Roadwarrior's ResMed Mirage Activa Review

roadwarrior · Post by **roadwarrior** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 8:08 am

Well, stopped by my DME yesterday and picked up my new Mirage Activa mask. I had decided to get a "complementary" mask to use with a Mirage Swift when my sinuses were acting up, or was just having "one of those days". Here is my assessment of the use of the mask:

DESIGN: I am very impressed with the presentation of the product from the standpoint of having a nice carry bag to protect it, as well as the support materials that clearly explain the in's and out's of taking it apart for cleaning, and putting it back together properly. The parts are substantial and better made than most I've run into. You don't feel this will break any time soon. Parts fit snug but are not difficult to manipulate at all. One thing I noticed, both visually and in use, that I LOVE and am very impressed with is the placement of the exhalation ports are on the tube, and this can easily be moved in such a was as to place the outgoing air away from any particular place you would want it to be. This has been a real bone of contention with just about EVERY other mask I've tried. The air either hits my resting arm, or eyes, or some other body part, which disturbs me. NOT so with this design. You just place the rotation of the tube socket so it goes where you want it. 2 thumbs up on this for sure. The strap release is perhaps the finest I've run into yet. It is secure, yet can release with very little pressure. The straps go where they should and allow for all the adjustment ever needed. The pods, or head pads if you will, are well designed, and keep the mask right where it belongs regardless of movement during the night. These did the job much better than some strap designs I've used before to be sure. Excellent stability with NO shift during the night

EXECUTION/USE: The first thing that amazed me was that there is next to NO pressure needed on the face to produce a good seal. Once the mask was in place I needed nearly no greater pressure added to maintain a perfect seal (at a pressure of 10). This allowed for great comfort and NO nose bridge or other facial soreness. The fit was as much perfect as anything. I could easily move from sleeping on my left or right side with NO leaks. Again I can't emphasize enough how little pressure I had on the straps and the mask against my face. This was truly an unique experience. I could finally easily rotate the little supplied extension hose in such a way so that the exhalation air went out in a manner that didn't hit my resting arm or chest or anywhere else that would annoy me. Overall this is also a quieter mask for the recipient and their partner (according to my wife next to me). The comfort was so good that those few times I was in that near awake state I had to reach above to make sure I still had a mask on as it didn't feel as if I did have a mask on. I woke up this morning with NO strap or pad marks in my face or forehead. Very impressive. Now THAT is comfort! Not ONCE did I feel a loss of pressure nor any leak sounds. Best of all (and the main reason I got this) was that at NO time did I feel my sinuses closing up on me (either side) and I was able throughout the entire night to sleep without stuffiness occuring. I can't say that about ANY previous mask used. The humdification on the CPAP did it's trick with NO adverse issues (no rainout etc.). Overall this is one heck of a mask, and likely to be my "go to" mask now. I'll keep the Swift for those times when my sinuses feel up to par, but overall this is a winner and I highly recommend it to others. Oh, and I did note that I had more dreams than usual, which to me indicates reaching the elusive REM stage of sleep. I awoke very refreshed and don't feel that little bit of fog I sometimes wake up with. Nice............

Rastaman · Post by **Rastaman** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 8:47 am

I just switched from Swift Mirage Nasal Pillows to the Activa. And I agree it's a great mask, especially at less than $100!

At first I didn't want to switch because I already knew how easy the Swift was to take apart, clean and put back together. And I had seen a video on the web about how to take care of the Activa. But upon making the plunge and really watching the DVD a 2nd time I realized they make it easy as pie.

I can't speak for any other masks. But the Resmed product line is excellent. I can see why they're the leaders in the market place.
Quality.

sleepyred · Post by **sleepyred** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 9:27 am

I agree totally! I love my activa. The flexibility is outstanding. I did, however, have some markings on my face (even after using since Oct.) and bought Karen (padacheek's) forehead pad. It works wonderfully!

My doc loves the activa as a "tried and true" mask and asked that I go back to that from my breeze. I can turn in any position and it just goes with me! Hose and all! I like all the quick disconnect ports, especially just taking the hose off the front of the mask when one needs to get up for whatever reason.

Great mask - especially for me, who I still consider a "newbie"!

Sleepyred

Rastaman · Post by **Rastaman** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:20 am

We seem to be among the lucky ones.

There are different masks that work with different machines. For example, skinnier tubes don't seem to work as well with an APAP but they seem to work fine with a CPAP at a set pressure.

But really it all comes down to comfort, ease of use and how good the seal is. I noticed the first mask out of my sleep doc's mouth was a Comfort Gel. He said you can put the edge into hot water and them put it up to your face to get a good seal. I was already thinking about the Activa though and told him so. And that's what I ended up getting

I'm not ruling out other masks by any means. I've tried Swift. It works for alot of people. I've now tried Activa. It also works for alot of people but puts NOTHING up to or up your nose. That little feature works well for ME. Then it was ease of use and seal. Very easy to use. And very great seal.

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:40 am

I agree also. I only tried two masks before this one, but this one is very, very comfortable. I do have a complaint though, but I'm not sure if it's the mask or user error. If I do sleep on my side, it moves and I get leaks, even though I'm laying on the edge of the pillow as others have suggested. Any ideas?

