EasyLife by Respironics

EasyLife's Main Page:

http://easylife.respironics.com/

Category
Nasal/Triangle mask,

Contents
1 Mask assemble, 1 Headgear, 1 Manual

Ingenuity
This is one of the latest designs by Respironics. You almost have to see it to truly take it all in. It has a unique dual cushion design that is very lightweight. From my experience, this will fit a wide variety of shapes and sizes when it comes to faces and noses. Of course there are different sizes and you'll have to be sized to make sure you get the right one for you. Here is a link to the sizing video they have on their site:mms://media.respironics.com/easylife/EasyLife_sizing.wmv

Application
The EasyLife can quickly be put into action right out of the packaging. Four simple velcro adjustments and you are ready to go. Noise output for this mask if very low.

Seal Durability
I found this mask is very durable when it comes to the seal. The dual cushion really gives you alot of room before the seal compromises.

Cleaning
The EasyLife breaks down into 2 pieces for cleaning, 3 if you count the headgear. The disassembly is very easy. Respironics recommends you clean the mask daily. The only downfall I found about cleaning it is all the nooks and crannies in the dual cushion. Despite this, it is well worth the effort for the comfort this mask brings.

Overall Impression
If you want a Nasal/Triangle mask and don't want to "feel" it, this mask is for you. It is a touch more bulky than other Nasal/Triangle masks, but that is what helps it seem lighter than air.

Opus 360 by Fisher & Paykel

Opus' Main Page:

http://www.fphcare.com/osa/mask-solution/direct-nasal-masks/opus-360-nasal-pillows-mask.html

Opus' Brochure:

http://www.fphcare.com/userfiles/file/OSA-files/Interface-files/Opus/Opus%20360%20Brochure.pdf


Category
Nasal Pillows

Contents
1 Mask Assembly, 1 Headgear, 3 Sizes of Pillows (Small, Medium, and Large), 1 Manual

Ingenuity
The Opus' design is unique considering its 360 degree swivel (pictured above) and the ability to position the hose on top, to the side, or free of the headgear (see the other pic's on the page). The mask is also light weight. The materials used are traditional when it comes to recent mask technology. Nothing is really new in the material used, just in how they used it.

Application
The Opus is very easy to put into service. Even if you have to change the pillow part to a different size, it just pops in and out with ease. The headgear has 6 adjustment straps in 4 locations. There are 2 straps located at the back of the head, 2 on the top of the head, and one on each cheek. It sounds like a lot to adjust. But, when it comes to adjustability, more is better. When fitted properly, the mask is very quiet. The only time I have encountered any extra noise is when there is something in front of the diffuser, like a pillow or my arm for instance. You will hear the air whooshing across it.

Seal Durability
The Opus holds its seal well during a night of PAP therapy. Of course one always has to be careful when rolling and maybe an occasional wiggle adjustment is needed. A good thing about this mask is the user can, if done carefully, can sleep on the stomach. Compared to other nasal pillow masks, the Opus has Medium seal durability (Ratings go Low, Medium, or High).

Cleaning
The Opus breaks down into 5 pieces for cleaning. Fisher&Paykel recommends the user cleans the headgear once a week and the rest of the assembly everyday. When I disassembled the Opus, it was easy and straight forward. The most difficult part was to separate the male swivel from the female swivel. As with anything, with a little practice, this becomes an easy task.

Here's a link to their use and cleaning guide:http://www.fphcare.com/userfiles/file/OSA-files/Interface-files/Opus/Opus%20Use%20and%20Cleaning%20Instructions.pdf

Overall Impression
For somebody who wants a minimal interface for PAP therapy, this is it! For some people, Nasal Pillows take a little getting used to. It did for me anyway. But, it was well worth it for the perceived freedom you experience when using the Opus.

Forma by Fisher&Paykel

http://www.fphcare.com/osa/mask-solution/full-face-masks/forma-full-face-mask.html

Category
Full Face Mask

Contents
1 Mask Assembly, 1 Headgear, 1 Manual

Ingenuity
This mask features Fisher&Paykel's Glider Strap, Flexifit and Flexifoam technologies. The Glider Strap allows the user to turn his/her head without binding or shifting the mask. This in combination with Flexifoam and Flexifit makes it a suspension system, like in a car keeping the wheels on the road, for this mask. The Flexifoam and Flexifit contours itself to conform to the users face.

