Mask Considerations

fstanmyre · Post by **fstanmyre** » Sun Jul 10, 2005 3:04 pm

Re mask leaks, the way this works is that the pressure behind the mask wants to push it off your face. The straps hold it on yur face. If properly set, the pressure difference between inside the mask and room pressure tends to push the thin rubber membrane that all these masks have, against your face, thus creating the seal. Therefore the most important thing in fitting the mask is to have lots of contact between the thin membrane and your skin. The straps should be adjusted so that the thicker, harder rubber membrane (just inside or under the thin membrane seal) makes reasonably firm contact on your face. I'm theorizing now but I would expect greasy skin or beards will definitely lessen that contact and result in leaks at a lower pressure. If this is true, then it follows that guys using FF masks should shave, not just wash, before going to bed. Also seems to me that big complicated shaped masks like the Mirage FF Ultra which I sometimes use, makes the thin membrane contact a lot more problematic than say a nasal mask like an Aptiva. I have both and while the Ultra FF tends to develop leaks, particularly around the top of the nose, the Activa doesn't seem to have this problem. Trouble with all these "thin membrane" type masks is that at least for me, they are very sensitive to movement which particularly at higher pressures or too loose straps, causes the thin membrane to lose contact. The second this happens it most likely will not seal again, you're going to create a windstorm, and you're gonna be heading to the kitchen for a snack wondering what the heck happened.

In my opinion, if you can breath thru your nose, there is no substitute for a pillows type mask, ie Breeze, Swift, which I use or the Aura which I have not tried. The same sealing principles apply but it is a lot easier to seal a nasal pillow than the big long thin membrane on the face masks. I only use the Ultra FF mask when I have nasal congestion. The Ultra FF is a great mask but for me anyway, it's Encore average leak is double the nasal pillow masks and so is the AHI.

Final comment on CFLEX. If you peruse the Respironics website, there are a number of papers covering patient testing that clearly show the benefit of CFLEX in terms of greater compliance and longer sleep periods.

I think I have this figured out about right but would appreciate any questions or comments.

fnorette · Post by **fnorette** » Sun Jul 10, 2005 5:35 pm

Thank you, Fred!

I am newly diagnosed, but still waiting ... waiting ... waiting (two weeks now) for my DME to respond to my doctor's orders. Have been experimenting in the mean time with my husband's "surplus" XPAP paraphernalia (don't worry -- I know the prescribed settings), and your analysis of WHY masks probably fit or don't was most enlightening and clear.

Good work!

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sun Jul 10, 2005 6:44 pm

Good analysis, Fred!

the Activa doesn't seem to have this problem. Trouble with all these "thin membrane" type masks is that at least for me, they are very sensitive to movement which particularly at higher pressures or too loose straps, causes the thin membrane to lose contact.

The Activa is an absolute miracle of a mask, as nasal masks (cover the nose) go. It's cushion is like none other. ResMed hit the target when designing the Activa cushion. It sucks onto the face even when the straps are floppy loose - in fact, can do its "bellows" job better with somewhat loose straps. That "sucking onto the face" trait keeps the Activa in place better, even when a person moves his/her head or the mask gets pushed a bit sideways by the head pillow.

If there were no such thing as nasal pillows interfaces, which I really prefer, I'd be wearing my Activa every night. I still like to switch to it occasionally, just for change. As christinequilts put it once, "We don't wear the same pair of shoes every day."

fnorette, you wrote:

Have been experimenting in the mean time with my husband's "surplus" XPAP paraphernalia (don't worry -- I know the prescribed settings)

Why, you little lab rat, you!! (I'm one, too!)

lindas88 · Post by **lindas88** » Sun Jul 10, 2005 9:10 pm

I agree 100% Rested Gal....there is nothing like the Activa...I have had great luck with it and was ready to give up before trying this one....I sure see a big difference in the prices from Canada and the USA. Thank goodness I have Bluecross coverage.

SnoreNoMore2005 · Post by **SnoreNoMore2005** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 5:26 pm

I read your post and thought I've got to get an Activa mask. Is that different from a ResMed Ultra Mirage mask? That's what I have now. The picture on cpap.com looks identical between the two.

Thanks

SnoreNoMore2005

RickSt · Post by **RickSt** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 5:50 pm

I have an Ultra Mirage and had an Activa before I took it back to my DME because it squeaked too much. The Activa has a sort of bellows that the Ultra doesn't have allowing the Activa more movement. It has more freedom to bend as you change your sleeping positions during the night. You can bury your head in the pillow a bit more before the Activa will lose it's seal.

Rick

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 9:06 pm

Activa mask. Is that different from a ResMed Ultra Mirage mask?

Yes, those are two different masks by the same manufacturer. The full name of the Activa is ResMed Mirage Activa nasal mask. (Covers the nose.)

The other mask you mentioned is the ResMed Ultra Mirage nasal mask. (Covers the nose.)

There is also a full face mask different from those two:
ResMed Ultra Mirage FF (full face mask - covers the nose and mouth.)

Mask Considerations

Mask Considerations

Activa mask is an ultra mirage?