Have you tried the Total Face Mask or FitLife?
12 posts
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teresastew
Have you tried the Total Face Mask or FitLife?
I'd like input/advice from anyone who has tried, or known others who have tried, the Respironics Total Face Mask or FitLife mask. I understand that they are the masks of the last resort, but that's where I am. I'd appreciate knowing "the good, bad, and the ugly" about each one. Thanks!
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Sheriff Buford
- Posts: 4111
- Joined: Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:01 am
- Location: Kingwood, Texas
Re: Have you tried the Total Face Mask or FitLife?
Good :
- no nose sores inside or on the nose bridge.
- you actually can read and watch tv with it on, providing you keep the lense clean.
- the straps on the harness have been redesigned, so the velcro lasts longer... and the harness lasts longer. It also doesn't stretch out as much as it used to.
- the air does not blow in the eyes.
Bad :
- the mask is intrusive. It's a last resort mask, because the nasal, pillow and full face masks are less intrusive, lighter and easier to manage.
- there's more sealing area, so... more places to leak.
I have successfully and unsuccessfully helped folks with this mask and will continue to help anyone.
Sheriff
- no nose sores inside or on the nose bridge.
- you actually can read and watch tv with it on, providing you keep the lense clean.
- the straps on the harness have been redesigned, so the velcro lasts longer... and the harness lasts longer. It also doesn't stretch out as much as it used to.
- the air does not blow in the eyes.
Bad :
- the mask is intrusive. It's a last resort mask, because the nasal, pillow and full face masks are less intrusive, lighter and easier to manage.
- there's more sealing area, so... more places to leak.
I have successfully and unsuccessfully helped folks with this mask and will continue to help anyone.
Sheriff
_________________
| Machine: AirSense 11 Autoset |
| Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
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johnthomasmacdonald
- Posts: 977
- Joined: Sun Sep 02, 2012 1:48 pm
- Location: northwest new jersey and Boston Mass
Re: Have you tried the Total Face Mask or FitLife?
I use the fitlife, it's my favorite ffm. The only downside I've had with it was that the velcro straps on the headgear wore out pretty rapidly - after maybe 30 nights of use
_________________
| Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Resmed ASV adapt enhanced - epap=8; minPS=3; maxPS=17 ave. pressure =10 |
Re: Have you tried the Total Face Mask or FitLife?
The FitLife is my backup. I normally use the Swift LT nasal pillows, but revert to the FitLife when my nose is stuffy.
The biggest plus of the FitLife is that you have no sores on the bridge of your nose. The Mirage Quartro FX left me with a permanent scar across the bridge of my nose.
A lot of folks say they can't make the FitLife stop leaking, but I had no problem with it at all (just shave before bed and wash face well to get oil off). You DO have to snug it up a bit, but since it is not sealing across a nose or anything, it doesn't really bother you.
Like "the Sheriff" said, many say the straps don't last long, but I find the straps from my Mirage Quarttro FX can be used on the FitLife (at least I got SOMETHING for my sore nose!)
Personally, I DO find I need to run the AC and keep the room cool because the breath inside the mask can be a bit warm.
Other than that...I really like this mask.
Oh...needless to say, it won't work very well if you are a stomach sleeper.
The biggest plus of the FitLife is that you have no sores on the bridge of your nose. The Mirage Quartro FX left me with a permanent scar across the bridge of my nose.
A lot of folks say they can't make the FitLife stop leaking, but I had no problem with it at all (just shave before bed and wash face well to get oil off). You DO have to snug it up a bit, but since it is not sealing across a nose or anything, it doesn't really bother you.
Like "the Sheriff" said, many say the straps don't last long, but I find the straps from my Mirage Quarttro FX can be used on the FitLife (at least I got SOMETHING for my sore nose!)
Personally, I DO find I need to run the AC and keep the room cool because the breath inside the mask can be a bit warm.
Other than that...I really like this mask.
Oh...needless to say, it won't work very well if you are a stomach sleeper.
_________________
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
| Additional Comments: Pressure 16 |
Re: Have you tried the Total Face Mask or FitLife?
Hi teresastew,teresastew wrote:I'd like input/advice from anyone who has tried, or known others who have tried, the Respironics Total Face Mask or FitLife mask. I understand that they are the masks of the last resort, but that's where I am. I'd appreciate knowing "the good, bad, and the ugly" about each one. Thanks!
There have been a number of threads regarding the FitLife. Below I have listed the URLs for two threads. Both have a lot of responses, both pro and con. They should give you a pretty good understanding of the FitLife.
