Activa Mask

My untreated AHI was >60. At 10cmH2O with the UMFF, my AHI averages 2.3 and has, on occasion, averaged as low as .7 for a week. Actually for the last 10 days, I am averaging 1.2. The UMFF is the only mask that I have.

Holy moly! Hmmmmmmm. And this is the UM FF right? Not UMII or anything like that (that's probably a nasal mask)? If so, that sounds like great results. I must admit I got the impression that FF masks just didn't seal as well as nasal masks. And therefore it took longer for people to get the benefits of CPAP. But this doesn't sound like it's the case. I am a mouth breather and I'm doing ok with my Mirage Aptiva. I like this mask. I have nothing to compare it to other than the Mirage Swift that I used for 1 month, and certainly no FF masks to compare it to size-wise or anything like that.

But I just might go THAT route instead. That would possibly do away with the chin strap right? That might be sweet

Rastaman,

Handgunner45 has the same equipment I have. I've had monthly averages of less than 1.0 since I started. My lowest weekly average was 0.3 and have had about 8 nights with an AHI of 0.0 since I started. Last fall, I went for almost a whole month without having a single apnea. They get a little leaky once in awhile, but on those nights the extra air coming in feels good. The leakiness on mine us usually when the headgear gets a little stretched out or if I haven't shaved for a couple of days....or both. For me, the FF is the best of all worlds, because I don't have to worry about mouth leakage (taping, etc.), nothing stuck to or up my nostrils.....and IT WORKS!
If you can get them to admit it, most of the long-timers on this forum have a FF mask stuck away in a drawer (if they're not actually using it) for when a need arises.

Best wishes,

Den

Wulfman! You rock! I will never and I repear NEVER know all the in's and out's to CPAPology but it's posts like yours that give a person hope. Thanks for taking the time to reply. I am pleased with the Mirage Aptiva. I like it even better than the Swift due to sore nares. And from what you're telling me, I just might get FULL benefits even on the FF mask, which I was believing otherwise up until now. It makes you wonder why so many people struggle with taping and all those things but to each their own. I'm not going to tape. I just wouldn't feel safe about that. I don't even really like using the chin strap. But I do want to get a good comparison going such as nasal mask vs ff mask. And Resmed S8 vs. Respironics Remstar Auto and so on. I've only had a chance to check out Respironics Remstar Auto M series for 2 weeks prior to this S8. I'm happy with the S8 but I think I could be happier with a FF Mask or happier atleast having the option.

I get a new mask every 6 months covered by my insurance and at the 6 month mark I plan on asking my DME for an Ultra Mirage FF Mask. And then it'll come down completely to comfort. It's good to know I can get similar results from a FF Mask. And yes, it does make me wonder why so many people are trying the nasal masks, maybe just for it being lighter or personal preference or something like that?

My DME does carry this mask too which is a plus. It's right on their website.

Thanks again

Anyone else have a similar situation with a Mirage Ultra FF Mask? Few leaks, good numbers, good therapy? No chin strap being a plus right? This one is definitely on my wish list until I hear something differently. I know some haven't had good results but it sounds like others have. Any input?

One more thing that I can add. I wear a full beard and mustache. My leak rate is averaging about 48 to 50 LPM. The biggest thing I can say about leaks is keep them away from the eyes. When I have leaks near my eyes I wake up quite rapidly. I understand that mouth leaks can wake a person up as well. Not something I have to worry about. The full face mask takes some trial and error to get everything adjusted just right, may be true of other interfaces as well, but this worked for me from the start. if it ain't broke, don't fix it!!!!!