Application
The mask has a solid and soft feel when I put it on. It takes a moment or two in order to get the headgear adjusted properly, with its 5 adjustments, but well worth the time. A plus feature about taking off the mask off is the Easy-Release Cord, just one pull and it's ready to be removed. When using it, I found the cord needs to be pulled straight down, like you are pulling it towards your chest in order for it to work. Putting on this mask is made easier by a simple clip/buckle that plugs in. For a Full Face Mask, this is very quiet with a diffuser that expells the air in a broad area. This makes the exhaust much less noticable versus other masks.

Seal Durability
The Forma has a high durability seal compared to other Full Face Masks. This is thanks to the Glider Strap, Flexifoam, and Flexifit technologies.

Cleaning
Fisher&Paykel recommends you take all the parts off of the mask base in order to clean it. The Forma breaks down into six pieces. The unit breaks down fairly easily with most pieces snappin in and out of place with minimal to medium effort. The silicone seal presses and pulls out of a channel easily.

Overall Impression
This mask is a good example of Full Face Mask technology evolving to be more comfortable and effective. This mask may have more parts to it than the regular Full Face, but they make it that much better.

ComfortFusion by Respironics

http://comfortfusion.respironics.com/

Category
Nasal/Triangle mask

Contents
1 Mask Assembly, 1 headgear, and 1 manual.

Ingenuity
The newer technology on this mask is the larger, soft forehead pad. The forehead pad is also adjustable either towards the user or away from the user. This helps with the comfort level on the bridge of the nose. The main cushion seems to be traditional considering Respironics' previous nasal/triangle masks, similar to the Comfort Classic.

Comfort Classic Link:http://comfortclassic.respironics.com/

Application
Right out of the packaging, it is easy to get it ready for immediate use. One only has to remove the protective cover from the main cushion and remove the application guide attached to the headgear with a quick pull. The mask has Quick Clips to make attaching and detaching the headgear more efficient. Respironcs exhaust swivel is well designed and very quiet.

Seal Durability
I will give this mask a Seal Durability of Medium. It can take head movements from side to side, but nothing extreme. It can also maintain a seal with light side pressure, like from a pillow. Mainly, care need to be taken when trying to maintain a seal while the user lays on the side.

Cleaning
Respironics claims the mask doesn't need to be disassembled for cleaning making this process easier on the user. The masks cushion can come off quickly and easily if one desires either for cleaning or cushion replacement. Here's a link with ComfortFusion mask care info:

http://comfortfusion.respironics.com/maskcare.aspx

Overall Impression
This mask is good for beginners or for use in a sleep lab where there are alot of "newbies". This mask is simple to use and adjust. This is a good mask if you are just getting into PAP therapy.

CPAP Mask Review Format

Okay, it's time to set sail on the newest endeavor, reporting on CPAP/BiPAP/xPAP masks. By the way, most masks will work on any of the machines. This posting is to define how PAP masks will be reviewed. Which is the following:

Category
Full Face Mask, Nasal/Triangle mask, Nasal Pillows

Contents
Many times only the size you ordered is enclosed. Sometimes more than one size is included. Other materials are presented as well, for example the manual and occasionally other literature.

Ingenuity
This section will comment on the uniqueness of its design, sophistication, and the materials used. In general, the following questions will be addressed: What is different about the mask? What is traditional about the mask?

Application
How easy was it to use? Headgear commentary, putting the mask on, adjusting the mask and headgear, adjustability in general, and the noise output will be touched on.

Seal Durability
I found with different masks, there are different levels of seal durability. That is, is it prone to leak, will the seal hold with head movement, will the seal hold when you are resting it on a pillow?

Cleaning
This category will analyze the breakdown of the mask for cleaning. These questions will be answered: How many pieces does it break down to? Any special instructions? Is it easy to break down?

Overall Impression
Whatever the other categories didn’t cover will be covered here and perhaps a brief summary.

Stay tuned for more posts!!!

Executive Summary

There are many choices when it comes to CPAP masks. Some may use the term "overwhelming" when it comes to choosing a mask for you. Using my experience and expertise, I will try to provide some guidance and insight in order to make your choice a little easier. In the times to come, this blog will focus on different styles of masks and reviews of specific masks.