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:07 am

cpapjack,

Many are swearing by using the Tincture of Benzoin as a "tacky" substance to hold their masks in place. Here's the thread:

viewtopic.php?t=10126&highlight=benzoin

Rastaman · Post by **Rastaman** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:25 am

Hmmmm. I sleep on my side and back. No seal problems that I can detect though. I'm wondering if ever so slightly tightening (not much) would help at all. Many describe a very very loose fit equalling success but I don't let it be too loose. I pull the pull strings just just shy of where I did with my Swift. A good snug fit but a little loose.

Perhaps that substance Linda talks about is a possibility. I'm also using a chin strap btw. Maybe that's why my Activa is fitting better too. It would be looser if I didn't have the chin strap and then who knows about leaks at that point?

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 12:00 pm

Cpapjack,

I am a side sleeper and find that if I turn and a minor leak starts I just push the mask more into my pillow and just burrow my nose in. Always seals fine then. But leaks don't happen that often. I find that keeping the top straps tight and adjusting the forhead support so the mask ballons at the top, then leaving the lower straps much looser works best.

This allows the bellows to work well and keep the seal at the bridge of my nose with a comfortable pressure on my upper lip.

WillCunningham · Post by **WillCunningham** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 12:29 pm

I have used the comfort gel mask for over a year now. I went through 3-4 masks in that time because I find them to be particularly fragile. There are two places where I have broken my comfort gel mask. The first is the forehead pad area, it has two thin plastic toothpick-lick rods that hold the two sides together...this is VERY easy to break if you put the straps on too tight. I have broken every one of these that I have, I end up using superglue, toothpicks, and patience to extend the life a little while I wait for a replacement.

The other place this mask breaks is the little slots on the bottom part of the mask where the straps snap in. I have had that part break on two different masks, one was unfixable, the other I splinted together with plastic and superglue.

I also noticed that the comfortgel leaks on me alot. Right at first it makes a decent seal, but after 1-2 months something happens to the gel cushin where it ends up more pliable or something and I have great difficulty making a good seal. I usually notice this after a few weeks of being more tired than normal.

To be fair, I do overtighten the headgear quite a bit to make a solid seal that can withstand changing positions and moving my head around a bit. I suspect I am really hard on the mask.

I got a mirage activa yesterday and I can't even begin to describe how much I prefer this mask. It was way more comfortable, made a much better seal, and was also way better at maintaining the seal while moving around. Not only that, but the areas that are chincy and easy to break on the comfortgel are strong and re-inforced on the activa. I don't think I could break the forehead pad if I tried. It has only been one day but I woke up feeling better than I have in months and I even woke up an hour early. I am looking forward to seeing how this mask holds up over time, all indications are I am going to be very pleased.

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 12:36 pm

mikemoran wrote:Cpapjack,

I am a side sleeper and find that if I turn and a minor leak starts I just push the mask more into my pillow and just burrow my nose in. Always seals fine then. But leaks don't happen that often. I find that keeping the top straps tight and adjusting the forhead support so the mask ballons at the top, then leaving the lower straps much looser works best.

This allows the bellows to work well and keep the seal at the bridge of my nose with a comfortable pressure on my upper lip.

Thanks mikemoran. I'll have to try this tonight.

sleepyred · Post by **sleepyred** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:04 pm

I agree with you mikem. I also just pull mine away from my face a tad and re-set it. Works great!

Another suggestion - wash your face nightly! I use cetaphil and forgot last night! Leaked all night long - it's getting hot here in the south!

Sleepyred

Rastaman · Post by **Rastaman** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:13 pm

[quote="WillCunningham"]

I got a mirage activa yesterday and I can't even begin to describe how much I prefer this mask. It was way more comfortable, made a much better seal, and was also way better at maintaining the seal while moving around. Not only that, but the areas that are chincy and easy to break on the comfortgel are strong and re-inforced on the activa. I don't think I could break the forehead pad if I tried. It has only been one day but I woke up feeling better than I have in months and I even woke up an hour early. I am looking forward to seeing how this mask holds up over time, all indications are I am going to be very pleased.

roadwarrior · Post by **roadwarrior** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:44 pm

Interestingly enough, at the Apria office I use, the technician told me their #1 selling mask (with the most satisfied customers) is the Mirage Swift, the #2 seller and fast catching up is the Activa. Gee big surprise

Rastaman · Post by **Rastaman** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:49 pm

I would think the Swift, while more expensive, would work for just about anyone who doesn't have sensative nares....except for maybe a stomach sleeper. I'm not sure about that one.

I'm not surprised to see those numbers though. They handed me a Swift the moment I walked in the door.

And I wouldn't stuck with it but sensative nares stopped me flat in my tracks. The activa is great. It's different though. It expands and contracts with each breath because of that little active cell thingiemabob.

These two masks probably take care of 80% of people. (Literally, not in practice.) And the stomach sleepers probably respond best to one or two other masks. I guess it depends on the shape of your face, skin type, etc.

Lyn · Post by **Lyn** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:30 pm

sleepyred wrote:I agree with you mikem. I also just pull mine away from my face a tad and re-set it. Works great!

Another suggestion - wash your face nightly! I use cetaphil and forgot last night! Leaked all night long - it's getting hot here in the south!

Sleepyred

I agree with both comments! Especially the one about washing your face. If your face & mask are oily you WILL NOT get a good seal. Every night I wash my face with either Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Bar or Liquid Neutrogena & wipe the mask off. Once a week I wash the mask with one or the other of the above soaps.

Lyn

Mask

Additional Comments: Aussie Heated hose for rain out/PapCap Headgear and chin strap