The Worst Mask I've Ever Tried
June 19, 2008
(1 out of 5) by Shannon H, PENN VALLEY, CA
"Ohhhh, this was not a good experience. I've used many masks over several years of CPAP use and this one has the dubious distinction of being the worst one ever. I didn't even get through the first night. I went back to my bulky, but usable Respironics Total Face mask.
I was looking for a full face mask to wear as an occasional break from the heavy total face mask. I expected some redness on the bridge of my nose, but hoped that I could manage for a night every now and then, so could use a lighter mask.
I used the cpap.com measuring guide and ordered a size small. I used a size small in previous full face masks, so I thought it could work. I don't know if the mask I tried is too small for me, or if the design is just so incompatible with my face that it wouldn't matter what size it is. The mask was so flimsy and leaked all over, I couldn't seem to get it in any position that would stay sealed. The mask was uncomfortable in every way.
The air vent coming from the upper center is much too close to my eyes for my comfort. I have a problem with dry eyes and that is another reason I wanted to have breaks from the total face mask. I have to wear a sleep mask with the total face mask and I didn't want to have to do that with a full face mask.
I wondered for years why no one made a silicone mask. The hard plastic of most masks is uncomfortable and they never fit the contours of my face. The description of every mask sounds as if the manufacturer has corrected every problem, but reality is the masks are uncomfortable and don't fit properly. A soft, pliable material sounds like a logical choice and I applaud zzz pap for going in this direction.
I have a zzz pap travel cpap machine and I like it a lot. I thought the mask would be a good possibility because of the light weight, pliable material. The lower prices of the zzz pap products was not a sign of a lesser quality product because of my positive experience with the travel cpap machine.
I gladly paid the extra price of the return insurance, so I'd have the peace of mind of knowing I could return the mask. I am very happy that I did, because the mask was sent right back.
I fervently wish this mask had been the right one for me and I'm envious of those for whom this mask worked. It is light weight and flexible, to the point it doesn't fit properly in use. I have an auto cpap machine, but my average pressure is about 8-9, so higher pressure was not an issue for me."
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June 17, 2008
(5 out of 5) by James L, LONDONDERRY, NH
"I am trying the full face mask for the first time, and so far I found it very comfortable. Had no troble addjusting to it."
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Mask, OK - Headgear, NO
June 02, 2008
(4 out of 5) by Jay - Gretna, NE
"I've been using this mask since Jan 2008 and have mixed feelings about it. First it has a nice fit around the mouth and nose; it's flexible and leaked the least around mouth and nose of any mask I have tried. The headgear is crap and stretched out way too soon. The tabs for the top straps had to be pulled to behind my ears and caused pain and irritation. Several times I woke up angry at the mask for waking me up. Also, there is a strap that goes across the top of your head and now I have a balding spot across the top of my head. Not too happy about that as I am trying to hang on to the last of what I got (Rogain here I come...). The seal where the air tube connects to the mask is also annoyingly loud when trying to fall asleep though it never woke me up in the middle of the night. Overall I thought the mask was very comfortable on my face - nice on the nose, the headgear needs a lot of help, and the connection for the air supply needs a better, quieter seal."
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Zzz full face mask
June 02, 2008
(4 out of 5) by Annoymous User
"I really like the mask. It is small and light and comfortable. It is very difficult to get the right tension on the straps to avoid leaking. I have an automatic machine and you don't experience the leaks until after a few hours when the pressure goes up (5-15 pounds). If it's a little loose it will leak and if it's too tight it will also leak. When you get the tension right it's the best full face mask I have used. Also, the exhaust ports are at the top of the mask between your eyes. And, it blows pretty stong! It seems this should be uncomfortable but it has not been a problem. The wife says it is louder than the respy nose mask but it's not that bad. All in all a great mask for the price. And very fast delivery from CPAP.com."
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Good Mask - For Someone Taller
May 31, 2008
(3 out of 5) by Deborah K, TX
"This mask would be excellent for someone it fits. My husband helped me do the measurements and the site recommended the small version of this mask. Unfortunately, I had to return it because I am a short female with a narrow nose bridge. In order to get the mask to stop leaking at the bridge, I had to have the straps so tight that I had bleeding sores on my nose and the back of my neck. I was also running out of velcro tabs for the adjustments because the head straps were just too long.
On the plus side, this mask was very comfortable for sleeping on my side. The mask has much less hard plastic to poke you. The gasket seemed to readjust itself quickly to small mouth movements, position shifts, etc. Also, the fact that the mask ends at the bridge of the nose rather than on the forehead helps alleviate some of the claustrophic feel one can get from a full mask.
I wish the CPAP mask manufacturers would measure a large group of women and develop a group of masks and headgear designed specifically for women."
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