Mask design Good - Straps could be better
October 20, 2009
(4 out of 5) by Chris S, Athens, GA
"This mask seems the least leaky of the masks I've tried so far. The frame is very light, and the silicone cushion is quite durable. No other mask allows the elbow to twist and give in quite the same way. This is the first full face mask without a forehead brace that does not leave a terrific scar on the bridge of my nose, even when the mask is cinched tightly to stop leaks. I can read with my glasses on. The cushion design is superior, but needs a little tweaking around the mouth. Smiling or yawning causes leakage. The frame _seems_ fragile, but has held up so far.
More thought needs to go into the cushioning that curves around the mouth edges. I'm using a large, which should fit me perfectly, according to the zzz fit guide, but I sense a wider, 'balloonier' brim at the mouth edges and just above the nares might curb stray leakage better.
While the mask frame and cushion are superior, the head gear strapping it comes with is not. By the third night, it had stretched to the point where it had become entirely useless. The hook velcro began competing for the same area at the back of the headgear. No mask should include such a crummy head gear. I've used several competing masks for months continually without ever having the head gear of competing masks stretch out of usability. I had to re-velcro the head gear at least twice through each night because it kept losing its tension and began leaking. I've been using a PapCap as an alternative head gear. The PapCap provides much better control of mask torque, chin drop, and general leak prevention.
As with any full face mask, why any mask manufacturer won't provide decent chin support included with the headgear is beyond my fathoming. It should be mandatory as part of the head gear. Be prepared to use alternative head gear if you buy this mask. You'll need it.
The four stars I've given this mask is entirely based on the cushion and frame alone. The headgear is useless. If this mask's headgear hadn't stretched out of all proportion by night three, I'd have considered giving this review a five."
|
Zzz-Mask after 1 year
October 03, 2009
(4 out of 5) by David W, OR
"I've used a small Zzz-Mask for over a year. The CPAP.com sizing calculator advised me to buy a small and I was skeptical. I tried a small, then a medium, and wonder of wonders, the small fit best. The mask is a good value. I've found it more comfortable than the forehead-bumper mask. Many users have said they wished a replacement headband was offered. I tried the old style Hybrid headgear (HYB539) and it fits ok, not as comfortable, but usable.
A couple of observations on wear-and-tear: hand wash the headgear, don't launder. The straps disintegrate when laundered. There are a couple clear rivets securing the silicone mask seal to the frame. These fell out so I replaced them with 6-32 screws. The tube swivel bound up so I put a bit of Vaseline in the joint which freed it up.
I've purchased a second small Zzz-Mask which works fine. The old one is still a good spare with its replacement headgear."
|
Comfortable but leaky
September 09, 2009
(3 out of 5) by Tina I, San Mateo, CA
"I liked the feel of this mask, and it was much more comfortable than my Quattro. However, I returned it because I could not find a way to keep it from leaking at higher pressures."
|
Z Mask
September 09, 2009
(4 out of 5) by Matthew H, Lander, WY
"This is a nice light mask that I purchased for traveling.
I oredered a Medium from the measureing guide but it runs a little small, may get a Large if I order again. Will probally take it with me and use it as a spare in case my other mask breaks or something. Wish the straps had a quick release, would make it easier to put on and remove. All in all a decent mask for the price."
|
First Time Full Face Mask user
August 25, 2009
(5 out of 5) by Paul R, CA
"I've been using the Ultra Mirage II mask for several years and I have been moderately happy with it. About a year ago, I purchased the zzz-pap cpap machine when my respironics machine broke down after using it for only one year. The zzz-pap out performs the expensive respironics machine I had been using. When it was time for a new mask, I decided to try the zzz full face mask since I was so satisfied with the zzz-pap machine. The full face mask is lightweight, and more comfortable than the Ultra Mirage II. Most of what is touching the face is a very soft silicon like cushion instead of the harder formed plastic on the Mirage. There is also no need for a forehead brace, and so the mask does not leave any unsightly depressions or marks on the face like most other masks leave. The price is affordable and I bought the mask with a $26.00 return guarantee which would allow me to return the mask within 30 days if I wasn't completely satisfied. Like any mask, this one takes a day or two to get use to. I give it just short of a 5 star rating."
|