New Mask

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
AJinDuncan
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Oct 13, 2009 10:29 am

New Mask

Post by AJinDuncan » Tue Mar 09, 2010 2:42 pm

OK, I have the Quattro. It was the first mask I had (for about 6 months). I have gotten used to it but still take it off in the middle of the night at some point most nights. I can live with it but I want to know if there is something better out there for me.

I tried the Liberty long ago. I always have clogged nasal passages. It was uncomfortable b/c the seal above my upper lip would always come down on my upper lip and irrate me. not comforable at all.

Last week I went and got the fitlife
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I really really like it...except I have the opposite problem that I did with the Liberty. The lower seal comes up onto my bottom lip when I open my mouth

So I'm wondering what I should try next. I have found the following interesting. I would appreciate any suggestions.
Respironics Comfort Gel Full
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Respironics Fulllife
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Or an out of the blue mask since I liked the fitlife, Respironics Total Face
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It looks like it would seal under the chin instead of under the lip

Mary Z
Posts: 1493
Joined: Wed Oct 28, 2009 9:55 am

Re: New Mask

Post by Mary Z » Tue Mar 09, 2010 3:51 pm

The FitLife Total Face mask comes in only two sizes - small and large(the other Total Face mask is a one size fits all). I thought from using the online template to size the FitLIfe that I would take a small, but I need a large. I tried the small, but it did come up over my lower lip when sitting above my eyebrows. I wonder if you could use the smaller size as a nasal mask?
What size did you get? I like the mask, it's the only mask so far that spares the bridge of my nose, however at 18/22 leaks are a big problem, but I'm working on that. If you try the one size fits all please post a review of how you liked it. The only thing that really bothered me about it (and this is really true of the FitLife) is that is for back sleepers. I can do that when I have to, but prefer side to side.
Thanks,
Mary Z.

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Mask: Wisp Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear - Fit Pack
Additional Comments: PR System One Remstar BiPap Auto AS Advanced.
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JohnBFisher
Posts: 3821
Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 6:33 am

Re: New Mask

Post by JohnBFisher » Tue Mar 09, 2010 3:56 pm

You don't mention your equipment or pressures. In the case of masks that can be very important. But here are some answers.

The Quattro seems to be one of the best full face masks, but can be "cantankerous". "Touchy" to say the least. Some days I have a great fit. Other days - without chaning anything - it won't seal no matter what I do. And then the next day it's a great fit again. I wish I understood the difference.

I have tried the Respironics Comfort Gel Full. If you have a high pressure, you need to tighten the mask to avoid leaks. And that's when you discover the Comfort Gel definitely is NOT comfortable.

I also tried the Respironics Fulllife. Again, I have a wild swing in pressures. I suspect if you use CPAP pressures it would work very well. But when the pressure oscillates (such as with BiPAP or my ASV unit), then you will find the inhalation pressure seems to blow out the seal. CPAP would be constant, so would tend to work well.

And though I've not tried the Respironics Total Face mask, I suspect it will be VERY hard to get it to fit and seal correctly. And all you will need to do is to turn onto your side and I doubt the seal would last.

I will continue to work on the Quattro. I am also going to try the Hybrid. It might provide another mask that will work well under high pressure and with high swings in the pressure range.

Just my own experience and two cents for your consideration.

_________________
Mask: Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: User of xPAP therapy for over 20 yrs. Resmed & Respironics ASV units with EEP=9cm-14cm H2O; PSmin=4cm H2O; PSmax=15cm H2O; Max=25cm H2O
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"I wish to paint in such a manner as if I were photographing dreams." from Zdzisław Beksiński

AJinDuncan
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Oct 13, 2009 10:29 am

Re: New Mask

Post by AJinDuncan » Tue Mar 09, 2010 4:21 pm

i am at a 9 pressure with a resmed m series

I actually didn't have any leak problems with the fitlife. Even if I rolled onto my side. It was pretty comfortable. I have a large. I don't think a small would help at all.

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JohnBFisher
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Re: New Mask

Post by JohnBFisher » Tue Mar 09, 2010 4:24 pm

Then most of those masks should work for you. Most masks have a horrible time either with a very high pressure (above 15 or so) or when the pressure varies significantly.

_________________
Mask: Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: User of xPAP therapy for over 20 yrs. Resmed & Respironics ASV units with EEP=9cm-14cm H2O; PSmin=4cm H2O; PSmax=15cm H2O; Max=25cm H2O
"I get up. I walk. I fall down. Meanwhile, I keep dancing” from Rabbi Hillel
"I wish to paint in such a manner as if I were photographing dreams." from Zdzisław Beksiński

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montana
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Re: New Mask

Post by montana » Tue Mar 09, 2010 5:03 pm

at 9 you would probably do well with the full life. There is also another one called the Zzz ( https://www.cpap.com/productpage/zzz-ma ... asics.html )
"If it weren't for electricity we'd all be watching television by candlelight. "
.............Kate Hepburn

cflame1
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Location: expat Canadian in Kentucky

Re: New Mask

Post by cflame1 » Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:42 pm

JohnBFisher wrote: I will continue to work on the Quattro. I am also going to try the Hybrid. It might provide another mask that will work well under high pressure and with high swings in the pressure range.
Pay attention to the fitting of the top strap. Actually the over-all fitting of the Hybrid's a little tricky... but when it's right, it's good.

And I know my pressures aren't as high as yours... but the Hybrid holds out at >15, and works with an Auto BiPap

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JohnBFisher
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Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 6:33 am

Re: New Mask

Post by JohnBFisher » Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:56 pm

cflame1 wrote:... Pay attention to the fitting of the top strap. Actually the over-all fitting of the Hybrid's a little tricky... but when it's right, it's good.

And I know my pressures aren't as high as yours... but the Hybrid holds out at >15, and works with an Auto BiPap
Thanks! Yeah, at 25cm H2O masks can be a "challenge" for me. I had read that the top strap often is an issue ... and some folks add a strap to control the nasal pillows. I figure I'll give it a shot during a weekend, when I can tinker and not have it impact my productivity the next day.

But I REALLY appreciate the advice.

_________________
Mask: Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: User of xPAP therapy for over 20 yrs. Resmed & Respironics ASV units with EEP=9cm-14cm H2O; PSmin=4cm H2O; PSmax=15cm H2O; Max=25cm H2O
"I get up. I walk. I fall down. Meanwhile, I keep dancing” from Rabbi Hillel
"I wish to paint in such a manner as if I were photographing dreams." from Zdzisław Beksiński