Mirage Activa Sizing

SalSessa · Post by **SalSessa** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 6:02 am

After reading all the positive posts, I figured I'd take a $100 gamble (gulp) and try this mask. I'm having a bit of a wrestling match with the one I got at the clinic (Respironics Comfort Getl) and feel the need to at least try something else.

Question is, sizing. With the comfort gel, I'm wearing a small size (after trying a medium that was too big.)

So, any advice? What is the difference between "standard" and "shallow?"

I ordered it from cpap.com with a "call for fitting" from them, so hopefully that will work out.

SAS

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 7:29 am

Order it from CPAP.com with the opiton of requesting sizing. They will sed an e-mail and link to their sizing video telling you what measurments to take. I did this when ordering my Active and they sized it perfectly for me. Don't rely on guesswork, they know the masks and can help you. Give them a call

ahujudybear · Post by **ahujudybear** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 7:29 am

Go to cpap.com products and check out all the literature that goes along with the main description, if you can. Is this the mask that they have you measure your nose?

Hope you get a great fit!

My F&P FlexiFit 407 is so snug that it sucks my upper lip almost into the mask during the night. And the straps are fairly loose. The thing just gets tighter and tighter during the night.

- JB

SalSessa · Post by **SalSessa** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 8:02 am

CPAP.com with the opiton of requesting
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thanks.

Exactly what I did...............

SAS

Brian000 · Post by **Brian000** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 2:46 pm

For what it's worth, I was wearing a Profile Lite XS and now am using the Active standard size -- I suspect that the standard would fit all but those with the absolute biggest and smallest noses. Fantastic mask by the way: I love mine. Good luck!

Yawning in OK · Post by **Yawning in OK** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 3:12 pm

I'm interested in getting the activa, also. But my DME is discouraging me, saying the overall size (from the bottom of the cushion to the forehead support) would be too long for me. In other words, the forehead support would be up in my hairline. I have used the Ultra Mirage and Devilbiss FlexSet 9354. With both of them, the forehead support fit midway between my hairline and the bridge of my nose. But unfortunately with both of them, I am fighting leaks all night long.

Can anyone comment on the overall length of the Activa in comparison to the Ultra Mirage or Flexset 9354? Is the Activa taller; could someone measure the length for me? Or has anyone with a small face been able to get a good fit with the Activa?

Thanks!

christinequilts · Post by **christinequilts** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 4:12 pm

Yawning in OK wrote:I'm interested in getting the activa, also. But my DME is discouraging me, saying the overall size (from the bottom of the cushion to the forehead support) would be too long for me...Can anyone comment on the overall length of the Activa in comparison to the Ultra Mirage or Flexset 9354? Is the Activa taller; could someone measure the length for me? Or has anyone with a small face been able to get a good fit with the Activa?

As much as I love my local DME it sounds like yours may possibly be trying to get you to use less expensive masks (Activa cost them more then Ultra Mirages though they get the same reimbursement from your insurance). I started out with an Ultra Mirage and then switched to Activa and I didn't notice much of a difference in overall legth on my face (I'm female with a small nose/face). I used both for several months until I was finally tried nasal pillows (Breeze, Comfortlite, Snapp, and my current favorite at 8 months nightly usage: ResMed Swift). I did pull out my old masks to compare- side by side the Activa looks longer but its deceptive because the bellows make it thicker so the forehead support angles in more making up the difference in length and the bellows come down below the edge of the mask but the actual part that touches your face is almost identical. I used a shallow in both though there isn't much difference in the footprint between shallow and medium on the Activa. If the Ultra Mirage fits you well I'd say Activa probably would too.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 4:46 pm

I have both the Standard Activa and the Shallow Activa. Both fit me fine. I prefer the "Shallow", as that cushion is just a tiny bit shorter - top to bottom. The plastic frame itself is the one size. Any of the three sizes of Activa cushions will fit the frame.

