What new mask to get.

[My_Dream]

Glad we could help.

BTW, it would have helped us help you faster if you had told us you used the LT successfully for a year before the problem occurred--we could have figured it out immediately with that info.

Actually I didn't mention it since it didn't just start to occur. I've always had this problem with the LT it's just been getting a bit worse over the course of the year. I know if I get a new LT the problem will still be there, just not as bad. The way I saw it was the LT was much better then the FlexiFit 405 I wore before the LT so I never complained.

I use the Mirage Activa if I am going to sleep on my side as when watching TV. Perfect seal at 14+ cmH2O. When I hit the sack and intend to smoosh my face into the pillow I use the Mirage Quattro FFM and at 14+ it gives me a perfect fit. If, for some reason, it is not sealing 100% and I am getting the infamous "face farts" from around the mask I put a loop of velcro around the nose and back of my head, as if a gently finger push on the nost of the mask.

I'll assume the reason the DME suggested the Lt was due to the fact I rarely open my mouth during the night and he didn't feel the need to cover it with a mask. I did find the LT much more comfortable over the FlexiFit but then I doubt that mask was that great to begin with. I never considered the Quattro, I'll add it to my list. Thanks

I hope you've now made a New Year's resolution to become an active member of this forum! . Good luck and keep us posted!

As with most, I don't usually keep my New Years resolution therefore do you still want me to make one? I will however "keep you posted".

[My_Dream]

Don't have much time to post any updates other then I came back from the DME and was able to talk to a really nice and informed person. I was given the Swift FX to try for 10 days although I already made an appointment for next Wednesday since I don't more time. I was able to try it at there office and I like it. Only complaint is not having the hose overtop like the LT but I might be able to take some parts off of the LT and apply it to the FX to to make it operate the same.

As for the pillows, DME told me that I may be better off with the large size since I did have a bit of leakage even with the FX. I knew the damn nasal pillows were eventually going to flair up my nostrils and make my nose bigger. I knew it!!!

Ok, next page, they didn't recommend any other mask based on my acceptance to the LT.

[Janknitz]

If you do a search here for "lab rat fixes" you'll see some clever people's ideas for securing the slinky hose of the FX to the top of your head. Otherwise a hose hanger/hose manager works great. I have a homemade one. Versions 1 and 2 are on my blog and soon I'll post version 3--using a clothesline pulley, it's the best yet.

[torontoCPAPguy]

Don't have much time to post any updates other then I came back from the DME and was able to talk to a really nice and informed person. I was given the Swift FX to try for 10 days although I already made an appointment for next Wednesday since I don't more time. I was able to try it at there office and I like it. Only complaint is not having the hose overtop like the LT but I might be able to take some parts off of the LT and apply it to the FX to to make it operate the same.

As for the pillows, DME told me that I may be better off with the large size since I did have a bit of leakage even with the FX. I knew the damn nasal pillows were eventually going to flair up my nostrils and make my nose bigger. I knew it!!!

Ok, next page, they didn't recommend any other mask based on my acceptance to the LT.

With all masks and especially nasal pillows FIT IS EVERYTHING, so much so that most nasal pillows today come with all three sizes of nasal canulas. A big nose does not necessarily mean LARGE CANULAS. Experimentation is everything and the key word. After a year of experimentation I am with the Activa LT when watching TV or reading and the Quattro FFM when smooshing my face into the pillows. I simply have not been able to find a better working mask as of yet, but am still working on it. Am always open to suggestions.

[My_Dream]

Having used the FX for a couple days now I believe that it's giving me a better quality of sleep. My only con is the strap not being along the top as I find it's in my way too much when it rests along the side or bottom. I did see mention of a modification that can be done to have it remain along the top and I need to find it and see if I can adapt it to mine.


On a different note, when it comes to getting the card reader print out, my DME has offered to given me the print out, but asked that I bring the cpap machine along with my card. Does the card have to remain in the machine for a week or do they get the info all at once when I present them with the machine?

[My_Dream]

Not sure how to define sleep habits but ever since I started using the FX mask I've noticed that I dream more and don't go to the bathroom as often during the night. I had the DME give me a print out and it would appear that changing to a large size pillow along with going from a Swift to the FX has decreased the leakage rate.

Now to deal with the hose over the head issue, oh and I still have a love/hate relationship with my cpap machine but I know it's still "till death do we part".

Thanks for your help everyone.