Lori, Severeena, fear not. I finally got one and (although I still like my Swift best), the HR is a darn good mask! Actually, I think I've been singing in the backup chorus for Sev. with this mask. I never, never thought I could tolerate a full face mask but I actually have used the HR a few times when I didn't have to for any particular reason, but just wanted to! It's good!
Next new mask suggestions?
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Colorado Jan
I'm sorry guys....I've been looking and looking and scrolling down and down and down looking for this thread....was actually wondering did I really post a question or just THINK I did.....then I found it on top. Who knew it would be on top? Don't think I've ever posted something that came out on the top of the list....
So here are answers to questions. I'm really good, I do not mouth breathe at ALL. No problems there. I LOVE noise. No problems there. I've never tried a full face mask. The Activa is the biggest mask I've tried.
Why don't I like the Activa...I have the Activa Shallow, I think. I have the straps very loose. I turn the APAP on....and the thing clamps on to my face for dear life, so hard it HURTS, then starts that pulsating thing it does...it is like some sea creature from the depths of the latest scifi movie is on my face...Okay, so if I can get over all of that and actually sleep? I wake up with my eyes swollen shut, my nose as big as Howard Sterns, my cheeks and lips all swollen, deep red marks along the perimeter of where the mask sucked on....all of which last the ENTIRE DAY. Hideous, hideous, hideous mask. BUT..BUT...BUT....the damn thing doesn't leak! At all. In fact, with the APAP on, you can't even PRY the thing off your face.
But if anybody new is reading this...really and truly...the Activa is supposed to be one of the best masks out there. I don't know WHY it dislikes ME so much, but really I would encourage you to give it a try. I'm the only one I know of that makes the Activa want to suck the life out of me.....must be bad chemistry or something.....
My pressure was titrated at 9 and I have my APAPs set at 6-12. Often wake up to find it at 6.5, although it does hit the 12 mark as well according to the records. No ramp, No C-flex. Don't need either. Oh, but I think I'm going to raise that lower pressure anyway, because I've got that suffocating feeling when I'm trying to go to sleep. I think I'd like a higher pressure than 6...
And apparently I'm going to use my humidifier only turned OFF, because I really don't like warm air in my nose, I prefer cool. Greatly prefer cool, actually. I use the PB420E and the Resmed Spirit, can't figure out which machine I like best, but I'm leaning toward the Spirit. It has the auto off and on feature...and has the little mini readout that is nice. Plus it is harder to send it flying across the room...lol
So you think I should try the Comfort Curve?????
Oh, and yes....if someone would like the Activa, let me know. As I said, it is the shallow mask. (and that's not my problem...it doesn't touch my nose at all, it just sucks at it and makes it swell up tremendously! Strange, strange mask...lol)
Oh, and I do have problems with most other masks because I have longish hair (kind of like Lori's). Those back straps are always riding up and I haven't figured out how to stop that entirely.....
Keep up with the suggestions...
Jan in Colo
So here are answers to questions. I'm really good, I do not mouth breathe at ALL. No problems there. I LOVE noise. No problems there. I've never tried a full face mask. The Activa is the biggest mask I've tried.
Why don't I like the Activa...I have the Activa Shallow, I think. I have the straps very loose. I turn the APAP on....and the thing clamps on to my face for dear life, so hard it HURTS, then starts that pulsating thing it does...it is like some sea creature from the depths of the latest scifi movie is on my face...Okay, so if I can get over all of that and actually sleep? I wake up with my eyes swollen shut, my nose as big as Howard Sterns, my cheeks and lips all swollen, deep red marks along the perimeter of where the mask sucked on....all of which last the ENTIRE DAY. Hideous, hideous, hideous mask. BUT..BUT...BUT....the damn thing doesn't leak! At all. In fact, with the APAP on, you can't even PRY the thing off your face.
