CPAPtalk.com

squid13 wrote:I have the Fisher&Pakel Forma full face which is my main mask. I also have a Swift FX and a Swift LT. I don't use the other two they are just in the drawer taking up space.

That kind of answers another thing I've been wondering about - how everyone stores the masks they aren't using regularly. Do they tend to dry out/age/crack/etc. over time if not stored properly?

xenablue wrote:I have 5 masks - Mirage Liberty, which hasn't been used since the first month of therapy almost 2 years ago; Swift FX with regular headgear and Bella Loops; Swift LT which is my most-used mask; a SleepWeaver Advance, which I love the most, but still struggle with leaks, and the newest addition an Opus 360.

I have the Opus (not my first choice for a new mask) because my DME informed me they will no longer be ordering SleepWeaver masks (I wanted the Elan) and my second choice, an Aloha, wouldn't be available for another month or so.

Despite me being a little miffed with my DME at not making available the mask/s of my choice, they DID print out my script and everything to do with my neuro's orders etc., so I could purchase either of those masks elsewhere, if I wish, so they're kinda back in my good books.

I use all of my masks in a loose rotation (except for the Mirage Liberty) - depending on my mood, allergy levels, position of the planets etc.,

Cheers,
xena

I wish my DME offered a selection of masks like yours does. Mine carries only Resmed masks and a few of the Respironics Comfort Gel masks. That's it, no Aloha, no SleepWeaver (which I really want to try someday, too), just basics. Otherwise I have no complaints about my DME, they've been so nice and helpful and honest...so far nothing at all like I read about other DME's. It sounds like yours is a pretty good one, too.

Loved your last sentence! That sounds just like me.

[quote="Addercatter]Let me know if you have anymore questions for me. Good luck, and if you try it I hope it works well for you!

Kat[/quote]

Oh wow, thanks for all that great info Kat! I have got to try one of these masks. I'm not claustrophobic really, but I DON'T like anything too close to my eyes. That's the only issue I have with my nasal mask - it bothers me having the mask and forehead brace right there in my eyes. I'd hoped the Quattro FX would be my answer for a full face mask since it doesn't have the forehead brace and it is so comfortable...but I just can't get all the leaks to stop.

Edited to add: I just looked up the F&P Eson that was mentioned in JO'M's post. That looks pretty comfy! Much smaller than my F&P nasal mask. The forehead brace doesn't look as big either. Hmmmm.

I have eight but only settled on the last, the Eson. I am not 100% happy but close. Still looking for the next best.

SnorkelPuss wrote:I have eight but only settled on the last, the Eson. I am not 100% happy but close. Still looking for the next best.

Can I ask which 7 you didn't choose? It's always good to know which ones to avoid.

Bon Bon wrote:[

The forehead brace doesn't touch my face very much, it mostly floats a couple of inches off my forehead. I tried out about 8 or more masks in the office and they were all too big for my face.

I have 5 different masks total.

Swift LT and Swift FX for her....I interchange and use these all the time

Golife for her---tried it and didn't like it

Fitlife face for when I get sick...however I have never used it...even at my worst cold I have been able to wear my LT or FX.

Bon Bon wrote: That kind of answers another thing I've been wondering about - how everyone stores the masks they aren't using regularly. Do they tend to dry out/age/crack/etc. over time if not stored properly?

I purchased a used Resmed S7 on Craigslist last spring. It came with two masks, a Mirage Activa and a Mirage Swift. Both were new-looking and usable, although the Activa's headgear had visible wear. The machine was manufactured in 2004 and had only 900 blower hours (about three months' use). Both masks were stored in the travel bag with the machine.

The Liberty would definitely take care of the problem with air getting in your eyes. It won't happen. Also, the exhaust vents are on the sides of the mouthpiece part, I liked that feature as well. Kat

I have 8 as of today.
1. IQ which was my favorite and primary for a long time. Manufacturer made a change in the headgear that makes that mask impossible. I still have my mask & worn out headgear & use sometimes.
2. Piliaro, new and one of my favs, I think it might work better with the right chinstrap. Gives a lot of freedom of movement, and works well, but too much freedom has lead me to mouthbreathing, so I'm trying another mask to see if it helps cure that problem.
3. Sleepweaver Elan, also fairly new and I like this a lot, but I have quite a few leaks & they must be noisy since hubby was complaining.
4. Mirage Vista, good since it not hard to keep on, but it leaks if not REALLy tight. Leaves bad strap marks & I cannot get it off fast enough if I have a mother-in-law emergency (she is in bad health and I am her go-to girl)
5. Swift FX for her. Well, I've ordered the Bella Loops to give this one another try. I cannot seem to keep the nasal pillows in. Not as easy for me as it is for others here. I'm probably going to take some jokeing for this, but one of the reasons I like that mask it because its pink. There, I've admitted it.
6. Simplicity, one of the first masks I tried years ago. When the IQ headgear problems developed, I immediatly ordered the Simplicity. It seems the makers of this mask could not leave well enough alone either. As with the IQ, they changed the headgear. In this case the headgear grew two additional straps. Its a good mask once you fight the headgear to get it on, but it requires the gel cushions to be bought separately that you put on your nose to keep it from rubbing a nasty ridge in the bridge of your nose.
7. GoLife for Women. This mask has covered metal on the sides. Can sleep with it, but the sides have to be tight for it to stay on. Definitely not a favorite.
8. Optilife Nasal Pillow & Cradle Cusion. Just got this today, so no review. Got it because it has a chin strap attached.

This is my review & I'm sticken to it.
Jen

I have 12, 2 of which are duplicates. I think only 4 were covered by insurance,
the rest I bought from our hosts, except one, a gift.
If you gotta burn FSA money, this is a great way to do it.

chunkyfrog wrote: If you gotta burn FSA money, this is a great way to do it.

Amen,
Jen

I have 4 FFM masks

2 mirage quattros that i rotate for cleaning.

1 large comfortgel blue that does not work for me... its collecting dust

1 mirage quattro FX as an emergency / travel mask.

Comfortgel is available for trade.

My DME was a manipulative jerk about compliance (another thread) but she has been good about sending me masks to try. I can try a mask a month until I find one I like. My cpap machine came with a DME recommended F&P Zest. I hate this mask. It puts pressure on my upper lip and the forehead piece prevents me from wearing glasses. I like to read a bit to unwind when I get in bed. I use the Zest once in a blue moon to remind myself how much better my other masks are. My second mask was a F&P Pilairo. My DME recommended this mask when I told her why I didn't like the Zest. I like the Pilairo a lot, but after four or five days my nostrils get sore/inflamed and I need a break. At this point I asked my DME for a Sleep Weaver Elan starter kit. I got a Sleep Weaver Advance which is supposed to be a one size fits all mask. It is not. It is too big for me. When I position it low enough on my nose that it doesn't leak at my eyes the bulk of the mask covers my mouth. This is unpleasant and annoying. Today I self pay ordered the Sleep Weaver Elan from our hosts. In two weeks I will be eligible for a new mask from my DME. I'm hoping to get a Whisp starter kit. If it's not available I'll ask for a Swift because many women seem to like it.

it seems like more of the manufacturers are realizing the importance of offering sizing options when someone acquires a new mask. I think this is a good trend because one size does not fit everyone.

Denial Dave wrote:Comfortgel is available for trade.

What do you want to trade it for another full face mask or nasal pillows?