Masks - time for a change, any ideas?

[Simes2112]

I've been on CPAP now for 9 months or so. I was lucky that I got practically instant benefit from it - then went through a period of mask-leak frustration which resulted in me giving the NHS my Mirage Quattro full face mask back and sticking with the alternative Ultra Mirage full face mask. Despite a visit to Resmed near Birmingham - I have settled upon the limpet approach to mask fit rather than the hovercraft approach. It works for me. I use Remzzzs and wear a weird skull-cap thing so that I don't have the nasty silicon-plasticy stuff on my skin which tends to irritate me.

So, overall, I would say that I am 80% satisfied with my kit. The Ultra Mirage full face mask is quite an old design I guess and I can't help feeling that I could find something more comfortable.

But mostly I want to be able to read in bed at night - which I do. Then when I am done reading I have to sit up and spend a few minutes messing around getting my mask on etc.

So, I am mask hunting. I am wondering if the Resmed Mirage Liberty might be a good move as it deals with nose and mouth - which I need but I could read with it on (as I need reading specs you see). Does anyone have any experience of this mask?

Also wondering about this one http://www.eu-pap.co.uk/zzz-mask-full-face.html - this looks like I might be able to read with it on, with my specs. Again anyone have any experience of this mask?

Or this one? http://www.eu-pap.co.uk/7600-v2-full-face-mask.html

[OldCrow]

Liberty mask

I'm also in Birmingham, having problems with leaky Mirage Quattro and I too like to read and have been thinking about a mask type that allows this. I see the Liberty has a mouth cover and "nose blockers" and am considering trying this. If you do have any experiences, or anyone who owns one, let us know.

[davejwhite]

Liberty Mask experience

Hi, just found this thread - actually,only just found the site!

I moved from a full face Ultra Mirage to the Liberty last month and it is sooo much better. More flexibleby far and doesn't cause the sore nose ridge problem. Had a few problems with leaks around the nasal pillows, but the Sleep Clinic at Oxford (lovely crew) encoraged me to play with the different sizes available - even mixing sizes as your nostrils, apparently may be different sizes. So snipping the linking plastic bar which keeps a pair together allows you to mix and match.

I find that the fact that the mask only covers my mouth means it is less likely to get shifted when I move at night, and easier to position so as to get a good seal. Worked for me - I'd recommend it.

[Tina1946]

Explain the masks

I have had my machine, don't know what make, for four days, it seems to be working but I have discovered lots of strange aches elsewhere. The mask is a full one and I am wondering what else is around. I get cold sores on my chin from the wind and I am afraid the air will start one. Any ideas on what other masks I could ask for in my check up would be welcome and a description of how they work.

thanks

[Biggles]

Hi I love my Comfort Curve mask from Respironics. It's just a nasal pillow (I think that's the terminology). I had no more sore bits anywhere after moving to this mask. Also I have a problem with the blue silicon stuff which the Comfort Curve does not have.

When I was first diagnosed I was advised to have a full face mask as I was a 'mouth breather'. But, none available so in my rush to become compliant I asked if I could try a nose mask, Yes. It is working fine for me and I have never tried a full face mask. There seems to be a wide variety of masks available

[silvercarper]

I have been using the ZZZ full face masks for over a year and apart from the stretchy headgear I think its a brilliant mask. Simple and effective.
BUT
I cant wear glasses with it on. Sorry

[Grumpy]

Mirage Liberty works for me

I started with a Fisher-Paykel Forma mask but had trouble getting an effective seal unless I had the straps done painfully tight. I have large cheek bones and the mask sort of pivoted over them causing a leak at either the top or bottom.

I then moved to a Swift FX nasal pillow which was OK until the hay-fever kicked in even though I think I am primarily a mouth-breather.

Both of these were provided by the NHS.

Last week I bit the bullet and spent £133 of my own money on a Mirage Liberty mask; its only 3 nights in but already its looking like a good investment.

I was surprised by the number of sharp edges on the mask but they don't actually cause a problem.