Activa sizing ?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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Lee Lee
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Activa sizing ?

Post by Lee Lee » Sun Jun 24, 2007 8:15 am

I've had two nights experience with my new Activa. I think I could really like it!
The problem is the pain on the bridge of my nose. I know, I know, leave the straps very loose. I did that last night, very loose to the point that I actually had a pretty high leak rate (12L on my Resmed Vantage)
I think I may have the wrong cushion. I have a shallow.
How can I find out which one to use?
Has anyone else had nose bridge issues with Activa?


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jmurkve
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Post by jmurkve » Sun Jun 24, 2007 9:11 am

In addition to leaving the straps fairly loose, you should change the angle of the forehead pad. The Activa has a joint in the middle to change the angle of the cushion to your face. Sounds like you may have the top of the cushion pressing against the bridge of your nose with too much pressure. Tilt the forehead pad part of the mask down so it will allow the top of the cushion to move away from your nose and see if that helps.


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GreenIce
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Re: Activa sizing ?

Post by GreenIce » Sun Jun 24, 2007 9:30 am

Lee Lee wrote:I've had two nights experience with my new Activa. I think I could really like it!
The problem is the pain on the bridge of my nose. I know, I know, leave the straps very loose.
I did have similar problem with Activa mask. During CPAP trial after almost 3 weeks using it, my upper lip & gum are painful. Adjusting did not help. Then I try Swift which was a relieve.

Do not know whether this will work for you. My medical technician advise me if possible get two different type of mask, pillow & nasal type for example. Use it alternate to give my face or nose a rest. I am planning to do just that.


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ICantGetNoSleep
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Post by ICantGetNoSleep » Sun Jun 24, 2007 1:29 pm

Seems like a few people have bridge issues with their Activa. I dont, but I tend to leak more on one side......

Is there an Activa sizing guide available?


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Linda3032
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Post by Linda3032 » Sun Jun 24, 2007 1:34 pm

Be sure to read the links to the Activa (courtesy of Rested Gal):

viewtopic.php?p=35284


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SleeplessInVirginia
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Post by SleeplessInVirginia » Sun Jun 24, 2007 4:58 pm

Lee Lee,
I have had the same exact problems that you are experiencing with my Activa. I had used the Ultra Mirage for a long time, and had heard so many wonderful things about the Activa that I bought one out of pocket. My UM is a standard size and has always felt a little bit big, so I got the Activa in a shallow size. I was only able to wear it for a few nights before my nose got so red and sore that I couldn't even stand to touch it. I tried adjusting the straps, and also tried adjusting the forehead piece in every position and was never able to get it to fit right without hurting. The soft part of the mask that touches your bridge doesn't seem like it could do that much damage, but it's almost like the mask hangs down and puts too much pressure there. I with there was a way to raise the entire mask so that it's not as heavy. I really love the mask itself and wish I could make friends with it, please let me know if you find an answer!

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away"

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gasparama
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Activa

Post by gasparama » Sun Jun 24, 2007 7:31 pm

I've been using the Activa for about 10 days and the comfort level is getting continually worse. I sleep on my side and it rube the lower eyelid on the pillow side and also covers my upper lip, sometimes, my lower lip. It's getting harder and harder to keep it on for more than 4 hours at a time. However, it doesn't hurt the bridge of my nose at all. I've not had my sleep study yet, so I am hoping that when I do, I'll get to try another mask. Anyway, perhaps you might want to adjust the jointed bridge part, as someone else has mentioned.


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Lee Lee
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Post by Lee Lee » Mon Jun 25, 2007 4:24 pm

OUCH!!!!!! I tried moving the forehead piece down , I tried loosening the straps even more. I tried moving the mask up and down.
Today, I woke up with a really sore place on my nose bridge. I can't wear the Activa tonight.
I am so bummed! I guess I will now try to buy a larger cushion. I have a pretty small face but the shallow isn't doing it for me. I'll let you know if this is the answer.
This is so frustrating. I just feel really bad for all the folks who don't have this board and who give up on therapy because it's so tough to find the right mask.


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