Best Mask?

jennie_sanford · Post by **jennie_sanford** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 8:12 am

Some of you might have seen my other post about a machine...now I need to pick out a mask. What do you all think is the best mask out there? COST does not matter, and I need it to: be VERY quiet! Thanks so much ahead of time!

twillson · Post by **twillson** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 9:01 am

By "best mask" do you mean best nasal mask or best interface?

If you have decided on a nasal mask there are only a few really good choices. YMMV, but I think most folks recommend the Resmed Ultra Mirage 2 and Activa, and those that have tried one seem to like the Fisher and Paykel Acclaim. There may be others I have forgotten. The masks that get the most negative responses tend to come from Respironics. Again this is a matter of percentages.

However a lot of people prefer using one of the nasal pillow interfaces like the Breeze, Swift, Comfortlite 2 or Aura.

A lot depends on whether you whether you sleep on your side, back, etc, how much you move around at night, how sensitive you are to feelings of claustrophobia, whether you experience air leakage through your mouth, and whether your nares are round or slotted. (Slotted nares don't work as well with nasal pillows.)

One thing I can definitely recommend is to go to CPAP.com and use their mask sizing program. If you choose a mask, you will definitely need the correct size cushion and this is the best and most versatile sizing tool I have ever seen.

nodding off · Post by **nodding off** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 5:26 pm

There is no single best mask. The besk mask for you is one that you can sleep comfortably in all night, and that will vary from person to person. If you are working with your insurance, find a DME provider that will have several demo masks for you to try on. I have been using an Activa for the last couple years, having tried many masks before (and since), and it is just right for me. My next door neighbor, who is also a hosehead, can't stand the Activa because of the weight, and loves his Breeze. We're all different. My best advice to you is to be patient. Your first try at the perfect interface might not work out (or it might), but there are lots of masks out there, and one of them will work great for you

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 5:59 pm

The Aclaim is virtually silent. The Activa generates two type of noise. Either one would qualify it as the loudest of my 15+ masks. The exhaust is very loud but can be silenced by modifying the mask. Unfortunately, the exhaust stream is forceful and makes considerable noise on any bedding it impacts. Respironics uses a "diffuser elbow" on their masks. Some are virtually silent, some are not. But all are very quiet. I haven't worn my other masks in some time, but I can't remember any that were exceptionally loud or exceptionally quiet.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 9:49 pm

And then there is congestion and mouth breathing to deal with. For that you need a Full Face Mask or taping to keep your mouth shut. If you end up breathing through your mouth you don't get the necessary pressure to breath, IE poor treatment.