Review of Fisher and Paykel Evora Full Face Mask

I've always used nasal masks with my continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine for my sleep apnea, but recently my nasal mask has been leaking so I decided to try a different style of mask. This is my review of the Fisher and Paykel Evora Full Face Mask.

There was a lot of trial and error when it came to fitting this mask to my face and I would like to share my experience with anyone considering trying it.

Why I chose this mask

Full face masks are generally recommended for CPAP users who breathe through their mouth. That is not the case with me, but I do get congested when I lie down. Normally, when I use my nasal mask, the congestion doesn't bother me. However, I thought I wouldn't know if I liked it if I didn't try it.

Initial thoughts

Firstly, as you will see in the video, I had to put the straps over my head before attaching the clips. Whereas, with my nasal mask, I could keep 1 side of the clip attached, slip the headgear on then clip the other side.

Secondly, it was a strange sensation to feel air blowing across my lips when I am used to only feeling it on my nose.

Finally, the mask seemed to take over my entire face because of the difference in size as compared to my nasal mask.

Pros and cons

After trying this mask for over a month, this is what I liked about it:

• Once I turned my machine on, and during the ramp period, I felt a really good seal.
• The mask is easy to disassemble for cleaning and reassemble afterwards.
• The headgear can be thrown in the washing machine for better cleaning.

However, for me the cons outweigh the pros:

• I found this mask still leaks even after many adjustments.
• Even the slightest over-tightening caused pain in my face.
• It's not great for side sleepers because of the molded plastic part.
• I did have more instances of dry mouth while using it.
• The fixed hose attachment makes it more challenging to turn and change positions.

In conclusion, I will be sticking to my nasal pillow for now, but I won't give up trying out different masks until I find the perfect 1 for me.

What CPAP mask do you use? Please share a comment.