New FullLife CPAP Mask by Respironics

Not new to CPAP, but new to this forum: what is a DME?

I have always heard that the CPAP does not work through the mouth but only through the nose. That is the reason to keep the mouth closed, not because it might cause a leak. Is this not true? I notice there is a mask that is for the mouth only like this one:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... -mask.html

What keeps the air from just coming out of your nose? Maybe I need a different DME? Whatever that is.

A DME is a Durable Medical Equipment supplier. They supply xPAPs (along with oxygen supplies, wheelchairs, etc.) to patients usually at the behest of an insurance company or medicare/medicaid.

And while it is preferable to breathe through the nose, xPAP therapy can be effective through the mouth. It is not very effective when it goes in through the nose (via a nasal mask) and out through the mouth.

PST wrote:Excellent review! I have a question for the author if you're still hanging around. I mostly sleep on my side, often with my head pointed a little down into the pillow. It tends to help stabilize my Quattro when I sleep like that, reducing leaks. I don't know if I slept like that before CPAP. I think it would have pressed my nose shut and made me drool on the pillow, but I don't have to worry about that any more. Anyway, the Quattro's vent is above the bridge of the nose and never gets blocked, even if my face is angled down. Do you think that position would tend to block one of the Full Life's vents?

From the pictures it looks like there is a big vent on the front of the mask, so if one side did get plugged, I don't think it would matter.

I enjoyed the review of the FullLife mask and puchased the mask right after I read it. I have been using the Hybrid with nasal pillows, fine but now getting irritation in my nostril that will not go away. Used the Quattro full face (not over the eyes), and the pressure on the forehead is a bit hard to take. I'm hoping that the FullLife mask will help resolve both of these problems. Thanks for the review. On another note, my DME is not very responsive. I purchased the mask on my own. When it comes time for my 6 month replacement, will they honor my request for the FullLife? I'm not too worried about re-imbursement for this one. Thanks.

Sam

I like the Full Life mask so much I started a fan club...

There was a product challenge involving the Fulllife mask. See
http://Mask-Full-Face-Life-Quattro.cpaptalk.com/

There have been several posts in the past discussing the Fulllife. See
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=45631&p=411768&hili ... k#p411768/

My respiratory therapist did not recommend it as some people experience a lot of pressure on the bridge of the nose and feel that the mask tends to slip during the night.

For Full Life users: any hints about fitting this mask? I have eye leaks. (I actually think that part of the bad seal comes from the way that the liner fits into the mask, with that tab coming to the outside)

Do the manufacturers read this forum? Apparently not because they haven't fixed the straps on this mask yet to make it easier to release........

I had a horrible experience with the Full Life mask. I wore it 3 nights before I gave up on it. It really tore up the bridge of my nose, and the head gear was a pain in the (you know what). Turns out the medium size my first DME sold me (without properly fitting me) was too small. Last month, I asked my new DME if I could try the large size cushion. It was way too large. I have to agree with the product challenge results. This mask is not for everyone. If anybody wants to trade a medium size Full Life mask for just about anything, send me a PM.

Nancy1 wrote:For Full Life users: any hints about fitting this mask? I have eye leaks. (I actually think that part of the bad seal comes from the way that the liner fits into the mask, with that tab coming to the outside)

Do the manufacturers read this forum? Apparently not because they haven't fixed the straps on this mask yet to make it easier to release........

One thing is to get bottom strap and top strap are equal ... don't over tighten bottom strap or it will pull out top. I also use the lanolin cream (nipple cream) on my bridge of my nose) . When you put mask on kind of slide it up onto bridge instead of just plopping it straight onto nose... this is where nipple cream comes in handy. The cream is kind of sticky so helps with the seal. .The mask will have a tiny spot on the bridge of my nose in morning but it goes away very quickly. I had similar issues first several days. ..but I said to myself ..this mask SHOULD work..the design is right . I stuck with this mask because it was so light weight and super easy to keep clean...I am glad I did . I have used it for almost 1 year and it really does work. I also agree the right size is very important too...I have to use the small one.

edit: ALSO another thing I do is put my hair OVER the strap at back of head ( top strap ) so that it does not slide up. If that strap slides up it will cause nose leaks.

Thank you so much for sharing your tips, montana! This mask really chews up my nose bridge, but I really WANT it to work because I get good results numbers and I don't have to wear a chin strap! When my nose fully heals from the damage done when I tried it again last week, I will give it another try using your suggestions.