Sudden Mask Problems! Activa

Rastaman · Post by **Rastaman** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 8:20 am

I use the Activa and I can say that overall it's been a great mask. However, last night I noticed if I have the straps in the wrong position (having taken it apart to clean it) that mask drove me crazy over a 30 minute period of time trying to keep it from leaking. In it's "regular" postion it almost never leaks! That's what I'm used to. And I "thought" I had it in it's usual position but apparently it wasn't.

The part that's usually right above my top lip was trying to cover both. And I kept trying to re-position the forehead adjustable pad trying to get that part to fit while maintaining the seal. I think I finally got it figured out after awhile but talk about frustrating and confusion! I decided I'm not going to remove those straps unless I absolutely have to. OR even better, I'm going to figure out EXACTLY where it needs to be and then mark it with a sharpie. Then I'll have no issues. Does this sound like a good solution? I'll have to mark it on all 4 straps.

Any feedback is much appreciated. Does this ever happen to you fellow Aptiva user?

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): activa, seal, clean

Rastaman · Post by **Rastaman** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 10:29 am

Or are ALL masks like this?

Rastaman · Post by **Rastaman** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 12:07 pm

Darn, no responses but lots of reads after 5 hours.

OwlCreekObserver · Post by **OwlCreekObserver** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 12:38 pm

Rastaman wrote:I decided I'm not going to remove those straps unless I absolutely have to. OR even better, I'm going to figure out EXACTLY where it needs to be and then mark it with a sharpie. Then I'll have no issues. Does this sound like a good solution? I'll have to mark it on all 4 straps.

Any feedback is much appreciated. Does this ever happen to you fellow Aptiva user?

It's a little like comparing apples with oranges, but my ComfortFull 2 mask leaked a good deal of the time, even though I could remove the straps without changing their adjustment. Sometimes I'd go most of the night without problems, but would wake up several times the next night trying to get the crazy thing to stop leaking. And all of that without changing the tension on the straps. I think it may have been possessed.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 12:51 pm

Rastaman,

Why don't you try the "Sharpie trick" and let us know how it works?
I'm sure the Activa and the UMFF use a similar type of headgear (material), so you might experience some stretching when you wash it or after wearing it for a period of time. Other than that, if you're having those kinds of problems, it might be worth a try.

Best wishes,

Den

WindFlyer · Post by **WindFlyer** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 12:58 pm

As a ResMed mask breather, I think my headgear is similar as well. The trick I use is that I never take the plastic buckles off when I clean it. Otherwise I would need another 15min. adjustment session before going to bed after I was done. I haven't noticed any stretching that comes out of washing the thing, but over time it may become a bit stretched- I haven't really noticed now that I started replacing my gear more frequently like ResMed reccommends.

Rastaman · Post by **Rastaman** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 1:22 pm

Some good points. BTW, I got that sharpie idea from someone here long ago. I just never used it. And now what you guys are saying about stretching makes sense. I haven't had this mask long enough to really stretch it too much but I think it's a really good idea to replace parts as often as you can. I know I can get a new mask every 6 months with my insurance, atleast that's what the form on the wall in my DME says. Then again, people have all different kinds of insurance but maybe this is the rule of thumb chart.

Seems like I can get other mask parts more frequently. For example, when I had Swift I could get nasal pillows twice a month. But I wasn't provided a copy of this "how often" list. Maybe I should request one

And I will try the sharpie technique once I'm sure that the mask is sealing like it should. Sounds like a great idea.

I was spending all kinds of time right before bed trying to get this to fit. And puzzled because I'd taken it apart before and it had always worked fine once I realized EXACTLY how to put it together. The nasal piece can be a bit tricky with the aqua clip. But not really once you realize it. I got the new mask on June 7th and I just realized I haven't washed the straps yet (I didn't realize I had it that long.) but they're not dirty at all. Pretty blue still. But maybe I should wash it? It's going to be a month next week.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 1:39 pm

the Activa can be very touchy when re-assembly from cleaning. If you don't get that cushion seated properly on the main frame it will leak like a seive and you'll hunt for days looking for it.

I suggest checking the cushion carefully where it seats on the main frame again. Personally, I NEVER remove the cushion from my masks for cleaning unless I am replacing it with a new cushion.

I remove the headgear clips fill up a bathroom sink with very HOT water, squirt in some Dawn Anti-bacterial liquid hand soap and give the mask the ole agitation action, rinse, wipe with a towel reattach the headgear and put it on.

A clean mask will seal better especially if it is a UMFF.

Snoozing Gonzo · Post by **Snoozing Gonzo** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 1:52 pm

You might wash the straps jsut to get the excess dye out. They will bleed a bit if you sweat. When washing, I just unsnap the straps and try not to do much with the adjustment area. I don't clean the straps as much as recommended, maybe once a week, and haven't had any problem. It probably is a matter of hair type and how much an individual perspires at night.

Marking the right adjustment is a good idea.

