Are Fisher & Paykel Masks As Well Made As ResMed?

There were eight opinions, including mine, regarding which mask, ResMed Masks or Fisher & Paykel was superior in qualiity. F& P & ResMed each had two votes. That leaves four votes, but there were only two in contention. Four voters felt there was no appreciable difference between their quality.
Jan

Yes, that's what I meant. The clips have a cheap feel about them, especially on the Liberty. I found they would unclip too easily.

SaltLakeJan wrote:Hi Chipbutty,

Your post about ResMed's clips being flimsy, reminded me that I had heard about that before - They break and have to be replaced frequently - is that what you mean about flimsy?
This is how we learn - by sharing information or learning from the sleep pro's. Thanks for that information. Everything about CPAP is for the long haul. None of this is something you get "just because it is something you want" I guess you would call a mask - a necessity you need for your health. Thanks for the information.
Jan

I have a Mirage Activa by Resmed and the Aclaim 2 by Fisher Paykel.

I like both - but both are totally different on how you where them. The Activa you were very loosely, the Aclaim you strap it firmly down (in comparison to the Activa - it seems like a lot!).

The Aclaim 2 feels lighter and is quieter. I get a bit less leak from it and I am finding that I can side sleep very comfortably with it as I did with the Activa.

The Activa, I always felt I was being pulled around by the hose as the weight of the hose tends to pull in the direction of the hose.

I would say that the only downfall for F&P is the nose bridge is not adjustable. Both have headgear that eventually stretches and wears out. You can tighten a bit more when this happens but after awhile it is time for new headgear, you do notice the difference when you get a new one!

Hi Fredman,

I read your post that you wear the ResMed Activa looser than the F&P Aclaim. I am getting lots of leaks from my ResMed Micro. I strap it down as tight as I do the F&P Zest. Should the Micro br worn as lose as the Activa?

It seems like there is an endless amount "stuff" to learn about cpap. Not only do you have to find a mask that is comfortable - you have to learn whether to wear it tight, lose, or inbetween.

Appreciate you passing that piece of information along.

Jan

SaltLakeJan wrote:Hi Fredman,

I read your post that you wear the ResMed Activa looser than the F&P Aclaim. I am getting lots of leaks from my ResMed Micro. I strap it down as tight as I do the F&P Zest. Should the Micro br worn as lose as the Activa?

It seems like there is an endless amount "stuff" to learn about cpap. Not only do you have to find a mask that is comfortable - you have to learn whether to wear it tight, lose, or inbetween.

Appreciate you passing that piece of information along.

Jan

I had posted a response then deleted it because I had actually missed the fact that there is indeed a Mirage Micro. And yes it is to be worn loosely.

• A winning combination—as you adjust the dial to your profile, the cushion works to seal effectively ... so there is no need to overtighten the headgear.

http://www.resmed.com/au/assets/documen ... nz_eng.pdf

I hope this helps Jan!

Generally the Mirage Activa and the Mirage LT, are to have a space of two fingers at the cheek.

With the air turned off, adjust the straps so that you can insert two fingers between your cheek and the lower headgear strap.

http://www.resmed.com/au/assets/documen ... ow_eng.pdf

Extra bit of info...now the Mirage Activa and the LT have what they call Active cell technology...which when you look at them is that bellows where it seals on the frame to the outside of the shell. That bellows basically creates a suction on the face and hence you don't want to flatten out that bellows by over tightening.

The Micro has a very similar cushion to the Fisher Paykel in terms of shape. I would experiment and not trying to tighten to much. Every mask should be adjusted while in the sleeping position as much as possible.

Fredman,appreciate your comments.

I have an F&K=new to me....it came with my cpap package here in Ontario. No substitutions. The headgear stretches badly. It's quiet; I have to wear it very tightly to prevent leaks.

Living in Ontario Canada I'm on my 4th mask in 9 years. The first 1--a Breeze lasted 4 years with some parts replacements. Used 2 Profile lights after that.

I find that DME's don't stock many mask types. No mention of hose covers and chin straps. Getting a new or replacement cpap they hand it to you and expect you to leave. Great help! I wouldn't be compliant if I hadn't had help from a newsgroup's active members 9 years ago.

My new equipment is far quieter and much lighter than my old leafblower.

Hey Fredman,

I do appreciate your follow up comments with the ResMed Link. When I got the Resmed Mirage Micro - the dial was never mentioned. I thought it was a strange place to put an adornment to the mask. My leaks with the Micro have ranged from 0 to 48. Usually it would start out the highest, and work down to 0. I may have inadvertently changed the dial position.

I think that will help me - thanks Fredman.

Jan

DaveL wrote:Fredman,appreciate your comments.

I have an F&K=new to me....it came with my cpap package here in Ontario. No substitutions. The headgear stretches badly. It's quiet; I have to wear it very tightly to prevent leaks.

Living in Ontario Canada I'm on my 4th mask in 9 years. The first 1--a Breeze lasted 4 years with some parts replacements. Used 2 Profile lights after that.

I find that DME's don't stock many mask types. No mention of hose covers and chin straps. Getting a new or replacement cpap they hand it to you and expect you to leave. Great help! I wouldn't be compliant if I hadn't had help from a newsgroup's active members 9 years ago.

My new equipment is far quieter and much lighter than my old leafblower.

Hi DaveL, try looking at Cpap.com for a wide range of masks at great costs - yes US dollars, but the service is great and shipping is only $17.00 US. I buy my replacement cushions, headgear and hoses at cpap.com and will buy my next Auto Cpap when my insurance plan lets me in another 17 months. The costs even with the exchange are well worth it.

With the masks you will not need a prescription. If you plan on buying a machine you will need your prescription and you can fax it or scan and attach to an email. I do see that you bought a new cpap.

You may want to add your equipment info on your profile if you wish, that way if and when you ask a question about your equipment or therapy folks will know what you have a get a better idea of how to answer your question. Aside from that it is interesting to see how many variations of masks and machines people use.

SaltLakeJan wrote:Hey Fredman,

I do appreciate your follow up comments with the ResMed Link. When I got the Resmed Mirage Micro - the dial was never mentioned. I thought it was a strange place to put an adornment to the mask. My leaks with the Micro have ranged from 0 to 48. Usually it would start out the highest, and work down to 0. I may have inadvertently changed the dial position.

I think that will help me - thanks Fredman.

Jan

Hey Jan, no problem. I also learned about the Micro too. I did not know it existed. I also learned about the Mirage LT which looks quite interesting. My Activa, I love but it is a bit big and heavy. The LT is the same technology but more compact and lighter...I may try that mask at some point as well.

I am getting also nicely used to the Acclaim 2, so I am not sure if I want to keep searching for a mask the results from my nightly readings have been quite good for leak rate etc.

[quote="sleepycarol"]Some of the Resmed masks have the ball and socket clips. I hate those!!

Hi Sleepy Carol. Since I read your post, I have been trying to discover if one of my masks - Mirage Micro - has a ball
& socket clip. I still don't know, but I fasteden the clip on that mask very carefully since I read your warning.

I'll eventually find out - I hope it isn't by the clip breaking. Thanks for the information.
Jan