Ahhhh.....Activa :-)

This mask is so comfy. Quiet...very rarely leaks for me. My numbers weren't that great (34 AHI 5.6 AI last night) but the leak was only .28. I even didn't use a chin strap, because I was away from home and had forgotten it - and don't remember waking up from my mouth opening. I love this mask!

Barb (Seattle) wrote:This mask is so comfy. Quiet...very rarely leaks for me. My numbers weren't that great (34 AHI 5.6 AI last night) but the leak was only .28. I even didn't use a chin strap, because I was away from home and had forgotten it - and don't remember waking up from my mouth opening. I love this mask!

You are not the only one that likes the Activa: viewtopic.php?t=6288

I'll get one one day, I'm sure.

But, wait! How can the leak rate be so low? The mask vent rate has got to be much more than .28.

Jerry

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): activa, AHI

[quote="Jerry69"]
You are not the only one that likes the Activa: viewtopic.php?t=6288

I'll get one one day, I'm sure.

But, wait! How can the leak rate be so low? The mask vent rate has got to be much more than .28.

Jerry

how much doe these cost?sounds like the one for me

john5757 wrote:

Jerry69 wrote: You are not the only one that likes the Activa: viewtopic.php?t=6288

I'll get one one day, I'm sure.

But, wait! How can the leak rate be so low? The mask vent rate has got to be much more than .28.

Jerry

Jerry,

I think that Brab is using a ResMed machine that has a mask selection screen. One of the advantage of using a machine that has a mask selection option is that it knows that the mask curve leak rate is at various pressure levels and can deduct it from the reading and giving a closer picture of the true leaking rate. Other machine that do not a mask selection
option can make it harder to tell if a increased leak rate is due to increase leaking from the mask or you have been spending more time at a high pressure longer than usual.

Hey, that's a nice feature! I'm used to the Respironics Pro II with C-flex, and, as you know, gives the total leak rate, including the mask.

Thanks,

Jerry

Glenwood, the Activa is $96.50 from CPAP.COM/

Barb (Seattle) wrote:This mask is so comfy. Quiet...very rarely leaks for me. My numbers weren't that great (34 AHI 5.6 AI last night) but the leak was only .28. I even didn't use a chin strap, because I was away from home and had forgotten it - and don't remember waking up from my mouth opening. I love this mask!

I agree Barb...it's the only one I ever tried and I am not interested in trying another....works great for me.

Activa is the only mask I've ever known, but "ever" in my case is 10 days. (I'm a newbie.) Here's my basic question: at what point (how many days of trying) do I "give up" and come to the conclusion that I should try another mask, versus continuing to try to get used to the Activa?

I've read some of the tips here for making the Activa work, such as having the forehead straps loose, and these tips are helpful. But I have yet to have a night in which I'm able to sleep through the night without having to readjust the mask--usually several times. I have no problem finding a comfortable and leak-free adjustment when I fall asleep; but after a couple of hours, I'm awake and readjusting--either because of turning my head too far to one side, or who knows what--I've even considered the possibility that the size of my head is changing slightly as I sleep! So I tighten the straps to affix the mask more firmly in place, and it feels right, and then I wake up later because the mask feels uncomfortably tight. I can't find that "happy medium" that gets me through a whole night. And that means my sleep is no better, and probably worse, than before I ever used a mask!

Now, I realize that my "period of adjustment" with the world of CPAP, and this mask, may be just beginning. I'm not giving up, and I'm hoping that the learning experience I'm going through with the Activa will eventually lead to graduation. It certainly seems that many of you are happy with this mask, and maybe I eventually will be too. But based on your experience with masks in general, at what point would you "pull the plug" and say to yourself, "You know, maybe I'd better try the Aura?" Two weeks? A month? Or am I already there?

Chicago...it did take me awhile to get everything adjusted the right way...but once I did, it worked great....give it time...I was frustrated at first also but now sleep great with it.

