Are Fisher & Paykel Masks As Well Made As ResMed?

[SaltLakeJan]

I have two new masks that look very similar. One is ResMed Mirage Micro Nasal Mask, the Other is Zest Nasal Mask made by Fisher & Paykel. They both have very low leak rates. The head gear on the ResMed appears sturdier, and it has release clips that slip into the mask frame.

The F & P is a smaller and lighter mask, the head gear is hooked on both sides with a slit hook. A stretchy piece of velcro fits into the slit, and secures the mask to the head. The piece of velcro is quite comfortable because it is lighter in weight and has more give then the ResMed's material. ResMed's material has a little stretch, but it feels stronger.

They both work for me, I have yet to find out if the DME is paid the same amount for them. The F&P is a tad more comfortable. I don't want the DME, Medicare or me to buy more masks than is necessary. As Den says, "We all pay for it."

What do ya think?
Jan

[ww]

The headgear attachments on the ResMed masks are far superior to any other masks! I have bough (out of pocket) about 7 masks and the Respironics clips are really not in the same ballpark as the ResMed in addition to the masks being inferior. There is really very little difference in mask prices compared to the suffering you go through to find one that fits well night after night!

[cflame1]

I think that it's a toss up there Jan.

[SaltLakeJan]

Hi WW

My Fisher & Pakel Zest Mask is the first Mask I have used that has not been a ResMed, and I was surprised the F&P headgear felt flimsy. I have been on SPAP less than 3 months, and didn't feel I was the best judge of what was really quality and well-made, and what seemed poorer quality.

WW Wrote:

The headgear attachments on the ResMed masks are far superior to any other masks! I have bough (out of pocket) about 7 masks and the Respironics clips are really not in the same ballpark as the ResMed in addition to the masks being inferior. There is really very little difference in mask prices compared to the suffering you go through to find one that fits well night after night!

WW I agree with you, I checked my F&P nasal cushion this morning, I have used it seven times, and it feels like it is losing the firmness it originally had. Thanks for your opinion.

[SaltLakeJan]

Well cflame1,
that was an interesting comment - when you said they were toss-up.
Are they equally good, or equally poor?

Jan

[builta]

Hi, I have used both RedMed and F&P FFMs.

IMHO: I find no real difference in "quality" or durability (about 6 months experience). Both are easy to install and remove. I think that fit, comfort (both personal issues) are much more important. Remember that you can replace parts on both.

[SaltLakeJan]

Hey there Builta:

Very good point you made - if the mask lasts a long time, but isn't comfortable, doesn't fit, - - - it isn't much good to us. Can you get satisfactory results from a mask for six months, or is that with replacing parts? I'd be interested to know.
Jan

[builta]

Hi, Ran on the ResMed Quattro for about 3 months (no part changes--But never fit quite right) and now on HC432 (for pushing 3 month and all is still OK). Others have posted that the inner foam cushion starts to have issues after 4-6 months--but, I have not had it long enough to know. I did purchase a spare foam cushion just in case.

[OldLincoln]

Bottom line for me is I find them equally well built.

My experience is a bit lopsided having spent over a year on a ResMed Quattro and a week on an F&P Forma. As for the shell and cushions I don't see a difference in construction quality. So far I say about the same for headgear, although I prefer the design of the F&P. Both of them stretch out a bit when new and need adjusting. The F&P has a single snap clip on one side while the RM has one on each side.

[SaltLakeJan]

Hi Builta,

Thanks for letting me know - and I picked up a suggestion from your post. I can get a cushion end of April - I was going to ignore it, but I'll get a cushion for the F&P and hold onto to it, 'till I need it.

Jan

[SaltLakeJan]

Wrote
As for the shell and cushions I don't see a difference in construction quality. So far I say about the same for headgear, although I prefer the design of the F&P. Both of them stretch out a bit when new and need adjusting. The F&P has a single snap clip on one side while the RM has one on each side.

I understand what you mean when you wrote "both of them stretch out of bit - but I don't follow what you mean about "need adjusting"

If you happen to come back, please let me know. Thanks for your information.
Jan

[OldLincoln]

When they stretch out you have to adjust the straps to tighten them back to where they were, that's all.

[chipbutty]

Personally I've found the clips on Resmed's gear to be very flimsy. I own a couple of their masks. I also own a couple of F&P masks. No noticeable difference really in quality between the two companies products though.

[sleepycarol]

Some of the Resmed masks have the ball and socket clips. I hate those!!

I personally prefer the Fisher and Paykel in full face masks. I have used a Respironics full face mask and a Resmed and have always went back to the Fisher and Paykel when I have to use a full face mask.

[SaltLakeJan]

Hi Chipbutty,

Your post about ResMed's clips being flimsy, reminded me that I had heard about that before - They break and have to be replaced frequently - is that what you mean about flimsy?
This is how we learn - by sharing information or learning from the sleep pro's. Thanks for that information. Everything about CPAP is for the long haul. None of this is something you get "just because it is something you want" I guess you would call a mask - a necessity you need for your health. Thanks for the information.
Jan