FF Mask Options

rdjw · Post by **rdjw** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 5:21 pm

OK, so now in week 3 the mouth leaks have gotten unbearable, and my DME's RT recommends a trip back to the sleep center to discuss options. This DME stocks 4 kinds: 1) Ultra Mirage (which she says is "best"), 2) Mirage Series II, 3) Respironics Comfort Full and 4) the HC 431.

Any thoughts/feedback from folks who have had the chance to compare 2 or more of these in real sleep would be appreciated.

elliejose · Post by **elliejose** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 6:01 pm

I have tried 3 sizes of the Ultra Mirage, and the F&P flexfit 431 (which comes with 3 sizes of cushions) and none of these works for me. When they are tight enough to not leak, they give me a terrific headache.

My next attempt will be with the Hans Rudolph, I hope. Sorry, but I am not much help. I think everyone's face and comfort range is different. But it is always good to hear what works for others, so we can evaluate and estimate what may be a good starting point for ourselves.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 6:12 pm

I hate to say it but your DME may be right, I have the last two, the 431 headgear is the best and it has some leaks not too bad, the Comfortfull is a little worse but it works too, my next one will probably be the DME's #1. Moleskin can help them on the leaks, but mine's not bad enough to bother, and I'm running 15.5 cm. Jim

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 8:19 pm

My son's pressure is at 17 cms. He was losing all his pressure through his mouth wearing nasal and nasal pillow masks, until we got him the Ultra Mirage full face mask. He took to it great. He has no facial hair and it works very well for him. He is complaining a bit about pain on the bridge of his nose, but I am setting him up with some mole skin tonight. Told him he MAY have to sacrifice a night here and there and trade off for one of the million other masks we have here in the house, but he really is happy with the UMFF.

One trick he's found, if he lays on his back when he first turns it on and then adjusts it, it makes less of those hiddeous noises they've been known to make. But his AHI has come down drastically since going on a ff mask and he's feeling much better already. And he actually makes it through the night, plus! He has worn this mask for over 10 hours at a clip.

Of course, this is only one person's opinion and everyone has their own experience with individual masks. Best of luck. Hope you find the one that best suits you.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 9:20 pm

I think you're going to find a trend here.....

Mine is the UMFF, listed below. Only one I've had for the last year, since I started.

"I'd rather fight than switch."

Best wishes,

Den

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 10:09 pm

i have UMFF, FP431 and Series 2. Go for UMFF or F&P431. Forget series 2. the only differences between UMFF and series 2 are that series 2 doesn't have a forehead piece, which, believe it or not, is an anchor for the whole face. i was told it just an anchors the top part, but after really bad leaks around the mouth area, i switched to UMFF and they got better. also, series 2 doesn't have the 4-way adjustable piece between the forehead and nose, which again, can help anchor things if you push it far forward. i only had series 2 because it was left over from my collection from before they started making UMFF; it's a less sophisticated UMFF. I see on cpap.com that it still has its fans. F&P 431 has the chin piece, which some people like and some don't. i'm also not crazy about the opening mechanism but others have no problem with it. you gotta try them and see, but given that UMFF is the number one selling full face mask, don't be surprised if a lot of people prefer it.

caroline

chdurie2 · Post by **chdurie2** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 10:12 pm

that was me above. i'd say see if you can get both UMFF and FP431. I find full face mask living so oppressive that it's nice to have both to switch on and off, and there are fit differences. the chin piece is an issue for many people, so it may not be something you can take every nite. others love it.

caroline

Yoga · Post by **Yoga** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 3:17 am

1. F&P 431. However, F&P neglected to put a release on the left side for lefties.

2. Ultra Mirage.

3. Respironics - difficult to get on & off and leaks. A lost cause.

rdjw · Post by **rdjw** » Tue May 02, 2006 7:32 pm

Thanks, all for your feedback. It's going to help me quite a bit. I think a FF mask is in the cards for me. While my nasal mask is certainly comfy, I've yet to have a really good night's sleep, and that has to be the driver.

grisibella · Post by **grisibella** » Wed May 03, 2006 4:01 pm

I just received my new F&P 431, and the first night I struggled with it a bit. The second night I realized that I could sleep on my side and not have any of the air horn sounds I'd been experiencing with the Ultra Mirage FF.

I also bought the Hans Rudolph V7600 FF mask, but there is a big gaping hole where it should meet the bridge of my nose. Now I have to order one of their little "sensa-seal" plastic pieces to fill in the gap. I have my doubts that I'm going to be happy with this one.

Good luck!

Mask

Additional Comments: Large mask collection

FF Mask Options

FF Mask Options

F&P 431 best for me