Hi Chicago
I use a Activa and when I first started with it I had simular problems - what I did and still use now with my Activa - I use a nylon tye around the forehead pad hole and around the hose this holds the hose so that it is always over my head I bring the hose around the end of the bed and this allows me great freedom as I move around in my sleep it also keeps the air holes facing up away from my bedding and makes for a lot less noise. this method allows me to have the mask lightly fitted - regards Aussiepilot


[quote="Chicago"]Activa is the only mask I've ever known, but "ever" in my case is 10 days. (I'm a newbie.) Here's my basic question: at what point (how many days of trying) do I "give up" and come to the conclusion that I should try another mask, versus continuing to try to get used to the Activa?

I've read some of the tips here for making the Activa work, such as having the forehead straps loose, and these tips are helpful. But I have yet to have a night in which I'm able to sleep through the night without having to readjust the mask--usually several times. I have no problem finding a comfortable and leak-free adjustment when I fall asleep; but after a couple of hours, I'm awake and readjusting--either because of turning my head too far to one side, or who knows what--I've even considered the possibility that the size of my head is changing slightly as I sleep! So I tighten the straps to affix the mask more firmly in place, and it feels right, and then I wake up later because the mask feels uncomfortably tight. I can't find that "happy medium" that gets me through a whole night. And that means my sleep is no better, and probably worse, than before I ever used a mask!

Now, I realize that my "period of adjustment" with the world of CPAP, and this mask, may be just beginning. I'm not giving up, and I'm hoping that the learning experience I'm going through with the Activa will eventually lead to graduation. It certainly seems that many of you are happy with this mask, and maybe I eventually will be too. But based on your experience with masks in general, at what point would you "pull the plug" and say to yourself, "You know, maybe I'd better try the Aura?" Two weeks? A month? Or am I already there?

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): activa, newbie, CPAP, [url=https://www.cpap.com/productpage/1717]Aura[/url

Barb,

I am SO happy you found a mask that you're able to get along with. And it's not a full face mask! So I guess this means you're back on the machine and smiling. I will keep my fingers crossed for your continued success and happiness. If anyone deserves a break, we all know it's you. Best of luck.

Linda,

Hey! Long time no see. Hope all is well with you and you're feeling okay. PM me when you have a moment.

But not only do the forehead straps have to be loose, most importantly the bottom straps do as well, and I mean REALLY LOOSE. So, loose that the mask can full inflate. Pull the end of the mask out as far as it will go, that is where your straps should be adjusted to. If you tighten it, it WILL leak, I promise you. And yes, it will also seal just great that loose at lower pressures as well. The mask basically "sucks" itself to your face. If it doesn't seal right away you have either not cleaned the mask as you should or have not cleaned your face, or if you are a woman, used a moisturizer or other cream on your face at bedtime. All these will prevent a seal from forming.

If you mask leaks during the night and wakes you up, DO NOT ADJUST IT. Simply pull it slightly away and let it suck back. Wiggle it a bit back and forth and it should set just great.

Thanks for all the tips, guys. Keep 'em comin'! (And I'll keep on tryin'.)

I use the Activa too - I love it but I needed a mask I could watch TV with as I frequently watch TV to fall asleep. So, I tried the Ultra Mirage nasal mask and like that too. It is a little more tough to get a great seal and you have to have it much tighter, but it is a great alternative. The Activa is still my favorite mask though.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Barb,

I am SO happy you found a mask that you're able to get along with. And it's not a full face mask! So I guess this means you're back on the machine and smiling. I will keep my fingers crossed for your continued success and happiness. If anyone deserves a break, we all know it's you. Best of luck.

Linda,

Hey! Long time no see. Hope all is well with you and you're feeling okay. PM me when you have a moment.
_________________
L o R i

Thank you Lori {{{{hugs}}}}} to you


Well, Janelle, there might be a reason that I might not be able to leave it as loose as I should...I was reeeeealy mouth breathing last night, to the point where my mouth was so dry, I couldn't even swallow. I had to put the chin strap on, and it made it pretty tight. I will probably make it a little looser, but it needs to be tight enough over my lips to prevent them from coming open. Other than that (and the power outtage at 6 AM that woke me up) things are going GREEEEATTTT with the mask!