Resmed Ultra Mirage FFM

[Hurricane]

Just received my new Ultra Mirage FFM, and I'm looking for tips on using it.
Should I tape the bridge of my nose, or any other things I should do.
Thanks

[Jcastle]

I wouldn't tape until you notice any discomfort using the mask. I also find setting the forehead braces to positions 2 or 3 helps elevate the mask off the bridge of the nose. This should keep a seal without causing discomfort.

Hope that helps.
Joe

[TXKajun]

Hurricane, welcome to the UMFF club! I've been using one for just short of 2 years now and LOVE it.

What I've found is that when you first strap it on, do NOT get the straps tight. Lay down, turn on your XPAP, set it at about the midrange of your pressures (if you can....at the very least, don't have it on the low ramp pressure because then you run the risk of a leak when it shifts to higher pressures), then relax for a second or two....including letting your face muscles relax. Then pull the mask AWAY from your face just a fraction and gently let it come back (do NOT let it go when you pull it away!!! VERY IMPORTANT! LOLOL). Next, press on the adjuster for the forehead piece at the bridge of your nose until it gets to a comfy position and doesn't leak at the top (mine is all the way in). Then move your head from side to side and see where the leaks are. Adjusting the straps evenly, lightly tighten them until the leaks are gone when you turn your head from side to side and even turn on your side (if you're a side sleeper). I also have one of those "Memory Foam" pillows which I find helps a bunch.

If it turns out you have a small leak around your nose, then I've found using small strips of moleskin ON THE MASK, NOT ON YOUR FACE helps bunches.

It will probably take you a couple or 3 nights to get the mask adjusted "just right", but when you do, then all you have to do to remove it is unlatch one of the quick connects on the bottom of the mask and slip it off. Then at night, slip it on, refasten it and there ya be!

Hope this helps. Good luck!!

Kajun

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): Ramp

[Wulfman]

Some of it depends on your facial structure. I wear the forehead piece in the vertical position (straight up)......top straps very loose and most of the tension on the lower straps......not too tight and not too loose. I also make sure there is no pressure on the bridge of my nose.
If it's sized right and the right tension, you should absolutely NOT have any discomfort from that mask.

Best wishes,

Den

[WifeIsHappyNow]

Welcome to the club!

TXKajun has some great advice as do the others that have posted. I learned that looser straps are sometimes better, so make sure you keep that in mind.

I put a strip of 3M Micropore tape across the bridge of my nose every night. Otherwise, I get the red mark that gets worse and worse. With the tape, no problems. But, like Wulfman says, it depends on your facial structure, so find what works for you. If you want to be safe, it probably wouldn't cause any problems to tape.

I also find that I have to re-adjust my straps every two weeks or so, but that may just be me...

Good Luck!

[jum001]

Since I found the "sweet spot" re adjustment of the headgear, I haven't taken it apart. I even wash it assembled and let it dry that way. Have read some posts from people who have sewn or stapled the straps in place! But, as others have said, there are those with the kind of skin that reacts to everything and they (including me) may need some protection at the bridge of the nose.

[snoozeandlose]

I have had this mask, but never could get it to seal properly. I will try the methods you described. Thanks

[Vader]

Some of it depends on your facial structure. I wear the forehead piece in the vertical position (straight up)......top straps very loose and most of the tension on the lower straps......not too tight and not too loose. I also make sure there is no pressure on the bridge of my nose.
If it's sized right and the right tension, you should absolutely NOT have any discomfort from that mask.

Best wishes,

Den

I've used the UMFF and I really like it, so I agree, but to add to that...I would definitely use some Nexcare Gentle Paper tape over the affected part of the bridge of your nose.

Maybe you won't need it, BUT--it would be better to do your preliminary trials of the mask WITH THE TAPE, because if you do get an abrasion on your nose, the whole trial process gets a big setback. A raw and irritated nose can be a nasty thing.
Later, you can always discontinue the use of tape if it's not required.
But as they say, it's better to be safe than sorry.....

[Hurricane]

Hey everyone above, thanks for going thru the effort of responding to my post, great tips, and good hearing you all are doing good with this mask. My DME provider said the mask was only good for temporary use, and that I wouldn't want to use it on a permanent basis, but you all have given me encouragment to want to use this all the time, I have allergies so there are times of the year, wearing my Swift I would be mouth breathing and not being a fan of mouth taping, I would find my mouth dry,thanks all for welcoming me into the club.

[WifeIsHappyNow]

My DME provider said the mask was only good for temporary use, and that I wouldn't want to use it on a permanent basis

I'm curious as to why he would say this. This is the only mask I have tried in my short time on CPAP (~3 months), but I am very happy with it after reading suggestions here on how to properly fit the mask.

Anybody know why it would be suggested for temporary use only? Is that a common DME line?

[Hurricane]

The DME told me that most people he deals with don't take the proper steps in adjusting the ffm, and after having soreness on the bridge of their nose, they give up on the usage, he feels most people are more apt to have less problems with pillow type masks, I told him I read many posts of people that are compliant with FFmasks, so he said use the Ultra Mirage but adjust it correctly to avoid bridge of the nose problems, I then told him I'm not a quiter and that if others are happy with their ffm, I would sure like to be also. I do think a lot of people don't have the patience to help themselves, and lean towards the pillow system considering there are less contact areas of the face. I emphasized that when congested I would subcontiosly breath thru my mouth using the Swift and even though my numbers were good, I didn't feel rested. He then said fine give it a try maybe it will work for you. I sure am going to give it a shot,and look forward to getting the most out of this new way of sleeping CPAP.

[Jcastle]

The only real problem I have with the mask is that it applies pressure to the area just above my chin. In the morning my lower teeth are sensitive for about an hour or so. I have not found a "sweet spot" in the head gear that will keep a seal but not apply to strong a pressure on my lower gums.

The UMFF is the only mask I have used for treatment (6 wks). I found it easy to get used to and maintain.

Joe

[frapilu]

I've been using the UMFF since about September when my nasal congestion finally made using my usual HC406 impossible. It's the most tolerable of the FF masks but I'm having a seroplasty on April 30 in the hopes of getting rid of my nasal congestion enough so I can go back to my HC406.

It's a pretty good mask but no matter how well I've adjusted it, I can't sleep on my back because of leaks. Nor can I sleep on my stomach very long because of that forehead spike. I just roll from side to side all night and wake up with sore shoulders.

Hope you find that sweet spot others have found because I can't.

France

[Linda3032]

Hurricane, you might want to print this thread out for your DME. Might give him lots of tips to use and pass on to other patients.

[Wulfman]

The only real problem I have with the mask is that it applies pressure to the area just above my chin. In the morning my lower teeth are sensitive for about an hour or so. I have not found a "sweet spot" in the head gear that will keep a seal but not apply to strong a pressure on my lower gums.

The UMFF is the only mask I have used for treatment (6 wks). I found it easy to get used to and maintain.

Joe

Joe,

If you REALLY want to experience pain in that area, try the Comfortfull 2.
After three nights with that one, I couldn't wait to get back to my UMFF.

Best wishes,

Den