4 broken masks, time to switch

I've broken 4 masks over the last 5 years of use, how long should a mask last you? I keep breaking the masks like the ComfortFusion because eventually it leaks and I didn't know I needed to keep replacing the face piece part of it so I would tighten it until eventually the little plastic part that holds the black swivel ball would crack. I just found out you can replace those pieces from reading the forums here. I want a different mask that doesn't have that weakness in any event.

I have also tried some universal tube thing that goes in my nose only to find out my nostrils are two different sizes and I was reduced to feeling like one nostril was being invaded by an alien appendage while the other leaked. That would have been a hell of a good question for the CPAP Shop to ask me before they sold me that thing...

I'm considering switching to the Mirage Activa LT because it looks like a better snap/attachment closure, but I can't find a sizing chart for it unlike the comfort fusion. I really liked being able to download a template page for the Comfort Fusion and make sure I had the right size before I ordered it. I'm on a limited budget with no appreciable insurance and it kills me to order a mask I cannot use or return for exchange.

I checked the Resmed website and found nothing about sizing masks. I get the impression the medical community feelss we can't fit ourselves for a mask, I know if it's leaking or not.

I wore a medium comfort fusion, if that helps. My cpap machine is a S7 lightweight.
I have tried a website that makes you measure your nose and face a lot and it recommended against the Mirage Activa LT and tried to sell me different brands, I don't really trust that.

Oh, and dumb addon question: Should insurance have paid for my CPAP machine? It didn't, American Homepatient hit me for the bill. It took me years to pay off my machine, I hope it lasts a long time. How many years use should you get out of a CPAP machine?


Thanks for any help,
John Gordon

Hi, John:

I've been using the Mirage Quattro FFM for over two years now. It took a good while, but I finally figured out the combination of forehead tension, neck strap tension, hose arrangement and sleeping position that has made that mask a winner for me. Others complain about it regularly on this forum. Experimenting with what works for you, unfortunately, is a curse that accompanies OSA therapy; unless you have a very, very good RT/DME that can size up your needs by looking at your face structure, your sleep study, considering your titration pressure, etc.

As for your insurance paying for the XPAP machine; every insurance company has different beneifts, but most will pay for the machine if your doctor prescribes it. If you bought it without a doctor's prescrption, then its possible they would not pay.

John Gordon wrote:
I checked the Resmed website and found nothing about sizing masks.

Try this link http://www.resmed.com/us/assets/html/ma ... c=patients

good luck!

dowen wrote:

John Gordon wrote:
I checked the Resmed website and found nothing about sizing masks.

Try this link http://www.resmed.com/us/assets/html/ma ... c=patients

good luck!

Sweet, thank you very much!

OK so I printed it out, checked the scale on it by comparing it to a tape measure. Found out my software was scaling to fit without me realizing it. Fixed it, printed it again, confirmed the scale. I printed it onto a sticky backed printer page (very handy) and stuck that to a piece of thin grey cardboard. I cut out the large and large wide and tried both the holes. The large is large enough and snug, where as the large wide has a little more room. I'm torn between which to order.

Is there anyone with a Mirage Micro or Mirage Activa LT that can say on the template if it's better to be a little snug or a little loose? I really want to order the right one the first time if at all possible.

Thanks!

I had the Mirage Activa LT in medium. It was too long from the forehead brace down to the bottom of the mask and that's the smallest they make. I now use the Mirage Micro in medium which fits perfectly. So, both masks are the "same size", yet one doesn't come close to having the same sized frame. I would guess the cushion itself may be closer in size, so it truly depends on your facial structure. The good news is that both masks are very good as far as comfort. I have not had them for a long time, so I can't state how well they will hold up, but both are similar in frame design, just that the Micro is more compact.

Is it possible that your problem is the headgear is getting old and stretched out, which is causing you to overtighten to the point of breaking?

Well when it started leaking I'd tighten up the straps, but as I never replaced the gel/cushion face pieces and from what I read they want you to buy more of them I don't imagine they're made to last forever?

YEARS to pay off your CPAP?

Just curious, what model did you get and how much did you pay?

I too am a bit tired of broken BREEZE masks.
I have bought about a dozen the past 10+ years and am tired of it.

I do a lot of repairs on most breaks with a soldering iron to weld them back together, but sometimes this will not work.

just curious.

tomjax wrote:YEARS to pay off your CPAP?

Just curious, what model did you get and how much did you pay?

s7 lightweight, I think they charged me about $1700 for it. I'd bet I got taken, seeing prices now.

When I got it, it wasn't explained to me how it worked. American Homepatient told me the insurance would cover it, brought it to my house and set it up. I should have asked more questions, I should have argued with them and my insurer.

I had to have it, I had been having near miss wrecks for a long time, having to pull over and nap if I wanted to drive more than an hour. I should have got involved and fought more and tried to get my insurance to cover it, but I was undergoing transplant surgery at the same time and I was in such a sleep deprived fog to come out of it and be able to stay awake all day I'd have probably paid even more. We made small payments over a long time but eventually paid it off.

Got my new Mirage Activa LT today and I've already fitted it and given it a test nap. This is a very nice mask that fits quite loosely but when adjusted properly didn't shift at all on me while changing from sleeping on my back to my side several times. Already I can feel I'm sleeping deeper than I have in a long time.

Fantastic! A good fitting mask makes all the difference in the world. I fought masks for 4 1/2 months without a proper fit and made no headway at all with how I felt. I have had the Mirage Micro now for only about a week and here I am at 11;30 and not dropping over with exhaustion! Still had a couple of bouts with daytime sleepiness today, but at least now I have hope for tomorrow and I don't dread going to bed to fight with a mask anymore.

tomjax wrote: I too am a bit tired of broken BREEZE masks.
I have bought about a dozen the past 10+ years and am tired of it.

What part of your Breeze is breaking?

I've been using the Breeze since it came out; there have been at least two updates to the design to make it more durable. On the original design, I was going through hose guides every six months. On the second design, I was breaking the part that holds the headshell to the rest of the mask every year or two. I've been using the most recent design for nearly three years and it's still going strong.

By the way, you can buy replacement parts for the Breeze much less expensively than replacing the entire mask.

If your insurance will cover replacement, even one at every six months, get the replacement. You can use the parts to keep your mask functioning. I have a couple of masks and parts of masks that were accumulated this way.

On a night when I somehow abuse a mask; accidently step on it, push to hard while adjusting it, or just realize something was amiss, I go to pull out my parts and replace what is needed. I have not had to order a mask for a while as I have stocked 4 masks. I will be getting a FF mask soon and will apply the same stratedgy for backup.