The Best CPAP Mask Of 2023 Is Actually Last Year's News

Fisher & Paykel (F&P) has recently become one of the top manufacturers of PAP supplies. In an attempt to compete with ResMed and Philips Respironics, F&P released several new CPAP masks in 2021 and 2022. One of them was the Vitera Full-Face CPAP mask. This model may be “last year’s news,” but our experts agree it’s still making remarkable changes in the lives of sleep apnea patients today. That’s why Aeroflow Sleep ranks the Fisher & Paykel Vitera Full-Face CPAP Mask the best of 2023.

First and foremost, we took a look at the features that set the Vitera apart from the rest, identified how each feature can benefit our patients, and sought to answer some of your mask-related FAQs, as they pertain to the Vitera.

Let’s start with the mask’s unique VentiCool headgear. Excessive sweating is a common side effect of sleep apnea, so F&P created VentiCool technology; a custom-made, breathable fabric that they say “allows 21 times more airflow and 35% more moisture transfer than the material used in [the] leading range of full-face masks.”

New features aren’t the only benefit, of course. You’ll get several of F&P’s classically favorite innovations incorporated into Vitera; such as…

And, that’s not all; now, we see how F&P has addressed your frequently asked questions when developing the Vitera mask…

Does The Vitera Full-Face Mask Reduce Red Marks?

YES - Another amazing benefit to the plush Vitera headgear is its optional stability bar. The plastic piece that lines the bridge of the nose is now removable, because in addition to your typical headgear clips, there’s a new forehead clip! This helps reduce red marks, nose sores, and skin irritation. It even protects patients who have oily skin from excessive acne! Plus, your mask seal stays intact thanks to Rollfit XT Seal, Vitera’s red mark-reducing cushion.

Can Side Sleepers Use The Vitera?

YES - The aforementioned Rollfit XT Seal is also what makes Vitera one of the best full face masks for side sleepers. While it does reduce red marks, Rollfit’s primary goal is comfort in every sleeping position. “Roll” is in the name, because it dynamically adapts to the wearer’s movements during the night. Active sleepers, side sleepers, you name it; they had you in mind. Besides, side-sleeping is the best position, especially for sleep apnea patients.

Does The Vitera Have Magnets?

NO - CPAP masks by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare do NOT contain magnets. The recall currently impacting Philips Respironics mask users has made this a common question, because it was discovered in September 2022 that, when a patient who uses a CPAP mask with magnets has implanted medical devices or metallic objects in the body, injury or death can occur. Thankfully, this is not something you have to worry about with Vitera or other F&P masks.

Have More Questions?

Watch Michelle Worley, RN and Aeroflow Sleep's Director of Clinical Operations show you how to set up, fit, clean, and tell if your Vitera is leaking in this video:

Speaking of other F&P masks, You’ve got Simplus, Evora, plus their nasal masks; like Eson 2 and Brevida. What’s the difference between these and Vitera? Aeroflow Sleep sheds light on every one…

Simplus VS Vitera

The differences between Simplus and Vitera are few and far between, but Simplus does show its age with the things the two share. While Vitera has Venticool Technology, Simplus has ErgoForm headgear; it’s a breathable fabric, but it’s not cooling. Then, you have RollFit, which was introduced with Simplus but had yet to adapt to the wearer’s movements beyond the bridge of the nose, inviting mask leaks.

The standalone feature Simplus has that Vitera lacks is its one-frame-fits-all, so you don’t have to bother with a fitpack to determine which size full-face cushion is best.

Evora VS Vitera

Evora actually comes in two mask types: full-face and nasal. That’s the main way Evora differs from Vitera, but we’ll focus on the two full-face CPAP masks for an accurate, apples-to-apples comparison.

Released in 2021, the Evora Full-Face CPAP mask is Fisher & Paykel’s new mask. It does offer VentiCool Technology, Advanced Air Diffusers, and soft, silicone mask cushions; just like Vitera. It does NOT have a stability bar (for those who do want its dynamic support,) nor does Evora have VisiBlue Highlights. Nevertheless, Aeroflow Sleep does highly recommend Evora as a second-best full-face option.

