Full face masks only--pls. give mask preferences/differences

chdurie2 · Post by **chdurie2** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:28 pm

Hi all--

I have an old (2001) Resmed Series 2 that still has lots of life, but it's poking me in the cheekbone and an under-the-mouth seal is not the best because my chinbone doesn't stick out enough and/or it's too narrow/short.
I also find my new activa cushion softer than that on series 2. so i'm thinking about buying a new mask (what else is new?). I would like to buy a new one soon.

So I would like to know what you full-face mask users think of Series 2 vs. Ultra Mirage FF vs. Fisher & Paykel 431 vs. Hans Rudolph (7600 or others.)

I've been looking at pictures on the web and have researched old topics. but it's kind of hit or miss to find what i'm looking for, since a lot of this is folded into other topics. I asked about series 2 vs. Ultra Mirage FF once before, but people only told me about nasal stuff.

I am a small woman who wears a small shallow or small standard in resmed (one pokes me in one place, & the other pokes me in a different place. My pressure level is 8.

thanks for your help.

Bellcrest · Post by **Bellcrest** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 6:03 pm

Seems like there are no perfect masks, at least I haven't found one yet.

My first mask was the UltraMirage FF mask. According to board reviews it is the favourite FF mask. For me, it is not ideal. I also take the small shallow. I like the mask but had so many problems with leaks and when it leaks it makes obscene noises.

Next I got the F&P FF 431. This one works better for me than my first FF mask. It fits under the chin and for the most part leaks aren't a big deal, though even with this one, some nights nothing seems to work right.

I am now trying pillow type interfaces and have found them very pleasant. but I am struggling with learning how to keep my mouth shut. No big deal, as I have struggled with this problem for years <VBG>

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 7:29 pm

This will be interesting as I'm thinking of getting a FF mask to use when I have a cold or bad allergies. Work with elementary school kids so plenty of cold viruses around. Looking at the Hans Rudolph I like the idea of a safety valve as this is a rural area with a fair number of outages and I still take a sleeping med every night. So far it is HR, UltraMirage, and a Tiara model that have mentioned having safety valves online.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 9:03 pm

chdurie2,

Well, I don't have a wealth of experience with different masks as I really like the first one I got.....the UMFF.
According to the CPAP.COM price list, the cushions for the Series 2 and the Ultra Mirage are the same. Cost is $66.30. You might consider putting a new set in your old mask.....might make it more comfortable.

Anyway, best of luck on your "mask quest".

Den

chdurie2 · Post by **chdurie2** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 9:25 pm

Den--

Your suggestion of a new cushion in my Series 2 is a good one, except the major differences, as i see it between series 2 and ultra mirage ff are that series 2 does not have forehead pads (just a small piece of plastic, too small for pads. in center of forehead) and also does not have clip-off releases for the headset at forehead and nose/chin level. Instead, the head straps thread in and out of the mask, where they thread in and out of the clips on the Ultra Mirage. Clips are not a big deal unless they make for a better fit, and i don't know how much those forehead pads/piece makes for better fit/comfort. maybe that's another thing i like about activa. That's why I'm wondering, among other things, if anyone has tried both Series 2 and Ultra Mirage FF.

Gidgie · Post by **Gidgie** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:26 pm

Hi, chdurie, I use the F&P431, and I like it a lot more now that I'm using moleskin to solve some leak issues. I suspect that just about any mask you otherwise like can be made to fit better with this stuff. It is made by Dr. Scholl, and can be found with footcare products.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:27 pm

chdurie2,

I understood what you were looking for and I'm sorry I couldn't give you a comparison. I was wondering though, as resourceful as many folks are on this forum at redesigning masks and headgear, it seems like it wouldn't be all that hard to fashion some type of cushion on that Series 2 forehead plastic pad, to make it more comfortable. On my UMFF, I've got the top straps fairly loose so that the forehead pads only lightly touch my head. Most of the tension is on the lower straps. With the UMFF, you only need to unfasten and refasten one clip (usually the lower right one if you're right-handed) to get the mask on and off.....the other ones you just leave fastened. Maybe a trip to a fabric shop would turn up some type of clips that could be adapted to the Series 2 headgear for easier use.

Good luck,

Den

chdurie2 · Post by **chdurie2** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 4:04 pm

hi den:

i appreciate your trying. i am not handy, plus there's nothing really for a forehead thingy to latch onto on the series 2. so i may just go ahead and buy an UMFF. before i did that, i was just wondering about the others. but thanks for your ideas.

caroline

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 4:28 pm

Caroline,

That sounds like a good idea.

Best wishes,

Den

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 7:31 pm

Hi , I would go with the Ultra Mirage FF, but masks are different for each person! The forehead piece on the UMFF makes the mask fit better over the bridge of the nose. You can adjust it so that the mask seals better.

Having said that, I also use the F&P FLexi fit FF when for whatever reason the UMFF is not sealing that night. I interchange them.

I tried a comfortfull and didn't do well with it at all.

Also tried a HR FF....haven't yet ordered the new headgear, am hopeful that will make it fit better. It seems as though it should be the best FF mask as it is so soft...especially if you are a side sleeper.

Good luck in your search for a mask replacement.

chdurie2 · Post by **chdurie2** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 7:57 pm

hi guest:

thanks for your comments. how do you find the chin fit on the f&p 431? and you're not happy with the hans rudolph? in what way? yes, i am primarily a side sleeper.

Newsgrouper · Post by **Newsgrouper** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 8:49 pm

The F&P 431 ships with cushions of different size makind a proper fit easier. That mask, and the UM FF mask, work the best for me. The Comfort Full caused a blister on the bridge of my nose after only one night of wear. My Hans Rudolph FF mask leaks at the bridge of my nose the moment I turn on my side. The new head gear did not stop the leaks nor did the optional HR Sensa-Seal.

I now switch between the F&P 431 and the UM FF masks, sometimes switching during the night when necessary.

chdurie2 · Post by **chdurie2** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 8:55 pm

thanks. so what are the real differences between the UMFF and the F&P 431? also, do you know whether the UMFFs that they're making now have the same cushion as the activa or not? why do you use both? for variety?

Newsgrouper · Post by **Newsgrouper** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 9:47 pm

The cushion (seal) of the UMFF is different than the Activa cushion. Similar but not the same. Many UMFF mask users are awaiting development of an Active type cushion for their UMFF masks.

The 431 has a chin piece that seals below the chin rather than over it. It keeps your mouth closed where the UMFF mask doesn't. I use the different masks to change the pressure points where the mask meets my face. I even have a second UMFF mask in medium to rotate with my Large UMFF mask.

chdurie2 · Post by **chdurie2** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 9:58 pm

newsgrouper:

so for you, anyway, it's not that one is more comfortable than the other, but that one pokes you in places the other does not? i sure do wish they would hurry up and make that activa cushion for the UMFF--the activa cushion is so soft.

thanks.

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Full face masks only--pls. give mask preferences/differences

Full face masks only--pls. give mask preferences/differences

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