I suffer from a severe case of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). I began CPAP therapy approximately 5 years ago at a very high pressure - 20 cmH2O. Overnight, I discovered the benefits of CPAP and the one main drawback - the discomfort and "wear and tear" on the bridge of my nose, caused by the full-face mask prescribed by the Respirologist and Sleep Therapists who attended me. My need for high pressure delivery prevented the use of a nasal mask or anything other than full-face delivery; and it seemed as though I was destined to have skin chafing and irritation, along with the other little annoyances that arrive when one uses a face mask for breathing therapy. The tension needed on the headgear to hold the mask in place (due to the high pressure), created its own discomforts on my neck and the back of my head.

During the course of the first year on CPAP , I tried various brands of masks and found that they all had the same difficulties in providing a good seal without causing discomfort. Then, something changed in my therapy, definitely for the better. The Respiratory Technician who provided my equipment contacted me, as she does on a regular basis. She mentioned that a company in New Zealand, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, was beta testing a new full-face mask and asked if I wanted to be a part of that trial. I agreed, hoping for some improvement in my breathing therapy. The Technician visited me, assisted me in fitting and using the new mask, and I have been a staunch user and supporter of F&P ever since the first night I wore that trial mask.

The comfort and superior seal that I obtain has been a key to successful OSA therapy. I continued to require increased pressure, and was converted to BiPAP therapy with an inspiratory pressure of 30 cmH2O. With virtually every other mask I had tried, this very high pressure caused numerous leaks - with the usual squealing, hissing and all those other rude noises that escaping air makes - but NOT with the F&P mask. I found that the FlexiFit mask and the silicone face seals gave me the fit that delivered all the airflow needed and maintained excellent comfort as well. I recently 'graduated' to the latest Fisher & Paykel mask, the 432 and I can testify that its soft inner cushion goes even further to provide comfort while wearing this mask. I am just now in the process of obtaining the new extra-large seals, since those will be of help and even greater comfort.

I cannot praise F&P highly enough, for their efforts to provide genuine relief to OSA patients like me. The ongoing refinements that their design team has implemented to their masks, such as the improved venting that reduces the noise made by exhaled air; and the sliding clip assembly that allows me to move in my sleep without dislodging the mask - these unique innovations have made breathing therapy a reality for me and have allowed me to live a normal life again. Prior to initiating breathing therapy for my OSA, I was in danger of losing my career and my health. Now, I have regained the ability to sleep restfully and deeply, and my doctors continually give me a good report on the state of my well-being. I am a trainer and facilitator and a consultant, and being totally rested, alert and energized for each day is of critical importance to my career. I get all this from effective Bi-level PAP therapy, and F&P is a huge part of that for me.

It is said that Sleep Apnea is the mystery disease that may possibly be linked to many other conditions. If this is so, then I commend Fisher & Paykel for taking giant steps to innovate comfortable full-face masks for breathing therapy.

Sincerely,

Allan Soifer
Ontario
Canada