My review of the FitLife:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=81649&p=742083&hili ... fe#p742083
Information regarding using a Zeo with FitLife. It includes information regarding using a chin strap to stabilize the mask:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=81851&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=FitLife
Good luck with your decision and your therapy!
_________________
| Machine: ResMed AirCurve 10 ASV Machine with Heated Humidifier |
| Mask: AirFit™ F40 System - M/STD |
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teresastew
Re: Have you tried the Total Face Mask or FitLife?
Thanks for the comments, so far!! Is the Total Face Mask not used by anyone? Respironics still has it on their website.
Re: Have you tried the Total Face Mask or FitLife?
The FitLife is recommended for those who have the two sides of the face of different sizes. I do, although everyone tells me they can NOT see it. It is, I suspect, also good for those with some nose, sinus problems, and the entire nose, and eyes are under the mask.
Some have said that it should be the mask of the first resort instead of the last, because it is comfortable, easy to for a newcomer to adjust. The larger area around the edge allows for less pinch points. Reduced pressure at the seal.
The comments about leaking might be from the fact that the mask has intentional leaks around the swivel ring, and on near a flapper valve (even when closed). This mask has the largest intentional leak rate of any mask. The leak rate is allow the CO2 to clear out from under the large area underneath the mask. If the mask only has "leaks" from its intentional leak areas, there is no sense of air movement under the mask. Well, I am using a bi pap. but you get what I mean. Let me say that again, usually when one has a sense of air movement under the mask, then the mask is leaking around the edge, where it is not supposed to leak. There is a chart with each mask that describes the intentional leak rate at the different pressures. There is a little thing on the front of the mask, which comes with a little silicon stopper, it is quite small. A Respironics expert told me that was for a pressure pick point, and it does not matter if it is closed off or not, the opening is too small to be of any consequence to therapy. The booklet says that point can also be used to pump-add O2 under the mask.
I find that I must readjust the mask strap pressure whenever I turn over, which some newbies might find objectionable. I just pull the strap up from the velcro, and change the tension, put it back down on to the velcro. I can this and barely wake up. This mask is cool in that it has the neatest release points for straps that I have ever tried. just slightly twist it and pop, its off. After I get it adjusted the first time. I can take it on and off with just the lower right release..
There is a head strap that goes about the forehead, it is needed to get the mask to stay on the right place (up and down) on your face.
A potential problem for some is that if one uses a ramp, then when one first puts on the mask one might have a sense that not enough air is blowing for a person to breathe comfortably. That might give some claustrophobia. I turn the machine on, let it get up to speed, takes five seconds as I do not use a ramp, and then put the mask on. I do not get claustrophobia anyway, but I like my first breath to feel like am getting enough air.
The instructions say the mask is not for side sleepers, which is just silly. Manufacturers know that almost none of us can sleep on our backs.
When you put the mask on for adjustment, look down and see the little flapper open and close, for your peace of mind. The flapper will be in one position when the air is blowing onto your face.
Never let any thing close off the vent areas of the mask. Like sheets blankets, pillows, cats, whatever, else the CO2 will build up.
I Like some here, also deviate from the manufacturers instructions and slip the bottom of the mask down below my chin, like a chin cup mask. this stops some of the left and right motion of the mask.
I also use a "Hose Buddy" hose hanger system I got from our forum sponsor, cpap.com, which helps keep the hose from pulling on the mask and causing leaks.
Pls remember that if you have insurance, your insurance mandates a much smaller price for the mask than what the manufacturer asks, and you will only have a co pay. Try not to get too upset about the list price.
I also buy extra head straps from our sponsor, cpap.com, as I do not feel the straps last six months, even if the velcro does, when the elasticity goes out of the head straps, then I have to clamp the mask down so tight that it pinches.
I usually wipe off the seal and inside of the mask with a paper towel and a little water. Soap and water is once a month. When I was a new user I was determined to wash my mask every day with soap, and by doing that I only made the silicon stiff, which inhibits it making an easy, complete seal. But, I will wash it daily if I have a cold or infection.
There is a note somewhere not to read or watch TV with this mask on. My plastic is not clear enough, but there must be some reason for that recommendation, despite what some here do.
EDIT. I think all who have replied here use it. I could make some design improvements, if Respironics wanted to pay me. But I use this mask, I like it better than some of what happened with other masks. That sore across the bridge of the nose took over a year to get started, but was not fun.
Some have said that it should be the mask of the first resort instead of the last, because it is comfortable, easy to for a newcomer to adjust. The larger area around the edge allows for less pinch points. Reduced pressure at the seal.
