Best full face mask?

I have a Respironics ComfortFull and it leaks like crazy at the bottom lip unless I tighten the straps so tight they give me a headache.


I have read the Fisher & Paykel Flexifit HC431 covers the chin area to prevent leaks. Is this a good mask? I have a goatee so would that affect it?

Who makes a great full face mask?

deadtom wrote:I have a Respironics ComfortFull and it leaks like crazy at the bottom lip unless I tighten the straps so tight they give me a headache.


I have read the Fisher & Paykel Flexifit HC431 covers the chin area to prevent leaks. Is this a good mask? I have a goatee so would that affect it?

Who makes a great full face mask?

I have been told that getting a good fit in a full face mask is a matter of finding the one that's right for you. My doctor swears by the Fisher & Paykel mask, but I hated it. On the other hand, the ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face mask works quite well for me.

One reason in my favour, I think, is that I sleep supine for all of the night. People who move around, or sleep on their side might have problems with the full face mask.

Rob

thanks for the reply.

Yes I move around a lot while sleeping. I have Restless Legs aslo and can only breathe through my mouth. I have heard great things about the ResMed.

ResMed Ultra Mirage FF is the full face mask I use when I want to mouth breathe on congested nights. I sleep on my side. I use a thin tempurpedic pillow with a thin regular pillow stacked on it. This gives a firm, yet comfy, edge for the side of my face. The mask is hanging out over open space. Works fine.

I turn from side to side a lot during the night. It helps to rig up something to have the hose hanging above your head. Keeps it out of your way when you turn....also keeps the weight of the hose from tugging at the mask. Depending on headboard style, some people can drape the hose over the headboard. I've read of some affixing a clamp to the headboard. I chose to attach a swivel plant hanger to the wall just above my short headboard. I have the hose running through a scrunchy (fabric stretchy ponytail holder). A simple hook on the wall with a scrunchy would probably work fine too.

I have the Fisher & Paykel Flexifit full face. I liked it until it gave me a sore spot on my nose. I have a long nose so it rubbed. I'm going in today to see about a different kind of full face mask.

Jeanne

I use the ResMed Ultra Mirage FF mask (nose and mouth mask) and I love it- it's so comfortable... I can't imagine going to sleep without my mask strapped on anymore

It's hard to put characteristics across the board for all the different makers of masks, but the things I like about this particular one include the way the bottom of the mask curves to fit the contours of my chin. Also it's pretty stable as far as lateral movement goes- the only problem I EVER have is if the mask slides a bit too high (causing wind in the eyes) or a bit too low (causing the red mark on the nose- but a bit of massage gets rid of that fairly quickly anyway)

I have tried both and the Flexifit is very comfortable but is also very hard to exhale into - the Resmed leaks on both sides near my mouth when the pressure goes over about 11 and the noise this makes is worse than snoring!!

I have tried tightening the straps with little effect.

I am thinking of modifing the exhaust slots in the Flexifit as the bottom one is very small and this will help the air to exit.

Does anyone know where to obtain air flow figures for the Resmed Full face mask? (They are supplied with the Flexifit and I would love to compare them)

FINAL Comment - the Resmed has a valve to let air in if there is a power failure and the Flexifit doesn't - this makes the Flexifit uncomfortable to have on without the CPAP going, also the Resmed has a quick-release catch on the hose if you want to go somewhere in a hurry without taking off the mask. (I have no idea what is the best full face mask - but this is where I am now)