Can anyone recommend a good full face mask?

I've had some recent problems with nasal swelling and I fear that I may be forced to switch to a full face mask if I can't find a solution to the swelling problem. I currently have a Resmed Softgel nasal mask and my issue (besides the leaks) is that the mask leaves a raised, red swollen spot on the bridge of my nose. I really wanted to use nasal pillows but given the problems I've had with breathing through my nose it's either a full face mask or some sort of hybrid. If anyone can share their experience and recommend a full face or hybrid mask I'd appreciate any help and/or recommendation I can get.

It took me a while to get the leaks under control, but I like my Mirage Quattro. I had to get the mask liners & anti-leak strap from Padacheek to make it work, but I like the liners since they function as a soft cloth barrier between my skin and the silicone.

You should try out a mask or 2 through the Mask Trial Program at cpaplibrary.com. Only $14 to try out a mask for a week; you can test drive one before you buy it.

The Innomed/Respcare Hybrid would eliminate the over the nose issues.
It comes with 3 sizes of cushions unlike the ResMed Liberty which has the same interface but you have to choose a size.

The mask trial is a good way to test drive a mask without breaking the bank.
$14 covers postage to you and for sending the mask back after a week. Down side is that there may be a waiting list for popular masks to try.
http://www.cpaplibrary.com/mask-trials

I found that the nasal pillows and the added humidity actually helps me with any minor congestion I have had. Even when I had a cold I have been able to use the nasal pillows. I don't even own a FFM.

If you could sort out the cause of your 3 to 4 AM nasal congestion and eliminate the cause....you might do very well with a nasal pillow mask. They are so much easier to keep a good seal than a full face mask.

Some people need more moisture and some people need less moisture to maintain an adequate balance in the nasal mucosa to reduce the swelling. If related to seasonal allergies..then treating the allergies may help. Need to try to figure out the cause if you can and eliminate it.

Most full face masks are very similar but also very much different. They are all differemt enough that one will work while one very similar will not. Its mostly trial and error, try different masks until yiu find one that fits.
I myself use the quattro. I think that was the last one i tried. I even tried some two times and purchased several out of pocket. See if anyone you know or your sleep center has one you can try.

Gerry

My first ffm was the mirage quattro. caused a pressure sore on top of my nose and also had some minor leaks. I will attemt it again with the padacheek soon. for now i'm using the Hybrid and fairly happy with it. I would highly suggest trying out both of these masks if you can afford it.

rickymarkokc wrote:My first ffm was the mirage quattro. caused a pressure sore on top of my nose and also had some minor leaks. I will attemt it again with the padacheek soon. for now i'm using the Hybrid and fairly happy with it. I would highly suggest trying out both of these masks if you can afford it.

What hybrid are you using now?

YOu will have to excuse me, as i am pretty new to the cpap world. but there are two hybrids as i'm sure you are aware. The original is simply call the Hybrid. Its the one with the chin piece, comes with all sizes of fittings included, and is much cheaper than the alternative. I believe the other is called the Liberty hybrid. based on the reviews from this forum I went with the original Hybrid.

The Quattro FX has been my mask of choice going on 5 months now. Other masks I've tried and my experiences:
- Swift FX - Extremely comfortable but didn't work for me because of mouth leaks.
- Mirage Liberty - Very comfortable but couldn't keep the seal on the nasal pillows throughout the night.
- Mirage Quattro - Very good seal, but I experienced pain and redness on the bridge of my nose, regardless of the forehead support setting.
- Respcare Innomed Hybrid - Same experience as with the Mirage Liberty.
I find the Quattro FX to be very comfortable and get very low leak rates. I use a Padacheek liner with mine for added comfort. Just be sure to watch the videos on YouTube, the Resmed website or CPAP.com on how to fit it to your face.
As with any mask...your results may differ though. Type in "Quattro FX" in the search box above and you'll find quite a bit of information and feedback on it. Good luck!

I scanned the thread quickly to see if the mask I use was mentioned - didn't see it, but I was quick so excuse me if this is repetative.

I use the F&P 431. I've tried most of the other FFMs and this is the only one I could ever use consistently. It's been over two and a half years now and this is it for me.

My husband uses it as well.

I've been using the Mirage Quattro for a couple of months and it works well for me. I had nose bridge sore issues with my original F&P nasal mask but have had none with the Resmed.

cpax wrote:I've been using the Mirage Quattro for a couple of months and it works well for me. I had nose bridge sore issues with my original F&P nasal mask but have had none with the Resmed.

I had horrendous nose bridge issues initially as well. But since I couldn't get leaks controlled with any other mask but this one, I found a way to work with that and resolve it. Took months, but now my nose bridge has "toughened" up and I'm good.

I like the quattro FX
I have no significant leak problems and I use a padacheek liner. I second the recommendation to watch the demo videos.
I have not been so happy with mirage, ultramirage, or liberty.
I have not yet succeeded in getting swift LT nasal pillows to work for me, although I wish they would
it's largely trial and error and you have a lot of good advice on this thread.