Finally: A Perfect Mask for Me

[sabca]

After 5 masks and almost a year of frustration I finally found the perfect mask for me. The Respironics Fit Life Total Face Mask. What a godsend! Have used it three nights now and took to it immediately. I have very small features including a nose with a narrow bridge and virtually no padding on it. I also have very little chin. On top of it all I am a mouth breather.

If you are having problems finding a mask that works for you I urge you to give it a try. It is not at all claustrophobic. In fact, I woke a couple of times and didn't realize it was on! There is virtually no obstruction to your vision and nothing is touching your nose. Another plus: it leaves hardly any marks on your face when you take it off in the morning.

My husband also got one the same day but he is a little behind the curve on getting used to it although I think it will work for him too.

[chunkyfrog]

Hubby loves his.
I had it on for about 2 hours and woke up with a hot face (he turned up the space heater while I was asleep.)
I couldn't get it off fast enough--and have not wanted to put it on again.

[Sheriff Buford]

I totally understand your feelings. I was the same way. The unusual aspect about the Fitlife, is that it is usually a "last resort" mask. I wonder why? When I first laid eyes on it, I realized it was the perfect mask... if you can get past that it is big. When I wake up at night, I feel a little pressure on my cheeks, and nothing else! You don't realize it's on! No more nose sores or bridge sores! Ain't life great??

Sheriff

[kaiasgram]

Who knew ?!? I've loved my Aloha nasal pillow mask but still struggle with mouth leaks and chinstraps that hurt my jaw. And the last straw: This morning I woke up in pain from the nasal pillow, I have no idea why this sudden development. So, I've been thinking about a FFM. Here's my question about a TFM: How do you keep your eyes from getting irritated/dried out with the air blowing at your whole face?

At this point I'm open to trying a FF or a TF mask and should have one for colds/allergies/congestion anyway even if I keep using my nasal pillow mask as my primary.

[chunkyfrog]

There is no (or very little) air current in the eye region.
The air blowing into your eyes from a cup style mask is airflow from a HIGH pressure area
INSIDE the mask, to a LOW pressure area OUTSIDE the mask. Simple equilibrium.
Inside the mask the air is not moving --much, which is why a hot room bothered me.
(I need more air movement on my face to keep cool.)
But it's also why you feel no air blowing in your eyes.
Of course, Respironics has this line of "it's a highly sophisticated aerodynamically designed shape."
Whatever. I believe any old shape would have the same effect, but it still works.
Basically, air movement is fast enough to feel, only in the immediate vicinity of a breach in the seal.
Your eyes are too far from the seal to feel air movement.

[Sheriff Buford]

Sabca: few things I have learned from the fitlife. Hope it helps you:

- folks here will try and to get you to stop using your mask. I know when folks find "their" mask they believe that its good for everyone. If you find something that works for you... do not abandon it. It is sorta a freaky mask and folks think they are helping you by abandon it.
- you may want to consider pad-a-cheek liners for your mask. They are custom fit for the fitlife and the are real comfy. I used to get a red mark on my upper cheek (lower temple). After pad-a-cheek, the mark eventually went away.
- the velcro- upper strap is the weak point of the mask (head-gear). For me, after 3-4 months, its either get a new mask or headgear.
- keep a pencil by your bedside. If you get an itch that won't go away... you can remove the cpap hose, stick the pencil in the mask hole and scratch away.

Happy Papin'

Sheriff

[Starlette]

Not trying to highjack the thread. Sheriff, I start having a pencil in my nightstand. Thanks for the headsup!
Starlette

[chunkyfrog]

Hey, Sheriff; does the liner extend the life of the mask, or just the face?

[Sheriff Buford]

Hey, Sheriff; does the liner extend the life of the mask, or just the face?

Chunk: I have not seen the mask extension with the liner. As for the face... ain't nuthin' you can do do for this face. I started singing, "I'm sexy and I know it..." Did nuthin' for my family.

Sheriff