Information needed regarding gel masks

[moondoggy]

Hello,

I am still in the process of trying to find the best nasal mask for me. I initally had problems with a Resmed Mirage Micro mask as it was causing some severe red marks on my nose. Since then I tried two F&P Zest masks which caused red marks on the bridge of my nose which took days to get rid of. I've since been able to adjust the Resmed mask so it no longer causes the red marks but I worry that due to the construction of the mask frame the red marks might easily come back so I'm still looking for the "best" mask for me.

That being said I read the face off between the two gel mask and I'm wondering if the ResMed mask wouldn't be better mask me. The one thing that concerns me is that I posted an inquiry on another forum and this comment was made by a so called expert that said that he doesn't recommend Gel masks as they are heavy, feel like they sweat, they warp, and they encourage overtightening to get a seal. Can those of you that have the Resmed Softgel comment on these feedback I received on this mask?

[chunkyfrog]

Yes, gel is heavier.
Some find a gel mask is softer and does not rely on an exact match between your face and the hard plastic frame.
Since everyone is different, I'd question the 'expertise' of anyone who summarily dismisses gel masks--probably not even a cpap user!

[Elle]

I used the mirage activa for years and then activa Lt. I was happy to get the softgel because it was softer but I do find it very hard to keep a seal and gave up on it. I also agree that it was heavy and felt hot. I had to have it so tight that the head gear worked like a sling shot shooting over the top of my head.

I am back to the Activa and Activa Lt. and have it so loose that if I bent over to touch my toes the mask would fall off. It feels like it doesn't touch your face or head but it stays sealed because it inflates.

I hope you find one that works. It is heaven to know you don't have to worry about seal. Good luck.

[moondoggy]

I used the mirage activa for years and then activa Lt. I was happy to get the softgel because it was softer but I do find it very hard to keep a seal and gave up on it. I also agree that it was heavy and felt hot. I had to have it so tight that the head gear worked like a sling shot shooting over the top of my head.

Darn! I was hoping that the Gels, because they are softer, would have been the key to getting a good seal and comfort. I guess I'm back to square 1. Any other suggestions?

[Elle]

It might work for you. We all have different shaped faces. I may have just been used to years with a loose mask as well. Keep looking.

[Komodo]

I used the mirage activa for years and then activa Lt. I was happy to get the softgel because it was softer but I do find it very hard to keep a seal and gave up on it. I also agree that it was heavy and felt hot. I had to have it so tight that the head gear worked like a sling shot shooting over the top of my head.

Darn! I was hoping that the Gels, because they are softer, would have been the key to getting a good seal and comfort. I guess I'm back to square 1. Any other suggestions?

Don't give up just yet!
My everyday mask is the Comfortgel nasal, and there's nothing wrong with it. I get a good seal without having it so tight that it leaves marks on my face. It is so comfortable, I almost don't realize I'm wearing it.
I have also tried the Softgel nasal, and that one is even more comfortable. The only reason I don't use that one is because the silicone flap makes contact with my eye lids/lashes and drives me nuts!

Before you give up on a gel mask, I strongly[/b] suggest you give them a try for a few nights. Both the Softgel, and Comfortgel are great masks. It all depends on which one fits YOUR face better.

[moondoggy]

Don't give up just yet!

Oh, I'm not going to give up. Here's the latest:

I'm still in my first 30 days so I went in to my DME yesterday and showed him the sore on the side of my nose. He suggested that on the Mirage Micro he may have put me in the wrong size soft insert so he swapped out the medium for a large. He also had a loaner Mirage Softgel that I could try out for a week. I tried it last night (the softgel) and it seems to be pretty comfortable but it did leak a bit when I switched from my back to my sides. I'm thinking that the lower straps may be a bit loose. The softgel is a bit heavier then the Micro but I didn't seem to notice it much. I'm going to try the softgel again tonight but I'm going to tighten up the lower straps just a bit to see if that makes any difference. If I wear the Softgel for a week and then the Micro with the larger insert the next perhaps that will help me decide. The good news is that I'm not having any problems sleeping in any of the masked I've tried except one. My big concern is the sores and hopefully one of the two masks I've gotten to try will work out.

[teasterday]

Which one did you end up keeping? I struggled with full face masks for a few months and went to the softgel nasal mask. I am able to use it between 3-5 hours per night but then I end up taking it off because of leaks. I like the idea that the micro is lighter weight. Did you find that it sealed any better or worse than the softgel? Thanks for any input.

[imsleepynomore]

I have been using soft jel mask since they first came out I have also used Mirage Activa and liked it as well prior the these masks I used swift light with poor results I have found the soft gel is lighter than the jel nasel mask and both work I found masks without the jel place the hard frame to close to my cheekbones causing pressure discomfort, the weight is not a problem i rarely wake up with marks on my face and my leak level is within limits

[Goofproof]

Mole Skin or bandaids can help with the pressure on the bridge of the nose, after a time you nose will get tougher and over time the face stricture adapts better to the mask fitting. Jim

[dormirjespere]

I tried gel masks initially, about 2 yrs ago, and couldn't get a good seal even when I stayed still. But I do switch back and forth to sidelying, so there was no way the mask would stay on without massive leaks. I eventually ended up with the Mirage Quattro, which leaves me with marks on my cheeks, and a sore bridge of my nose, but I just figured that was part of the deal. When I first get the mask, if fits well with minimal headgear tightening, and I have no red marks. But it quickly loses it's resiliency, and within 3 weeks, the tightening process begins. By the time I've had the same one for 3 months I look like Rocky Racoon in the morning, and have one heck of a sore nose. My insur co. will only pay for a new one every 3 mos. It needs to be replaced every 2 mos. The seal just goes, requiring more and more overtightening of the head gear. I've tried so many different masks, and this is the one that has resulted in the fewest leaks. And the red marks do go away in an hr or 2. Except for on my nose, which remains tender as I also wear glasses. Any suggestions?