Which Full-face masks are favored?

[Jason S.]

Currently using Mirage Quattro which I prefer over the Comfort Gel, but I'm wondering what others have had good experience with (comfort and results). Thanks.

[DreamDiver]

Have you looked at these graphs and checked the reviews on each mask?

Currently, I like the zzz. The strap it comes with is useless, but when paired with a better strap like the papcap, it's excellent.

[RipVW]

After trying about every mask out there, the ResMed Ultra Mirage FFM is my favorite for comfort (beat the Quattro for me, but I know everyone's face is different) and performance.

[tattooyu]

While my Swift LT is my "go to" mask, I am still battling getting a full face mask to work for me. I tried the Quattro (all sizes) and now have the Full Life Fit Pack (all size cushions), and I just cannot get the darn thing to seal. I've tried soaking it, washing it, shaving before bed, watching the fitting videos, and it just leaks.

I guess my next try might be an F&P or the Ultra Mirage.

[Jason S.]

Have you looked at these graphs and checked the reviews on each mask?

Currently, I like the zzz. The strap it comes with is useless, but when paired with a better strap like the papcap, it's excellent.

So if I read this graph correctly, all of the masks are losing favor except for the Quattro (the one I have) which is gaining favor?

[Cobalt Panther]

I tried the Quattro (all sizes) and now have the Full Life Fit Pack (all size cushions), and I just cannot get the darn thing to seal. I've tried soaking it, washing it, shaving before bed, watching the fitting videos, and it just leaks.

Tattooyu,
Just curious. Have you tried the FullLife with the PapCap Plus? I was wondering if that would make take away the fitting issues with the head gear.

[DoriC]

We're UMFF fans. My husband tried the ComfortGelFF,ComfortFull (nothing comfortable about them) and the Quattro which leaked and "snorted" all night(Small & Medium). We've observed that the UM seals even better after a few "break in" nights.

[tattooyu]

Tattooyu,
Just curious. Have you tried the FullLife with the PapCap Plus? I was wondering if that would make take away the fitting issues with the head gear.

I haven't. I have the PAPcap Plus, but I unthreaded the long straps since I have Swift LT and thought I would never need them. We moved and now I can't find them. I have been thinking about getting a second PAPcap to use while the other is drying, and I could leave the straps on that one.

[TWW]

Just to add to your confusion:

The first mask that works for me (so far) is the Fisher & Paykel Forma. Before that I had tried the Quattro, which leaked whenever I would shift; and before that was the Full-Life, which leaked whenever the machine was on. (Slight hyperbole)

notes:
(1) I am brand new at this -- only started two months ago -- and so my later success may be more an indication of improved skills and increased comfort with the whole CPAP experience. It may indeed be that I go back to either of the first two and have better success due to better experience and expectations.

(2) I have a fat face -- appropriate for maybe a 250-pounder, although I only weigh 177. lots of wobbly stuff, which may affect which mask(s) work for me.

[Muse-Inc]

RespCare Hybrid!!! For me, less mask = more comfort and less likelihood of evoking claustrophobia.

[Guest]

Hi I currently use the Hybrid mask its been the best for because it leaves almost no marks on face and its comfortable.

Another I really liked is the ZZZ mask its the most comfortable mask Ive tried,the only thing is it still leaves an litlle bit of a mark on my face, though nowhere near as much as the Mirage quattro and a few others I tried

[GaryG]

This is such a subjective thing. I've found so far the FitLife and F&P HC 432 work the best for me. But that doesn't mean I don't take out my Quattro or Comfort Gel on occasion and try to get them to work.... Wonder if Quattro is really the favorite (From the graph from cpap.com posted by DD) or if its just tried more often and pushed more by DMEs... You know, the more people who try it, then the numbers will be greater, due to most exposure.

I wish I wish I could visit a DME/sleep center and have all the FF masks on the market available for a try, and I could spend as much time as I like trying them all on. Sigh........

[jmelby]

I tried the Forma and FullLife--I found the Forma very uncomfortable and gave me headaches (probably due to having it so tight to stop leaks). The FullLife was much more comfortable, but had a leak rate so high that my doctor's office told me it was probably ineffective (even though I didn't feel it leaking... it seems to be a design flaw as most people have reported leak issues with this mask). Ultimately, everyone's face is different, so what works for some may not work for you. It would be great to try them all to see what works best for you, but unfortunately that would be awfully expensive.

I had thought I needed a full face mask because I believed I was a mouth-breather and was uncomfortable with a nasal mask when I first tried one in the sleep study. After discussing the leak issues of the full face masks with my DME, they encouraged me to try a nasal mask (Activa LT) and I found it works great... I have been using it for over a week with a very low leak rate and no mouth leak issues... I even got a chin strap in case I needed it, but found that I have not.

[DoriC]

.... Wonder if Quattro is really the favorite (From the graph from cpap.com posted by DD) or if its just tried more often and pushed more by DMEs... You know, the more people who try it, then the numbers will be greater, due to most exposure.

Gary, you're probably right. When we went to the DME to get a replacement for the UMFF we had been using with success for several months, we were told they only had the Quattro in stock("very similar") and they wouldn't be able to "special order"the UM for us. I immediately called Medicare and we were told if a mask is still being manufactured the DME must supply it for us. She said "she'd take care of it". Within 2 hrs, we got a call from the DME saying they "found some missing UMFFs misplaced on the wrong shelf"and would even bring one over to us, no mention of the nice Medicare lady's call of course. We had no problem getting the UM the next time.

[SleepingUgly]

Dori, I seriously want to come live with you. Will you take care of me too??? Does your husband know how lucky he is to have you????

Gary, you're probably right. When we went to the DME to get a replacement for the UMFF we had been using with success for several months, we were told they only had the Quattro in stock("very similar") and they wouldn't be able to "special order"the UM for us. I immediately called Medicare and we were told if a mask is still being manufactured the DME must supply it for us. She said "she'd take care of it". Within 2 hrs, we got a call from the DME saying they "found some missing UMFFs misplaced on the wrong shelf"and would even bring one over to us, no mention of the nice Medicare lady's call of course. We had no problem getting the UM the next time.