I've moved on from the F&P Simplus to the F&P Vitera

I like the Simplus overall but I kept having a problem where I would find that throughout the night the mask cushion would move a bit while sleeping, perhaps due to my jaw relaxing or some other issue. It would either wake me from a bit of noise or I would have to kind of readjust the cushion. I also had to tighten the headgear a bit more than I would like to prevent leaks with my higher pressures. I would notice upon waking that my respiratory rates were always pretty high because I was rapidly breathing through the mouth for whatever reason. I will say that I hardly ever had leaks though.

The Vitera seems to cover more surface area on my face and the seal is very secure whereby after 3 nights the mask cushion has not moved a single bit. Same size cushion. No marks on the face or anything. No waking up or lying awake to adjust anything at all. I find the secure fit is helpful because I don't have to tighten the headgear a bunch even with high pressures. While I still mouth breathe, this has apparently allowed me to move around more in bed without an issue, and the data shows improved statistics. My average respiratory rate is lower, and my tidal volumes are higher with the same pressure settings. I would say it's a fluke but it's been the same story 3 nights in a row without changing anything else. I feel better overall as well during the day. It's not perfect but it is a noticeable improvement to a modest degree.

Aside from the slight cushion change, they also updated the headgear a bit making it lighter/breathable. It's still "old" in the sense that it has upper and lower straps, both which are simple Velcro and clips instead of *magnet technology*. But it is rather adjustable and once it's set up I made no further changes and just put the mask on without adjusting any straps further which is nice.

The one "con" I have noticed is that the mask seems to make a bit more noise in venting air, and I have to be more careful in how I position the hose and mask while lying down. But a little adjustment and the problem is rather muted.

Overall I'd say it's a good mask but rather disappointing they didn't upgrade the headgear much (how it attaches) or the venting noise like other newer masks. It's also expensive so if you already own the Simplus I think for more people it's not worth the "upgrade."

Does the Vitera mask work with the old SImplus headgear and frame?

mcguirejohnr wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 5:35 pm

Does the Vitera mask work with the old SImplus headgear and frame?

I do not believe so. Company wants its money.