The comments about leaking might be from the fact that the mask has intentional leaks around the swivel ring, and on near a flapper valve (even when closed). This mask has the largest intentional leak rate of any mask. The leak rate is allow the CO2 to clear out from under the large area underneath the mask. If the mask only has "leaks" from its intentional leak areas, there is no sense of air movement under the mask. Well, I am using a bi pap. but you get what I mean. Let me say that again, usually when one has a sense of air movement under the mask, then the mask is leaking around the edge, where it is not supposed to leak. There is a chart with each mask that describes the intentional leak rate at the different pressures. There is a little thing on the front of the mask, which comes with a little silicon stopper, it is quite small. A Respironics expert told me that was for a pressure pick point, and it does not matter if it is closed off or not, the opening is too small to be of any consequence to therapy. The booklet says that point can also be used to pump-add O2 under the mask.
I find that I must readjust the mask strap pressure whenever I turn over, which some newbies might find objectionable. I just pull the strap up from the velcro, and change the tension, put it back down on to the velcro. I can this and barely wake up. This mask is cool in that it has the neatest release points for straps that I have ever tried. just slightly twist it and pop, its off. After I get it adjusted the first time. I can take it on and off with just the lower right release..
There is a head strap that goes about the forehead, it is needed to get the mask to stay on the right place (up and down) on your face.
A potential problem for some is that if one uses a ramp, then when one first puts on the mask one might have a sense that not enough air is blowing for a person to breathe comfortably. That might give some claustrophobia. I turn the machine on, let it get up to speed, takes five seconds as I do not use a ramp, and then put the mask on. I do not get claustrophobia anyway, but I like my first breath to feel like am getting enough air.
The instructions say the mask is not for side sleepers, which is just silly. Manufacturers know that almost none of us can sleep on our backs.
When you put the mask on for adjustment, look down and see the little flapper open and close, for your peace of mind. The flapper will be in one position when the air is blowing onto your face.
Never let any thing close off the vent areas of the mask. Like sheets blankets, pillows, cats, whatever, else the CO2 will build up.
I Like some here, also deviate from the manufacturers instructions and slip the bottom of the mask down below my chin, like a chin cup mask. this stops some of the left and right motion of the mask.
I also use a "Hose Buddy" hose hanger system I got from our forum sponsor, cpap.com, which helps keep the hose from pulling on the mask and causing leaks.
Pls remember that if you have insurance, your insurance mandates a much smaller price for the mask than what the manufacturer asks, and you will only have a co pay. Try not to get too upset about the list price.
I also buy extra head straps from our sponsor, cpap.com, as I do not feel the straps last six months, even if the velcro does, when the elasticity goes out of the head straps, then I have to clamp the mask down so tight that it pinches.
I usually wipe off the seal and inside of the mask with a paper towel and a little water. Soap and water is once a month. When I was a new user I was determined to wash my mask every day with soap, and by doing that I only made the silicon stiff, which inhibits it making an easy, complete seal. But, I will wash it daily if I have a cold or infection.
There is a note somewhere not to read or watch TV with this mask on. My plastic is not clear enough, but there must be some reason for that recommendation, despite what some here do.
EDIT. I think all who have replied here use it. I could make some design improvements, if Respironics wanted to pay me. But I use this mask, I like it better than some of what happened with other masks. That sore across the bridge of the nose took over a year to get started, but was not fun.
_________________
| Mask: FitLife Total Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
| Additional Comments: |
Last edited by purple on Fri May 10, 2013 3:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Sheriff Buford
- Posts: 4111
- Joined: Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:01 am
- Location: Kingwood, Texas
Re: Have you tried the Total Face Mask or FitLife?
Purple: a few comments... Respironics did contact me and my biggest complaint was the harness wearing out - stretching out and the velco was wearing out. The last mask I received from Apria had a different harness... though I went to the Respironics website (and our host) and they still show the original harness. The newer harness is beige in color and the velcro portion of the strap has a stiff-plastic backing. For me, it hasn't worn out as the older harness did and the harness has not "stretched out" either. I get a replacement mask (and headgear) on May 23'd, and I'll be interested in seeing if has the newer harness.
Something I do with the strap in the middle of the night... and I hear leaks along the side... was to tug on the "outside strap" instead of ripping off the velco strap and re-adjusting" the strap. That tearing of the velco can wake my wife up and I may get chewed out for it (I dare anybody to call me a wuss... ).
Sheriff
Something I do with the strap in the middle of the night... and I hear leaks along the side... was to tug on the "outside strap" instead of ripping off the velco strap and re-adjusting" the strap. That tearing of the velco can wake my wife up and I may get chewed out for it (I dare anybody to call me a wuss... ).
