Gel or Foam Filled Full Face Masks

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 26, 2005 4:07 pm

I was just fitted with my first mask and a CPAP that did the setting variables at home. The machine part had to be returned to the DME I got it from for downloading and then faxing the results to my doctor. The CPAP my doctor is recommending is the ResMed Auto Spirit withb Humid Air II.

I was given the Mirage Series 2 Full Face Mask and headgear with an 8 foot hose.

I used this mask for 5 days and the whole time my face is turning red, swelling and blistering. I even cleaned the mask before I wore it the first time, plus every night I cleaned it. I never left any residue or anything on the part that fit my face. I do not have any CPAP machine at this time since I am in the wait and see stages with the doctor and my DME.

My furture husband has a gel filled nasal mask, but since I am a mouth breather I need the full mask. He feels that I also may need a gel filled or foam filled mask. Is there a gel filled or foam filled full face mask available? I am looking at the Flexifit HC431. I hope this one is foam filled.

Thank you for listening to a Newbie at this.

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Sat Mar 26, 2005 4:29 pm

Welcome aboard,
The HC431 has a silicone seal. I had this mask and Hate it. The Resmed mask is much better. Avoid the HC431 at all costs. Save your money and learn to breathe through your nose ! Fix whatever the problem is, Allergies, Humidity, The soap you use, Whatever. Learn to use a nasal mask or pillows. You will be much happier.

Cheers,

Chris

Severeena · Post by **Severeena** » Sat Mar 26, 2005 4:35 pm

Chris, I was using Witch Hazel to clean my mask like my future husband.

He felt that the gel filled mask would be better for me. I was also looking into another mask, but was afraid to mention the name here.

The other mask I am referring to is the Hans Rudolph full face mask.

nodding off · Post by **nodding off** » Sat Mar 26, 2005 6:54 pm

I think Chris is right. If you are having an allergic reaction to the mask material, unless you have physical issues preventing you from doing so, I would learn to breathe through my nose. A chin strap, collar, or tape might do the trick. I'd try nasal pillows, as they have the least contact with your face. A little non-petroleum gel and away you go to sleep! My other thought would be that the mask was adjusted too tight, but that would only leave marks, not turn your whole face red and irritated. I also have a ResMed Spirit. My HC431 is comfortable to wear, but by far the worst night's sleep I've gotten on CPAP. I snore like crazy in it, according to my wife. Also, it is incompatible with the ResMed APAP and must be used in cpap mode only. I retired it after 3 tries at it. Best of luck!!

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat Mar 26, 2005 7:04 pm

Severeena, different masks work for different people. I've tried 3 different brands of full face mask. To me, the ResMed Ultra Mirage FF mask is by far the most comfortable and leakproof. I tried a Hans Rudolph FF mask in a "small". It was huge on my face and was the leakiest mask I've ever tried...it didn't work at all for me. I think your mask money would be best spent on anything other than the Hans Rudolph. Just one more opinion.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 12:43 am

Did you just wash the mask, or did you try soaking it for 30 to 60 mins in warm soapy water? There might be residue from the production that might need the soaking.
O.

Mikesus · Post by **Mikesus** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 8:01 am

Alcohol products on the seal are not a good idea. It can destroy the seal. Use non-scented hypoallergenic soap. And make sure that you get all the soap off!!

Severeena · Post by **Severeena** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 9:15 am

I did all the above and still had problems.

I have Sarcoidosis and I need the full face mask. My lung capacity is just 1/3. 2/3 of my lungs are gone.

Mouth breathing is easier for me and less painful.

I do need the full face mask.

coffee · Post by **coffee** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 2:09 pm

There isn't a gel full face mask out there. I also used the comfortgel for awhile, it was the first nasal mask I found that fit for me. But, after still being tired and going back for another sleep study I was told I was letting air out of my mouth and needed a chin strap. That didn't work, so the full face mask option came up. I was given the respironics comfortfull. Leaked. Tried Hans Rudolph. Leaked. Now using resmed ultra mirage. Leaks much less. I'm still trying... Haven't tried the fisher paykel (yet) but all faces are different and you may need to try for yourself. The resmed ULTRA MIRAGE ff mask seems to win the unofficial vote... There are also some oral interfaces available... I have no experience with them, but if you actually breathe through your mouth you may look at those? good luck

Severeena · Post by **Severeena** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 8:46 pm

I was contacted ealier today by a representative from SleepNet.

I was told that later this year, a full face mask with the gel filled will be available from them.

I emailed the rep back and asked if it could be sooner.

Just wanted to let you know what I found out.

coffee · Post by **coffee** » Wed Mar 30, 2005 10:55 am

That's good news! Did they say who is making it?

Severeena · Post by **Severeena** » Wed Mar 30, 2005 8:28 pm

I got another email from her today and I forgot to open it before I came here I will go back and see what I can fine out.

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