Activa night one.....

Well I finally got the Resmed Activa mask from my DME (only took 3 days for them to deliver -- it took me over a month to call and ask for it)......
Last night was the first night using the thing and I gotta say -- I like it!!!
Interesting construction. Interesting action. Interesting feel......and it works really well....

The active cell technology is pretty cool. I like the way it allows the nasal section to stay sealed (even with a mustache) while I move from side to side. I also like the way it allows for very loose headgear. It does seem to be difficult to tell if it's inflating properly though (too tight or too loose). The forehead piece is also quite comfortable (but again, I keep the headgear pretty loose).
Looking at the reports, I had the straightest leak line I've ever had -- there were a few spikes here and there, but for the most part it was flat at about 30 (which at my pressures is about right according to the documentation). AHI for the night was 0.8, so I can't complain about that either.....

I really don't like the hose piece or the ease of detaching it from the mask. It does have its advantage getting up for a potty break, but it's way too easy to release the swivel from the mask -- didn't happen to me (yet), but I can see it happening as I tend to move the swivel from side to side when I turn over. Probably better hose management would fix it, but....
I also don't really care for the exhaust location. Neither does wife. When I asked about the noise level difference she said it was leaking all night -- blowing air on her ( I wear earplugs so I don't hear masks unless they're leaking badly). So to her it was noisy because of the air flow (I was looking for a comparison to the Headrest I usually use, or the ComfortGel I have as backup -- I know she doesn't like the NAII noise level and exhaust and neither do I - sorry Babs)....It's a pretty robust flow as well, though the cat didn't seem to mind when it was aimed at him....

Overall -- first night experience -- two thumbs up.
I'm not sure it'll end up replacing my Headrest, but I'll be using it for at least the next week or two to give it a thorough going over.

cheers
goose

I have the ResMed Mirage Activa mask as well. I love it once I found out I didn't have to keep it tightly on. After a couple of nights of lessening the straps for a more comfortable fit it is very comfortable as I am a side sleeper mostly. The hose to mask connection to me is nice in that it rotates with my movement and does not jerk my mask off. I have no idea of my leak rate since I don't have the software or card reader to download my data. 2/2/09 will be one month of use and I am suppose to download the data onto a supplied smart card provided me when I got the equipment.

Yeah -- I'm a side sleeper also -- both sides. I do like the way it rotates around with you, but I'm afraid that it's so easy to disconnect that I'll reach up one night and inadvertently disconnect it.....
Keep those straps loose!!!

Welcome!!!! The mask is the hardest part to nail down in this treatment, so I'm glad to hear that you have found one that works well for you straight away!!! The Activa is a pretty good mask.....

After night 2 of usage -- still two thumbs up. Getting the exhaust a bit more controlled. Wife didn't complain but the cat is looking a bit wind-blown.....

cheers
goose

i like RG's comparison of the activa to a love sick octopus, lol. ...isn't it aggravating that no mask is without faults.it truly is the search for the holy grail of working comfort..bout the time you think this is the one , you start fixating on the flaws & just can't seem to find the 1. i liked the headrest for awhile, then noticed it made my nose sore & was making an iron lung- like sound on the inhale....back to the swift II for while...AHhhh my old friend ,but then there goes the venting problem with my bed partner.. back and forth....sometimes i think all of us that can tolerate our therapy & have stuck with it for the sake of our families ,think we deserve some kind of medal, lol.....no one knows what we are going through. good luck Goose !