But if anybody new is reading this...really and truly...the Activa is supposed to be one of the best masks out there. I don't know WHY it dislikes ME so much, but really I would encourage you to give it a try. I'm the only one I know of that makes the Activa want to suck the life out of me.....must be bad chemistry or something.....
My pressure was titrated at 9 and I have my APAPs set at 6-12. Often wake up to find it at 6.5, although it does hit the 12 mark as well according to the records. No ramp, No C-flex. Don't need either. Oh, but I think I'm going to raise that lower pressure anyway, because I've got that suffocating feeling when I'm trying to go to sleep. I think I'd like a higher pressure than 6...
And apparently I'm going to use my humidifier only turned OFF, because I really don't like warm air in my nose, I prefer cool. Greatly prefer cool, actually. I use the PB420E and the Resmed Spirit, can't figure out which machine I like best, but I'm leaning toward the Spirit. It has the auto off and on feature...and has the little mini readout that is nice. Plus it is harder to send it flying across the room...lol
So you think I should try the Comfort Curve?????
Oh, and yes....if someone would like the Activa, let me know. As I said, it is the shallow mask. (and that's not my problem...it doesn't touch my nose at all, it just sucks at it and makes it swell up tremendously! Strange, strange mask...lol)
Oh, and I do have problems with most other masks because I have longish hair (kind of like Lori's). Those back straps are always riding up and I haven't figured out how to stop that entirely.....
Keep up with the suggestions...
Jan in Colo
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ProfessorSleep
- Posts: 338
- Joined: Sat Sep 10, 2005 7:42 pm
- Location: Wisconsin
Since one of the poster discribed the Activa as a "love sick octopus", I think yours must be deeply in love with you....Colorado Jan wrote:....and the thing clamps on to my face for dear life, so hard it HURTS, then starts that pulsating thing it does...it is like some sea creature from the depths of the latest scifi movie is on my face... <snip>. I don't know WHY it dislikes ME so much, but really I would encourage you to give it a try. <snip>
O.
_________________
| Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks. |
Colorado Jan wrote:
Why don't I like the Activa... the thing clamps on to my face for dear life, so hard it HURTS, then starts that pulsating thing it does...Okay, so if I can get over all of that and actually sleep? I wake up with my eyes swollen shut, my nose as big as Howard Sterns, my cheeks and lips all swollen, deep red marks along the perimeter of where the mask sucked on....all of which last the ENTIRE DAY...BUT..BUT...BUT....the damn thing doesn't leak! At all. In fact, with the APAP on, you can't even PRY the thing off your face.
I don't know WHY it dislikes ME so much...My pressure was titrated at 9 and I have my APAPs set at 6-12. Often wake up to find it at 6.5, although it does hit the 12 mark as well according to the records. No ramp, No C-flex. Don't need either. Oh, but I think I'm going to raise that lower pressure anyway, because I've got that suffocating feeling when I'm trying to go to sleep. I think I'd like a higher pressure than 6...
Oh, and I do have problems with most other masks because I have longish hair (kind of like Lori's). Those back straps are always riding up and I haven't figured out how to stop that entirely.....
Keep up with the suggestions...
Jan in Colo
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, humidifier, activa, C-FLEX, Ramp, auto, APAP, Comfort Curve
Jan,
First, I don't have the experience - and clearly don't have the knowledge - that many others have. I've only been on OSA treatment for ten months or so.
In your very first post you said: "my poor nose is getting tired of me stuffing things up it. I need another over-the-nose option. I actually tried the Breeze last night and think it will be quite good...but right now my nose said reject, reject, reject!"
I too can't seem to use the Aura or the Swift or one more pillow mask that I threw away after my nose bled after three nights. So far the only mask I use with *relative* comfort is the Activa. So I have two suggestions.
