What's the difference between ...

[howkim]

...the Mirage Quattro FFM and the Ultra Mirage FFM? I saw a picture of this one, and thought to ask about it.

I'm having problems with air blowing in my eyes with any mask I've tried in the last several weeks. Since I have chronic dry eyes, that's even more of a no-no than usual. Is there any mask (not nasal pillows - don't care for them) that does NOT position high on the nasal bridge?

I loved the nasal mask I used to use - the ResMed Activa nasal mask - but when my pressure was changed, I leaked through my lips. Since I'm really allergic to adhesives (surgeons just LOVE that), I can't tape my lips.

Any and all suggestions would be welcome.

[Slinky]

You might consider the Respironics Simplicity simple nasal cushion. It fits below the bridge of the nose, is totally flexible for the angle between forehead and nose w/no forehead pad, is extremely lightweight w/very little to it. The hose swivel swings very freely so that you can run the hose above your head, down towards your chest to take under the covers w/you are however is most convenient as you change positions during sleep.

The basic white Respironics PN 302175 chin strap works very well w/the Simplicity as this chin strap has a silky comfortable chin "saddle" and 4 small velcro squares. You attach one square to the lower Simplicity headgear strap on each side and use the other two to attach the two chin strap ends at the top of your head. This really stabilizes the mask, headgear and chin strap to where they are almost immovable.

The Simplicity headgear is rather large - but that is easily remedied. I just put a fold or pleat in the center of the center strap and held it in place w/a velcro strip until I got the fold just the right length. I wore it that way for several nights until I was sure I had the length just right. Then I cut the fold out and held the cut ends together w/that same velcro strip. Its held true for months w/this simple, easy "fix"

[Wulfman]

...the Mirage Quattro FFM and the Ultra Mirage FFM? I saw a picture of this one, and thought to ask about it.

I'm having problems with air blowing in my eyes with any mask I've tried in the last several weeks. Since I have chronic dry eyes, that's even more of a no-no than usual. Is there any mask (not nasal pillows - don't care for them) that does NOT position high on the nasal bridge?

I loved the nasal mask I used to use - the ResMed Activa nasal mask - but when my pressure was changed, I leaked through my lips. Since I'm really allergic to adhesives (surgeons just LOVE that), I can't tape my lips.

Any and all suggestions would be welcome.

This may get rather lengthy and complicated.......

Your profile shows you are using a Quattro.

If either of these masks are properly sized and adjusted, they should not be leaking air into your eyes.

On the Quattro, if you turn the forehead adjustment dial all the way to the right, that should move the forehead support "out" and move the upper part of the seal closer to the bridge of your nose for a better seal in that area. (I adjust my top straps so they're very loose)
The exhaust ports are in the upper part of the shell and should be venting upwards at an angle.....away from your face.

Many Quattro users have reported leaking around the elbow that goes into the front of the mask. If you have not done the "Teflon tape fix", pulling the elbow out of the front of the shell and removing the piece where the hose attaches on the other end and wrapping both ends (in the groves) with about 3 - 4 wraps of plumbers Teflon tape will make a good seal to eliminate leaking in that area.

With the UMFF, the forehead support has a different adjustment in the form of "notches" instead of a dial, but they both perform the same function in setting the angle of the support.

The exhaust port in the UMFF is a rubber insert in the shell rather then permanent holes. The Quattro is slightly quieter, but I don't notice any difference when I'm asleep.
The UMFF has a different elbow assembly and anti-asphyxiation valve. It does not need to be sealed with Teflon tape. The UMFF is superior (in my opinion) in this regard.
The seal of the UMFF is a little firmer and more durable. The seal of the Quattro is flimsier but usually gives a good seal. I've heard the seals don't last as long on the Quattro.
Each has somewhat different retainer rings for attaching the seals to the shell.
Both use the very same headgear, but the UMFF has four clips to attach it as opposed to the two with the Quattro. (I like 4)

Over all, I prefer the UMFF. I've been using the very same one that I started out with 4 years ago.....same seals and same headgear. I get good leak rates and good airflow in the mask. It's like the Energizer Bunny.......


Den

[howkim]

Hi, Guys,

Thanks for the responses. I guess I was not clear. I need a mask that covers my mouth. Without that, I have major problems with mouth leak as I cannot tape my lips closed.

I'm not having any problems with any joints or vent ports that I'm aware of. The leaks I'm most concerned with are the ones through the "seal" at the top of the mask. That's one reason why the question about something that's "full face" but doesn't ride high on the nose like the Quattro does. I'm using the wide white chin strap to help maintain a seal at the chin. In general, this mask feels like the seal is very "fragile" and disrupts easily when I change position. **sigh**

[ww]

Hi, Guys,

Thanks for the responses. I guess I was not clear. I need a mask that covers my mouth. Without that, I have major problems with mouth leak as I cannot tape my lips closed.

I'm not having any problems with any joints or vent ports that I'm aware of. The leaks I'm most concerned with are the ones through the "seal" at the top of the mask. That's one reason why the question about something that's "full face" but doesn't ride high on the nose like the Quattro does. I'm using the wide white chin strap to help maintain a seal at the chin. In general, this mask feels like the seal is very "fragile" and disrupts easily when I change position. **sigh**

I agree with everything Wulfman says. Are you sure your mask is the correct size? Too large a mask will leak into your eyes as will an improperly fitted mask. The bottom of the seal should hit at the crease below your bottom lip and the top seal should seal completely on the bridge of your nose BELOW your eyes. Turn the knob to get the headpiece to not tough your forehead and hold the mask there and it should seal and NOT blow any air in your eyes. The lower straps should be tightened 1/4 inch (1/2 cm) at a time for the mask to seal, then gently screw the knob where the head rest just touches your head. I have to also place a piece of moleskin on my nose bridge 2 x 3 cm with the top edges chamfered (cut off) which helps both the seal into the eyes and keeps the mask from hurting your nose bridge.

[Wulfman]

On one other aspect of mask leaks.....

Bed pillows can make a HUGE difference in how well a mask seals.


Den