Recommendation needed for a nasal mask

buckeyered · Post by **buckeyered** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 10:35 am

I have given up on my search for a full face mask that does not leak so now I need to try to find a nasal mask that wont leak.
I have the swift but since having nasal surgery I just cant handle the pillows in my nose anymore. I have a comfort classic but cant stop the leaks. Any recommendations?

ColoradoDreamer · Post by **ColoradoDreamer** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 10:53 am

I've had leak problems with the comfortful 2 mask and gave up on it after 4 days. It will be the mask to use when my alergies are bad.
I have used the Mirage Activa nasal Mask fro about a month now and have gotten it to where the leaks are minor at worst. Leaks may occassionally appear when turning on my side. It took me a couple weeks to get it where it fits just right. When I put it on sitting up the bottom of the mask hangs open, it is that loose. With the machine on and laying on my back it seals up just fine. I found I had to keep loosening it initially to reduce the pressure. I like it, especially after having it on several minutes I can hardly feel it on my face (may be too that I am well on my way to sleep.

good luck

Vader · Post by **Vader** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 11:38 am

buckeyered wrote:I have given up on my search for a full face mask that does not leak so now I need to try to find a nasal mask that wont leak.
I have the swift but since having nasal surgery I just cant handle the pillows in my nose anymore. I have a comfort classic but cant stop the leaks. Any recommendations?

Activa. Activa. Activa.

Really, it's the best sealing mask out there.

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 11:41 am

Let me add one thing to Vader's comments:

ACTIVA

Happy Thanksgiving!

Chuck

amos · Post by **amos** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 11:46 am

buckeyered,

Sorry that you are having so many problems with your present mask. Everyone is different, and there is no one size fits all. I do agree with the previous posters about the Activa. It is the one that works for me.

Here is the secret. When you go to the DME for a new mask, make sure that they let you try on several masks. Choose the one that is most comfortable for you, not the one they will try to foist off on you.

Good luck and sleep well.

Amos

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 11:56 am

And, to add to AMOS's comment:

INSIST that you be given the opportunity to try the masks on AT YOUR TITRATED PRESSURE and preferably, in your typical sleeping position. Many DMEs have a bed set up for just this purpose. If not, ask to try them at the sleep lab.

Masks that can look mighty purty, shiny and friendly at the first casual glance can turn into MONSTERS THAT WILL BITE YOU IN THE NIGHT!!!

Incidentally, you ight want to consider nasal pillows systems, too. I LOVE my Mriage Swift like none other, and many here rave about the Invacare Twilight NP as well. Both are very lightweight, very non-intrusive and allow you to wear galsses to read or watch TV before drifting off.

Just a thought.

Cheers!

Chuck

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 12:04 pm

I've bought and used a lot of different interfaces over the years, the very best one is the one I have been using every night for the past 2 weeks, it is silent, more comfortable and doesn't leak and I have a prominate nose bridge. Good stretchy headgear, functional quick release clips, great swivel elbow system. Costs a bit more than other nasal masks but well worth it in my opinion. My pressure hovers around 9-10.0cm, I'm usually clean shaven.

I think getting the correct size it critical, I used to buy a Med or Standard in UM, UMII, UMFF, I started buying a large because it put less pressure against the outside of my nose resulting in less nasal congestion. I used a UMFF, Activa, UMII for past 3 years or longer, the Somnotech Soyala is the best in my opinion, compared to Activa, it is much lighter, seals just as good, if not better, doesn't require tight headgear straps, much quieter. I'll be buying their Full Face version when ever it arrives in December. If you are currently using a Med-Standard UMFF I suggest a Large in this one.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Soyala ... dgear.html

Vader · Post by **Vader** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 1:25 pm

ColoradoDreamer wrote: When I put it on sitting up the bottom of the mask hangs open, it is that loose. With the machine on and laying on my back it seals up just fine. I found I had to keep loosening it initially to reduce the pressure. I like it, especially after having it on several minutes I can hardly feel it on my face (may be too that I am well on my way to sleep.

I agree with this wholeheartedly. The Activa is the only mask that I've had where you barely fasten the straps. You can attach it very loosely, and by it's own unique design, it will seal itself!
In fairness, I will add that some people find it's shape to be a bit more bulky looking than others, but I wouldn't have no other in a nasal mask. I've tried some that are too warm inside but the Activa is very comfortable.

Good luck with finding what is best for you.

curtcurt46 · Post by **curtcurt46** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:36 pm

The Activa Mirage by ResMed won't let you down. Mine does not leak and I have gotten my best AHI's on this mask. My avg AHI is 1.2.
It is worn very loose. You will have to tape or use a chin strap. It's my favorite and I have tried and worn maybe 6-7 different masks.
Good Luck.

buckeyered · Post by **buckeyered** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 3:11 pm

Thanks for the tips, I don't have the luxury of trying these on since I have to buy them myself. My insurance has paid all it will pay for equipment this year and I don't know if my wife will be able to cover me on hers next year.
I will probably sell what masks I have to pay for the new one.
In the past my DME would not open a mask for me to try on so I was always stuck with what chose. My sleep Dr. is a joke and I quit going in to him, if I have insurance next year I will find a new Dr.

Vader · Post by **Vader** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 7:15 pm

buckeyered wrote:Thanks for the tips, I don't have the luxury of trying these on since I have to buy them myself. My insurance has paid all it will pay for equipment this year and I don't know if my wife will be able to cover me on hers next year.
I will probably sell what masks I have to pay for the new one.
In the past my DME would not open a mask for me to try on so I was always stuck with what chose. My sleep Dr. is a joke and I quit going in to him, if I have insurance next year I will find a new Dr.

Have you considered checking out some different DME's?

Some can be very accomodating, some are idiots, much like the mix you get with most other businesses.

But you may find one who cares about customer service, etc.

It may be in your best interest to look into finding a new DME....

Recommendation needed for a nasal mask

Recommendation needed for a nasal mask

Re: Recommendation needed for a nasal mask

Nasal mask

Mask auditions

Mask

Additional Comments: 16 cm x 14 cm

Mask

Additional Comments: 16 cm x 14 cm