Hi,

After trying the Swift Nasal pillows and hating them I have been using the Respironics Profile Lite Gel nasal mask and I am still waking more at night than I should be and my doctor believes it's because of leaks.  Next week the DME is bring out a new machine and also the ResMed Mirage Activa mask.  I am curious to know if anyone has had any success with this mask.  I know what works for one might not for another but still, any thoughts?  I would love my search for a good mask to come to an end soon ...

Thanks! and I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Wendy

Wendy,

It is probably one of the best nasal masks made.  You do not need to tighten the straps much at all and I find that it seals quite well because the pressure helps seal the mask using a bellows-type mechanism.  I sleep on my side and I found the mask seems to work very well for that.  On the down side, you still know you are wearing a mask.  For some people it bothers their top lip a little and for others it may bother the bridge of the nose but it is still more comfortable than the FF mask that I was wearing.

You are fortunate to be able to have your DME work with you on different masks because that is nearly the most important part of CPAP therapy ... it wouldn't do any good with out a machine.

I hope it works for you.

Thanks!  You have given me hope that this mask will be better.  The first time I used the Profile Lite mask it bothered the bridge of my nose but I have been using Ayr cream and it hasn't been a problem.  Yes, I am lucky to have a good DME, if I don't like the mask they just send someone out with a different one.  I'll let you know how it goes, they come on the 28th.  Thanks for your help!

Wendy

Wendy
Assk ur Dr about the merits of a NasalAire mask. I use one and it much better than the soft gel Res med types.
Ted:)

Hi Wendy,

One thing to consider is the Activa mask is a touch bigger than the typical nasal mask.  I used the Activa mask for two horrid months.  Many people rave about the mask so my experience may not be yours.  I found it too big and heavy for me.  Plus it didn't keep sealed very well and I was constantly fighting the urge to rip the thing off my face.  Ok, actually I did rip it off on more than one occassion, however, I gave myself a pep talk and put the darn thing back on.  I do have it for a backup in case my new mask, the Headrest (formerly the Aura) by AEIOmed breaks, though I hope I never have to use it again.  Now if you can stand having pillows in your nose, you may want to try the Headrest.  I've had to do a little creative construction with it as it was built more for a man, however, once that was done I've found it's the best mask by far.  I've tried five others, including the Swift, and found this one is very light, doesn't have straps on your face so you don't feel claustraphobic, and it moves easily in any position you decide to sleep in.  I'm a tummy sleeper and I am now able to burrow right down with no problems.  No other mask has allowed me to do this.

Lots of luck.

Melinda

The reason I hated the Swift is because I couldn't stand it up my nose.  The thought of it now giving me an anxiety attack    So, I looked up the Headrest and the NasalAir and they are both nasal pillows so I don't think they would work for me.  I tried them for many weeks and thought I would get used to them because everyone raves about them but they just aren't for me.  I much prefer a nasal mask so I might be ok with the Activa.  I appreciate you help and I'll let you know how it goes.  

Thanks!
Wendy

wendyj.usa wrote:

Hi,

After trying the Swift Nasal pillows and hating them I have been using the Respironics Profile Lite Gel nasal mask and I am still waking more at night than I should be and my doctor believes it's because of leaks.  Next week the DME is bring out a new machine and also the ResMed Mirage Activa mask.  I am curious to know if anyone has had any success with this mask.  I know what works for one might not for another but still, any thoughts?  I would love my search for a good mask to come to an end soon ...

Thanks! and I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Wendy

Too funny -- I was given the Respironocs gel mask as a party favor during my sleep study, then got the swift as my first mask from the DME.  I, too, had problems with the swift leaking -- I think it's because one of my nostrils is bigger than the other and you can't put e.g. one L pillow and one M pillow on at once.  Then my DME sent me two new masks to try.  As an aside, he sent them at no cost whatsoever!  If anyone needs a DME in northern MA or southern NH, please pm me -- these company is outstanding.  Anway, he sent me the Active and the breeze.  The activa does seal much better than the gel/swift and seems to tolerate more action at night (e.g. turning from side to side).  And it's true that you don't need to tighten the straps very much at all, which is great.  The only downside is that you still have this clunky thing on your face.  The breeze is much less on your face, but I'm not wild about the pillows up my nose (which seem to be more invasive than the swift).  The breeze seems to iritate my nostrils a lot.  Bottom line -- I've been alternating between the breeze and the acitva each night.  

Keep your chin up, Wendy.  All of this truly sucks.  It seems like most people on here ultimately sort things out, but I haven't yet.  Guess I'm going to keep on trucking...

wendyj.usa wrote:

Thanks!  You have given me hope that this mask will be better.  The first time I used the Profile Lite mask it bothered the bridge of my nose but I have been using Ayr cream and it hasn't been a problem.  Yes, I am lucky to have a good DME, if I don't like the mask they just send someone out with a different one.  I'll let you know how it goes, they come on the 28th.  Thanks for your help!

Wendy

What can be used for the irritation on the bridge of my nose...from the mask?

NWLambBear,

I have had problems with the mask digging into the bridge of my nose before.  You might want to try putting a bandage over the irritated area... that is if you're not allergic to the adhesive.  Granted, I have a FFM, but it worked for me.  At least my mask sealed right over the bandage.  After about a week of doing that, I didn't have to anymore.  Let us know how it works if you try it.  HTH.


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<>< Sleepy Scott <><
Job 7:13-15

    You can try using a product called Mould Skin-it's available in the first aid aisle in walgreens;wal-mart;target... came us up to date. i like scott got by with a plain bandaid but i did notice mask leakage right over the band-aid .   Hang tough!!!!!!!!!


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EVERY SILVER LINING HAS A TOUCH OF GREY
-Grateful Dead