1. I *think* at least part of your problem, and maybe most of your problem, is that your range of pressure is too great for *you*. Would you be willing to try a nap (if you ever take one) using the Activa with a straight pressure of either 9 or 10? Use your APAP like a CPAP for a short trial. Only an hour will be sufficient. You can then judge if your range of pressure causes that *clamping down* feeling and that disturbing noise you experience.
2. Truthfully examine your attitude about the *best* way to*treat* your OSA. At least initially, there is just NO way using any mask is going to feel as comfortable as not using a mask. I think it is clear on these boards that just about everyone starting xpap treatment WILL experience discomfort for quite a while, and, in fact, some degree of discomfort will exist forever. It is a truth we all *must adjust* to. If we truly want to treat our OSA, them we must adjust to a mask that we *are able* to use. We must adjust to the mask that has the least amount of discomfort that accompanies OSA treatment.
Forgive me if this sounds harsh. It is not my intention to hurt your feelings but simply to state the facts of treatment.
Lastly, someone mentioned in the last few days the method he/she sues to keep the top strap from riding up his/her head while sleeping. Something to do with using an additional piece of velcro to fasten the top and bottom straps together at the back of one's head. You might want to find that post - I looked but can't find it now or I would have linked you to it.
Good luck Jan. Don't give up too soon on the Activa if the pillow types aggravate (read bleeding) your nose. Or, spend more money and try the Hans Rudolph nasal mask.
Andy
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Jan, I'm sorry that I kept laughing all through your description of your travails with the Activa. Activa is one of my favorites, but I gotta say, I'm almost glad it didn't work for you or you'd not have been able to tell such a funny story and make me laugh so much!!
Ok, on a serious note - mask of the month for January:
I'd suggest trying the Puritan Bennett DreamFIT (NOT the "DreamSeal" for the Breeze). Get the shallow size. It's a comfy nasal mask, covers just the nose.
Good luck!
And no, I'm not suggesting that one in hopes that it doesn't work so I can get another chuckle!! It really is a very good nasal mask.
Ok, on a serious note - mask of the month for January:
I'd suggest trying the Puritan Bennett DreamFIT (NOT the "DreamSeal" for the Breeze). Get the shallow size. It's a comfy nasal mask, covers just the nose.
Good luck!
And no, I'm not suggesting that one in hopes that it doesn't work so I can get another chuckle!! It really is a very good nasal mask.
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guest-margaret
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wildangel718
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Tue May 17, 2005 9:16 am
- Location: Fayetteville, NC
over the nose masks
Have a question for RestedGal...since she mentioned PB DreamFit, instead of the DreamSeal for the Breeze...can anyone tell me if they have used or use the one that works with the Breeze interface?? I really like my Breeze and am trying out the Nasal-Aire II now, although my nose is screaming at me!! Just wondering about the other....Thanks in advance. Carol aka Wild
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Hi wildangel,
Yes, I did try the Breeze DreamSeal a few times. DreamSeal was awfully leaky for me, but doesn't mean it might not work fine for someone else.
The main reason I stress DreamFIT instead of DreamSEAL for people who are wanting to try a different nasal mask is because the two names are so similar. But the the headgear is VERY different. If a person wants to use a nasal mask, I really think the DreamFIT is much more likely to work well for more people than will the "DreamSeal with Breeze headgear."
The straps arrangement of the DreamFit is quite different from that of the DreamSeal. Dreamfit suited me fine. Dreamseal didn't. YMMV.
Yes, I did try the Breeze DreamSeal a few times. DreamSeal was awfully leaky for me, but doesn't mean it might not work fine for someone else.
The main reason I stress DreamFIT instead of DreamSEAL for people who are wanting to try a different nasal mask is because the two names are so similar. But the the headgear is VERY different. If a person wants to use a nasal mask, I really think the DreamFIT is much more likely to work well for more people than will the "DreamSeal with Breeze headgear."
The straps arrangement of the DreamFit is quite different from that of the DreamSeal. Dreamfit suited me fine. Dreamseal didn't. YMMV.