Brevida VS Vitera

Brevida is the last mask manufactured by Fisher & Paykel and their only nasal pillow CPAP mask. Their AirPillow is the nasal pillow equivalent of Vitera’s RollFit XT Cushion, inflating to form a gentle seal in and around the nose. Like Vitera, it also offers adjustable headgear, and similar to Eson 2, it includes VisiBlue Highlights. There’s no VentiCool Technology though.

Finally, Vitera’s Advanced Air Diffusers are superior to Brevida’s, because they are built into the mask frame. Brevida has a diffuser too, but it’s a separate part; a separate part that still needs to be cleaned regularly. In this case, one more feature is not a selling point.

Now, let’s touch on how the last two CPAP masks compared weren’t full-face masks at all. Sure this is a blog about how Aeroflow Sleep is naming Vitera Full-Face the best CPAP mask of 2023, but is it the best CPAP mask for you?

There are several types of CPAP masks, and when choosing a CPAP mask, you may need to try something other than Vitera. Here’s why:

Full-Face Masks

A full-face CPAP mask (like Vitera) covers both your nose and mouth. It’s ideal for mouth breathers or for people who sleep with their mouth open, because you don’t need a separate chinstrap to close your mouth like you would if you wore a nasal mask. PAP users with seasonal allergies, chronic respiratory infections, and high pressure settings can benefit from a full-face mask for this reason too. However, it is not a good pick for anyone with claustrophobia.

Nasal Masks

You are less likely to feel claustrophobic with a nasal CPAP mask. Nasal masks are smaller than their full-face counterparts, covering the nose only. Newer models (F&P’s Evora Nasal CPAP Mask) even sit beneath your nose, cradling the nostrils and lessening the overall amount of mask parts in your line of sight. This makes nasal masks ideal for patients who enjoy reading or watching TV before bed.

You should not choose a nasal CPAP mask if you are frequently congested, have had a broken nose, or were ever diagnosed with a deviated septum. These conditions limit airflow through your nose, and the air pressure from CPAP therapy will be limited as well. Reconsider the Vitera or another full-face CPAP mask in these instances.

Nasal Pillow Masks

The last of the traditional CPAP masks is the nasal pillow. Earlier, we mentioned the AirPillows among the Fisher & Paykel Brevida features. Well, the “pillows” in this nasal pillow mask are two soft, silicone pads that fit in your nostrils. Seems invasive, but it’s actually quite comfortable and makes for the smallest, lightest mask on the market; perfect for claustrophobia.

Nasal pillow masks are also preferred by patients who want a guaranteed mask seal. If you have facial hair, you won’t have to shave! Patients with higher pressure settings shouldn’t consider a nasal pillow mask though, because the tiny pillows could pop out.

In fact, Aeroflow Sleep covers all Fisher & Paykel CPAP masks up to 100% through insurance; Vitera included! We do this in 3 simple steps:

1. We verify that your insurance provider is in-network with Aeroflow Sleep.
2. We contact your doctor for all required paperwork and prescriptions.
3. We ship your order of PAP supplies anywhere in the continental United States.

Ask your dedicated Aeroflow Sleep Specialist about ordering a Fisher & Paykel Vitera Full-Face Mask fit pack today, and if you don’t agree that it’s the best of 2023, we’ll replace your Vitera with a new CPAP mask within 30 days of shipping.

You can even swap manufacturers. Try a ResMed AirFit or Philips Respironics Dreamwear next; we really don’t care! What we do care about is that you get the best night’s sleep in the best mask for you, this year and every year.

References

Guilleminault C, Black JE, Palombini L, Ohayon M. A clinical investigation of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) patients. Sleep Med. 2000 Feb 1;1(1):51-56. doi: 10.1016/s1389-9457(99)00011-8. PMID: 10733620.