Fisher & Paykel Evora Nasal CPAP Mask

(I was lucky enough to be included in a free trial for this mask, so full disclosure there)

I'll be honest. I expected not to like this mask. I have been using a Respironics (Model: 1116700) and really like it. Unlike the masks I used for years, instead of the hose attaching in front of my face, it attaches at the top of the head, and that was great. Out of the way. So going back to this style, I expected to hate it.

It does suffer from the irritation that all masks have for me that have the hose connection up front. My CPAP is at the side of the bed, so inevitably the hose slides off the side of the bed and then it's tugging at my face. Can unseal the mask-argh. Can just wake me up with the sudden tug-argh. This mask doesn't have a swivel at the attachment, which I worried about, but that didn't turn out to be a problem at all.

So... bottom line. I didn't go back to the Respironics. Here's why: once I figured out which size of attachment to use (sidebar fact, first time ever the default size wasn't the perfect one for me) this is the most comfortable mask I ever put on. This is all personal preference of course, but I don't even feel it on my face, or at least it is less of an intrusion than any of the masks I've used. I think the interesting "baseball cap" thing helps a ton, being a stiffer frame for the mask. I like this mask, so I will have an interesting decision when it comes time to replace the ones I have now. I was very pleasantly surprised.

The baseball cap style headgear is the best invention ever. It didn't leave marks on my face in the morning. I had trouble finding the right size mask but after a few trials I settled on the large. Like all masks I have tried this one will leak before morning but no worse than the rest. This is a good setup and with some minor improvements on the mask fit it would be perfect. A swivel on the hose connection would help.

Super light and easy to put on in the dark. My dogs wake me up quite often and the ease of putting it back on in the dark is important

Took a few nights of playing with the adjustments to really get a perfect fit. I had the side straps too low at first, but when i actually followed the instructions it was better.

The mask is not perfect, i do roll around somewhat and tend to incur leaks, but every mask has this issue for me. I follow the directions, pull the cushion away and reseat it and off i go.

Best part for me is not having the " mask ring" around my nose in the morning.

I dont think this will totally replace my other mask, i do like to switch up from time to time, but definitely one of the 2 best masks i have used. I really found nothing about this mask i did not like.

Full transparency, I was provided the mask for free as a tester, but I honestly love the mask.

First impression out of the box BEFORE first night's sleep: WOW! What a relief!! No more Gecko Pad - no more nose bridge pain waking me at night and leaving its mark!!

Easy to fit, just had to look at the picture, GLAD to have gotten the full nose piece kit, and turns out medium seems to work well enough.

First 5 minute quick try & good seal.

ONE PROBLEM: Like every other mask I've used it's just too shallow and the tip of my nose rubs against the white plastic mounting flange that the nose piece hose connects to. Furthermore, that edge is very sharp and cuts the tip of my nose. After the second night of use it caused a cut on the tip of my nose to the extent that it bled. An extra 1/4 inch depth of the nose piece or 1/2 inch greater diameter of the flange would sure be nice, and smoothing the sharp edge on that flange or changing the blue mounting ring on the nice piece to overlap that knife sharp edge wouldn't be a bad idea.

THAT was after night 3. I noticed what seemed like restricted air flow on night 3 and thought it was just stuffed sinuses, but then I had the same feeling on night 4 and THEN I could feel the rubber from the MEDIUM nose piece blocking one nostril. So on night 5 I switched to the LARGE, although I knew that it would position the tip of my nose closer to the mounting flange (which it did) to the extend that by morning the laceration on the tip of my nose was enough to drip blood. The air flow was GREAT and the comfort perfect, but I couldn't continue to endure the cutting.

END OF TEST: Very very reluctantly night 6 and on I'll be back to my old discontinued mask.

Too bad; except for the one flaw it was a great relief and so very very comfortable and I was so sure I'd found the new mask I was looking for. I'm sure for a person with a smaller nose it would be great, but for me I just can't use it as is.

I have tried several other products and prefer this product by far. It is most comfortable and lightweight. I don't feel closed in or restricted. I am very satisfied:)