I get significant leaks in my Activa if I don't wash my face and the contact area of the unit every night. I have also found (recommended on this forum somewhere) that small leaks can sometimes be stopped by lightly pressing the leak area or lifting the contact area reaching in and very lightly pulling on the inner flap then reseating. Other nights its like my face changed and there's nothing to be done - same for me with all masks so far (Comfort Gel, Activa, Swift).

pratzert · Post by **pratzert** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 9:00 pm

Rastaman,

I have an Activa too, and for the first week, I got lucky in adjusting it and had NO leaks at all, even if I rolled onto my side(s).

After a week went by, I felt like I had a little to much pressure on my upper lip from the mask.... it did not hurt, but I "thought" the pressure was more than I needed.

So I loosened the straps.... BIG MISTAKE.... I have had leaks ever since.

I can't get the same adjustment I had at first. The leaks I havce aren't real bad, and I can usually stop them by lifting the mask away from my face and re-seating it. But it's a hassle to have to keep doing this.

Over all, I like my Activa, btu I have nothing else to compare it to, it's my first mask. I chose the Activa because of all of the postive comments from the majority of forum users.

I might try my luck with the nasal plugs next, but I have a gut feeling that the regular mask is more my style.

Tim

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 8:46 am

Snoredog wrote: I remove the headgear clips fill up a bathroom sink with very HOT water, squirt in some Dawn Anti-bacterial liquid hand soap and give the mask the ole agitation action, rinse, wipe with a towel reattach the headgear and put it on.

My two RT's and several posters have warned about using soaps/detergents with antibacterial additives, or any other additives. They apparently have been proven to cause damage to the mask material. .

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:15 am

birdshell wrote:
Snoredog wrote: I remove the headgear clips fill up a bathroom sink with very HOT water, squirt in some Dawn Anti-bacterial liquid hand soap and give the mask the ole agitation action, rinse, wipe with a towel reattach the headgear and put it on.
My two RT's and several posters have warned about using soaps/detergents with antibacterial additives, or any other additives. They apparently have been proven to cause damage to the mask material. .

Total hogwash!

FYI: I got 2 years out of my last UltraMirage Full Face mask using that method, but then again, I'm not trying to sell you anything either. If you want to replace your mask every 3 or 6 mos, then follow the safe advice you get from your DME's and RT's, they know better LOL

Rastaman · Post by **Rastaman** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:21 pm

Hmmm. I find myself washing the mask every few days or so. Every 2 to 3 days. And it seems to be doing fine. I still haven't washed the straps but then to me they look pretty much brand new. I keep my house very cool at night with a fan so there is very little sweating going on. I can't sleep if I sweat. So, this is why I'm part polar bear. An ex-roommate nicknamed me that. LOL!

Most days I'm doing ok though. I'm creating a spreadsheet of my numbers as we speak. And I've noticed that the little piece of plastic that attaches to the straps doesn't have to be cleans as often as the other pieces either. I can keep my seal with no worries except for when I wash the straps and then I'll just have to take my chances.

Based on 9 days worth of data with correct seals on the Activa mask these have been my averages:

Press: 15.47 (14.2 to 16. for 95% or less
Leak: 0.102
AHI: 6.47
AI:0.86
HI:5.61

But I really don't know what they mean. I just know an AHI of 5 or less is considered normal.

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:30 pm

MORE and MORE hogwash--

The information about using the dish soap with additives does not contain enough detail about what, exactly, was hurt by the antibacterial or other additives in the dish detergent.

ResMed specifically recommends Dove as a mild soap to be used for cleaning, while saying no additives. I e-mailed them to point out that Dove is not only 1/4 moisturizer, but the "unscented" contains masking fragrance. Only the "sensitive skin" version is actually unscented and still has the moisturizer. They have not e-mailed me back....

Thanks for the info. There is never anything as compelling as actual experience-- .

HEY! WAIT!! Isn't that what research is...careful and unbiased OBSERVATION of actual experience?

Lyn · Post by **Lyn** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 9:34 pm

birdshell wrote:
Snoredog wrote: I remove the headgear clips fill up a bathroom sink with very HOT water, squirt in some Dawn Anti-bacterial liquid hand soap and give the mask the ole agitation action, rinse, wipe with a towel reattach the headgear and put it on.
My two RT's and several posters have warned about using soaps/detergents with antibacterial additives, or any other additives. They apparently have been proven to cause damage to the mask material. .

The ResMed website says "Wash the mask system with warm, soapy water. Use pure, unscented soap. Rinse well and allow to air dry out of direct sunlight." It also says "Do not use solutions containing bleach, chlorine, alcohol, aromatics, moisturizers, antibacterial agents or scented oils to clean any part of the system."

Sudden Mask Problems! Activa

Sudden Mask Problems! Activa

Re: Sudden Mask Problems! Activa

How often should I replace gear?

Antibacterial?

Re: Antibacterial?

MORE of that Hogwash!

Re: Antibacterial?

Machine