar to drops of rain/ice hitting a window. (I actually got out of bed to see if there was sleet)

This noise was okay but within minutes the high pitched sound returned intermittenly. Could not locate the source and had to stop using the mask/CPAP if I was going to sleep last night. Total time was under a half hour I think.

Will call the provider this morning and will post the results.

Has anyone else ever heard this noise from an Ultra Mirage? I am thinking this might be a defect rather than a fit problem.

Update: Called the DME who said he knows where the whistling noise is coming from and has ordered me a new mask.

These people do seem quite willing to work with me!

[MelMel]

Hi Michael M

Just a quick note... The whistling on the ResMed Ultra Full Face mask is a manufacturer defect. It can be corrected by replacing the swivel of the mask I believe. We had about six patients who experienced the same problems where I work and ResMed said it was a problem on their end. Have your dme get in touch with ResMed and they will either send the dme the replacement part or a replacement mask. For FREE, remember FREE... you shouldn't have to pay for it.

Good luck
MelMel

[MichaelM]

Hi Michael M

Just a quick note... The whistling on the ResMed Ultra Full Face mask is a manufacturer defect. It can be corrected by replacing the swivel of the mask I believe. We had about six patients who experienced the same problems where I work and ResMed said it was a problem on their end. Have your dme get in touch with ResMed and they will either send the dme the replacement part or a replacement mask. For FREE, remember FREE... you shouldn't have to pay for it.

Good luck
MelMel

That's why I love this place. Thanks MelMel So far one is on its way.

[day for night]

Very interesting. I just got my resmed ultra mirage ff mask and it too makes the whistling sound. I bought mine through cpap.com. Who should I contact to get the replacement part, cpap.com or resmed?

Hi Michael M

Just a quick note... The whistling on the ResMed Ultra Full Face mask is a manufacturer defect. It can be corrected by replacing the swivel of the mask I believe. We had about six patients who experienced the same problems where I work and ResMed said it was a problem on their end. Have your dme get in touch with ResMed and they will either send the dme the replacement part or a replacement mask. For FREE, remember FREE... you shouldn't have to pay for it.

Good luck
MelMel

[Mikesus]

Mine makes a slight whistle also, but seems to be the coming from the vent? (or maybe just sounds like it) Mine is from Cpap.com also...

[day for night]

Mine makes a slight whistle also, but seems to be the coming from the vent? (or maybe just sounds like it) Mine is from Cpap.com also...

This whistling sound is very different from the main vent sound. It literally sounds like a flute. (D minor, its the saddest of all the keys really....)

[Tomas]

My mask is a FlexiFit HC407A and the whistle eminates from the area of the swivel connection. This happened the first week I used it, the RT had never heard of that problem (new model at that time) and manufacturer replaced the mask, but having the same problem, not during the ramp, but at full pressure (10). The "whistle" like one or two flutes playing together - very loud. I use a humidifier and read on another website (not the same mask) that the high humidity may play a roll. It's a really good fitting mask, but I cannot find any more specific reason for this noise...funny the manufacturer hasn't a clue - cannot be just me.

[allen]

I'm wearing an Ultra Mirage FF mask, too. I was SO excited to get it (from cpap.com) and it's been a disappointment. I'm afraid the fault is mine, though, and that I ordered the wrong size. Perhaps I should have gotten a large instead of the medium.

I don't know, though. I'm having to wear it very, very tightly so that it doesn't leak. So tight, in fact, that it's painful around my face. It seems that if I was in a larger size, I'd have even more leak problems.

As Severeena reported about her experience with the Ultra Mirage FF, the thing makes all kinds of unpleasant noises. What she called "obscene," I describe as the sounds of air being released from balloons--screechy. Not only sounds, either: the whole mask vibrates at the seal when the noises are going on. I feel like I'm about to take off into space or something.

Prior to ordering the Ultra Mirage FF, I was wearing the Profile Gel Lite (nasal) that the DME gave me. Last night, I switched masks in the middle of the night and, eventually, just slept without one at all.

This is, I think, my 3rd week on CPAP and I'm frustrated. Definitely not rested. I may have slept TOO much yesterday, Saturday, because I napped all day on and off. Making up sleep debt incurred, as always, during the work week. I know that last night, I slept only in chunks of 60 minutes. I'd wake up hot, unable to get back to sleep, and feeling like I had caffeine racing through me.

Waking up to deal with mask leaks and noises is not cutting it. Yes, I'll stick with it and hope for improvement, but at this point I'm "over it."

So, that's my vent (my air leak) for the day.

I want to SLEEP!

[Severeena]

The noises of the Ultra Mirage is why I threw it across the room and and said to yes with it.

I purchased a Hans Rudolph out of pocket and then the insurance company purchased my second one.

I had a little trouble with my second one leaking and the HR people sent me a new piece and no more leaks.

I love the HR.

Ultra Mirage FF you have to wear the head gear lose if to lose noise if to tight noise,

Better off not using it. I dislike that mask.

[HeidiHose]

Anyone know what the difference is between the Activa Mirage and the Ultra Mirage II?

Which is newer? Comments on any of them?

[Severeena]

]Ultra Mirage II is the newest I believe and this is the mask with all the obscene noises no matter what you do with this mask.

I know there are some that really like this mask, but what people do not realize is, you do not have to use the mask of the manufacturer of your machine.

DME's do not tell you this. You have to find out on your own or ask questions.
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