New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

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tattooyu
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New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

Post by tattooyu » Tue May 18, 2010 12:35 pm

Hi everyone. It's insurance time, and I get to pick a new mask. I don't own a regular nasal mask, so I thought I'd give that a try, even though I really love my Swift FX. From all accounts, the Mirage SoftGel looks pretty promising, but I'm a bit confused about sizing. I used the little sizing guide with the cutouts, and I THINK I'm a Large. Any thoughts on whether it's better to err on the small or large size?

The SoftGel uses the same frame as the Activa cushion, yes?
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DreamOn
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Re: New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

Post by DreamOn » Tue May 18, 2010 12:47 pm

tattooyu wrote:Hi everyone. It's insurance time, and I get to pick a new mask. I don't own a regular nasal mask, so I thought I'd give that a try, even though I really love my Swift FX. From all accounts, the Mirage SoftGel looks pretty promising, but I'm a bit confused about sizing. I used the little sizing guide with the cutouts, and I THINK I'm a Large. Any thoughts on whether it's better to err on the small or large size?

The SoftGel uses the same frame as the Activa cushion, yes?
The SoftGel does use the same frame as the Activa LT. I'm not sure about the original Activa frame.

I can't advise regarding sizing. I use a size small in the Activa LT. I also use small sizes in full-face masks. But that doesn't really help you. Hopefully, someone else can advise regarding that.

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Uncle_Bob
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Re: New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

Post by Uncle_Bob » Tue May 18, 2010 12:55 pm

Where did you get the templates?

Did you use the paper ones you can download here?

http://www.resmed.com/us/assets/html/ma ... lates.html

If so what link did you go with? as Mirage SoftGel is not listed.

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rosacer
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Re: New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

Post by rosacer » Tue May 18, 2010 1:16 pm

I have an Activa and an Activa LT, I'm able to exchange cushions from one to the other, the frame should be the same.

The Activa LT is a Medium and my nose measures 1 1/2 inches at the wider area (the nostrils area). If your nose is wider than that I really think a Medium won't be the good size. My Activa LT Medium size (or the Activa Standard size) fits me just correct no extra room

Your nose seems to be wider than mine, measure it and compare.

The Activa soft gel uses the same frame as the Activa LT

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tattooyu
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Re: New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

Post by tattooyu » Tue May 18, 2010 1:24 pm

Uncle_Bob wrote:Where did you get the templates?

Did you use the paper ones you can download here?

http://www.resmed.com/us/assets/html/ma ... lates.html

If so what link did you go with? as Mirage SoftGel is not listed.
I used the sizing guide on CPAP.com.

rosacer wrote:I have an Activa and an Activa LT, I'm able to exchange cushions from one to the other, the frame should be the same.

The Activa LT is a Medium and my nose measures 1 1/2 inches at the wider area (the nostrils area). If your nose is wider than that I really think a Medium won't be the good size. My Activa LT Medium size (or the Activa Standard size) fits me just correct no extra room

Your nose seems to be wider than mine, measure it and compare.

The Activa soft gel uses the same frame as the Activa LT
EDIT: Looks like I'm 1 3/4", so I'll go with the large. Thanks everyone!
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Uncle_Bob
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Re: New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

Post by Uncle_Bob » Tue May 18, 2010 1:41 pm

If the Activa LT is the same frame size then it might not be a bad idea to download those templates from the resmed site just to double check.

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rosacer
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Re: New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

Post by rosacer » Tue May 18, 2010 2:04 pm

I agree with Uncle_bob, print the templates tattooyu! You need to be sure of your move, after that it's too late.

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tattooyu
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Re: New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

Post by tattooyu » Tue May 18, 2010 2:06 pm

The template you gave me, Bob, is the same one on CPAP.com. I'm a large.
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tattooyu
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Re: New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

Post by tattooyu » Tue May 18, 2010 2:53 pm

My DME rep is a good guy but thinks that the large might be too big, because in his opinion the gel expands/stretches a bit after a few night. Anyone else agree with that comment?
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DreamOn
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Re: New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

Post by DreamOn » Tue May 18, 2010 3:20 pm

Rosacer said that the width of her nostrils (widest area) is 1-1/2 inches, and she wears a Medium Activa LT. I just measured my nose width and mine is exactly 1-1/2 inches too. And the Small Activa LT fits me perfectly. Length of nose and distance between eyes can matter too.

I don't recall noticing that the silicone of the Activa LT cushion stretches with use. I've never used the SoftGel at home, so I can't say about that. Tatooyu, your nose does look wider, but your overall face doesn't appear to be particularly large to me. It can be difficult to tell from a photo, though.

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Nord
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Re: New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

Post by Nord » Tue May 18, 2010 3:27 pm

tattooyu wrote:My DME rep is a good guy but thinks that the large might be too big, because in his opinion the gel expands/stretches a bit after a few night. Anyone else agree with that comment?
You are likely a large... which is only slightly larger than the medium.
It fits slightly smaller than the LT and thats the frame that they say it fits.
There would likely be leaks if you could get it to fit the original Activa frame.

I found that the SoftGel gets a little "mushy" at warmer temperatures and is very soft and pliable at the sides.
Don't crank it down or it will deform on the sides. That being said... it is comfortable.
It is also very heavy at about 165 gms. It is also very quiet like the LT but somewhat smaller in profile.

I gave up due to leaks... I'm an active sleeper and mostly side to prone positions... so big profiles and heavy don't work for me.
BTW... I'm still trying to find the best mask for me... meantime my Zest does the back up work.

Nord

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donnafowler
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Re: New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

Post by donnafowler » Tue May 18, 2010 4:19 pm

Can't comment on the size issue, I wear a small, but the SoftGel is very comfortable and cushy. I have not noticed it getting stretchier or softer though.

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Re: New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

Post by el_zorro » Thu May 20, 2010 7:33 pm

I have been a Mirage SoftGel as my main mask since I started CPAP last December and I would attribute it to one of the reasons I have been able to adjust to CPAP so well. It is just a very well designed and well made mask. After wearing it for 6 months the only thing that has worn out on it is the headgear and I think washing it every couple of weeks increased the wear. The mask and cushion appear to be almost brand new. I wear a medium but have a smaller nose structure, you might be a large based on your picture and facial features. You should be able to be fitted by your DME and if they have a good return policy, just return it if it doesnt fit. This mask is one of the best at sealing Ive found, it rarely leaks, so it is leaking you might want to check the fit.

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tattooyu
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Re: New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

Post by tattooyu » Wed May 26, 2010 5:50 pm

They just delivered my new SoftGel (large)! Feels very squishy and comfortable. Should I soak the seal in mild soapy water first or is that not necessary? How is it for side sleeping (with the Pursleep buckwheat pillow)?
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Jersey Girl
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Re: New Mask Time! -- Mirage SoftGel Size?

Post by Jersey Girl » Wed May 26, 2010 7:22 pm

Dear Tatooyu,

I love my buckwheat hull pillow from pur-sleep.com. I also have a Mirage Soft Gel, although my personal favorite is my Swift FX. I took a medium in the Soft Gel but I did not feel that it stretched out over time and it was very comfortable, but kind of heavy (especially after wearing a Swift FX for awhile). It did feel quite soft on the face after a few hours of wearing it, but just kind of bulky in comparison. A good mask to have in case our nares are uncomfortable or if we just need a change!

All the best,

Jersey Girl

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