The forehead support is up high on me, but you know what? It really doesn't matter, since the forehead pad rarely even touches me anyway. The forehead support is the key to getting the correct tilt of the mask to the face, but once you have done that and are lying down using the mask, you may find that the forehead support touches you only slightly or not at all. Quite an amazing mask.

I wear the straps on mine so loose they are literally floppy, yet it holds a leakproof seal during my toss 'n turn sleeping on one side and the other. I have the main air hose hung up above the head of the bed, as I do with all my masks, to keep hoses out of the way.

Unless a person has a very prominent bridge to the nose, I'd suggest a "Shallow" for most women if you had to just make a guess without getting to try on both the Shallow and the Standard.

Like Christine, I prefer nasal pillows interfaces - the Breeze with nasal pillows and an Aura that I modified "a lot" being my favorites. The Swift is a deservedly popular nasal pillows interface for many. But if a person is going to wear a nasal mask (covers the nose), the Activa gets rave reviews from many, many people.
_____________________________________
My disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, nor have I ever worked in the health care field. Those are just my personal opinions. A mask or machine I love/hate could be completely the opposite for others. Finding suitable equipment can be an expensive trial and error experience.

Yawning in OK · Post by **Yawning in OK** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 7:56 pm

Thanks christinequiltss and rested gal.....You've both been a great help.

I'm not real pleased with my DME, but that's another "evil" DME story and I won't go into that now. I've been on XPAP for 6 months now, and my insurance will pay 100% for a new mask (0% if I go out of network), otherwise I'd buy from CPAP.com.

I do have the Aura and love it, but I'm wanting to get a second mask so I can alternate between the two. I too, prefer the nasal pillows, so I was leaning towards the Swift, but I keep hearing such good things about the Activa........decisions, decisions. Maybe I'll just have to break down and pay for one out of pocket, and let the insurance pay for the other one.

christinequilts · Post by **christinequilts** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 11:14 pm

Yawning in OK wrote:... I was leaning towards the Swift, but I keep hearing such good things about the Activa........decisions, decisions.

One advantage with the Swift is it comes will all three sizes so you can find what works best for you. I wear the small pillows most of the time but occasionally I use the mediums too...large are just way too large for my nose (I need to find someone to swap with since I have two large pillow sets and I know a lot of the guys have small pillow sets they will never use). For summer time I would really recomend the Swift...think of it as a cute little bikini. The Activa was great for me at the time but for the life of me now I can't wear it- I think the callous on the bridge of my nose is long gone.

I'm thinking about trying the Comfort Curve as my next insurance paid mask just to give it a try. I figure with two Swifts I should be set for awhile even if I don't like the Comfort Curve.

eosullivan · Post by **eosullivan** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 10:38 pm

Guest wrote:Order it from CPAP.com with the opiton of requesting sizing. They will sed an e-mail and link to their sizing video telling you what measurments to take. I did this when ordering my Active and they sized it perfectly for me. Don't rely on guesswork, they know the masks and can help you. Give them a call

Fredman · Post by **Fredman** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 11:04 pm

I use a shallow and have a fairly large honker! The only thing I can say is the mask can feel a bit heavy and pulled by the hose as the hose connection swivels at the center of the mask. I always have the feeling of being pulled by the hose. I ended up routing the hose upwards over my headboard. Another drawback is the air exhalation is quite strong but downwards...any contact with bedding causes a fairly loud wind sound...hence another reason why I route the hose upwards and back.

Rested Gal describes well that mask can sustain the side to side movements in bed and is indeed designed to be worn loosely.

I am experimenting with the Aclaim 2 by Fisher Paykel only because I don't like the tug and pull of the hose feel. I do love the mask otherwise.

Buy mask insurance and check into the sizing guide for the Mirage Activa.

hobbs · Post by **hobbs** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 12:05 am

Here is a sizing chart. Make sure to check with a ruler to make sure it printed correctly.

http://www.resmed.com/pt-br/assets/html ... mplate.pdf

Mirage Activa Sizing

Mirage Activa Sizing

Re: Mirage Activa Sizing

Re: Mirage Activa Sizing

Re: Mirage Activa Sizing