Sheriff
_________________
| Machine: AirSense 11 Autoset |
| Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
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n0hardmask
- Posts: 354
- Joined: Tue Aug 16, 2011 1:13 pm
- Location: Texas, USA
Re: Have you tried the Total Face Mask or FitLife?
All,Grand-PAP wrote:Hi teresastew,
There have been a number of threads regarding the FitLife. Below I have listed the URLs for two threads. Both have a lot of responses, both pro and con. They should give you a pretty good understanding of the FitLife.
My review of the FitLife:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=81649&p=742083&hili ... fe#p742083
Information regarding using a Zeo with FitLife. It includes information regarding using a chin strap to stabilize the mask:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=81851&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=FitLife
Good luck with your decision and your therapy!
I see Sears has the price at $80 for the fitlife; do you think I should wait in case it drops back to around 60? I'm using the FitLife as my primary now; usually with the PaC liner; last night wore it bare. But I'm concerned that one night I'll break the elbow piece, or the flanged ring it pushes into.
Would appreciate any replies from users of FitLife. earl
_________________
| Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
| Additional Comments: S9 VPAP™ Adapt SV 14/8; bruxism nightguard, Zeo Bedside |
Don't know what I did to hide the Equipment?! new SleepWeaver Anew-NOT hard!, Quattro ffm, S9 VPAP ADAPT. Sobakawa bead pillow
Sleepyhead, Rescan4; ZEO Bedside -not used
Serenity
Newbies:Log in; then please input your equipment 2 your profile.
Sleepyhead, Rescan4; ZEO Bedside -not used
Serenity
Newbies:Log in; then please input your equipment 2 your profile.
Re: Have you tried the Total Face Mask or FitLife?
Hi Earl,n0hardmask wrote: Would appreciate any replies from users of FitLife. earl
First, thanks for your question! I just checked . . .
http://www.sears.com/health-wellness-da ... SKIP_LEVEL
The FitLife Total Face Mask is now listed at $75. I just ordered two masks, $150 plus $10.50 tax, with free shipping.
Muchas Gracias!
_________________
| Machine: ResMed AirCurve 10 ASV Machine with Heated Humidifier |
| Mask: AirFit™ F40 System - M/STD |
Last edited by Grand-PAP on Fri May 10, 2013 4:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Have you tried the Total Face Mask or FitLife?
Sheriff, I hope Respironics paid you for your suggestion to improve the quality of the straps.. Companies typically value information according to what they pay for it, not how much it benefits them.
I now have the new straps, and they are much better in how well the velcro reattaches, and the elasticity lasting is better. I do not think they will last six months though, I buy an extra from cpap.com. Although I have an idea to modify the straps I have.
I now have the new straps, and they are much better in how well the velcro reattaches, and the elasticity lasting is better. I do not think they will last six months though, I buy an extra from cpap.com. Although I have an idea to modify the straps I have.
_________________
| Mask: FitLife Total Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
| Additional Comments: |
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renata
Re: Have you tried the Total Face Mask or FitLife?
Glad I stumbled upon this thread. I've been using the Fitlife for about 6 months. My CPAP is set to near 18 and the ResMed mask I was using felt like it was starting to break the bridge of my nose -- it became so painful I couldn't take it anymore.
The Fitlife has been workable, but was shocked at how quickly the velcro on the headgear degraded. I have 5 year old ResMed headgear that still works just fine, but the Fitlife straps were shot after just a few months. All night long they persist in popping open and waking me up -- what a crap design!! I just emailed them to inquire about their warranty policy on it, and then googled around to learn if anyone else had a similar problem. I guess I'm not alone!
As far as I'm concerned, if this headgear is wearing out that quickly, this is a faulty product and not a user issue. This stuff is too expensive to have to replace equipment at that pace. I look forward to seeing Respironics response. Hopefully they will take ownership of the problem and do the right thing.
Nice forum, by the way.... glad I found it, will begin checking in now and then.
The Fitlife has been workable, but was shocked at how quickly the velcro on the headgear degraded. I have 5 year old ResMed headgear that still works just fine, but the Fitlife straps were shot after just a few months. All night long they persist in popping open and waking me up -- what a crap design!! I just emailed them to inquire about their warranty policy on it, and then googled around to learn if anyone else had a similar problem. I guess I'm not alone!
As far as I'm concerned, if this headgear is wearing out that quickly, this is a faulty product and not a user issue. This stuff is too expensive to have to replace equipment at that pace. I look forward to seeing Respironics response. Hopefully they will take ownership of the problem and do the right thing.
Nice forum, by the way.... glad I found it, will begin checking in now and then.
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