Respironics WISP Nasal CPAP Mask and Headgear

by Anonymous on July 13, 2013

I hate it. To be fair, I came from a swift II, so having a frame on my face is a big setback in my mind. I think the "minimal contact experience" Respironics is flogging is a bit disingenuous. The nose piece is smaller - that's it. There's no *less* contact - just "different* contact. I do like that it had a smaller profile that a regular nasal mask and more padding, but don't get too confident - you can lie on it wrong and that hard frame will bite right into your nose, and it's worse than it would be at your bridge. The hard, stiff frame on the face is insufferable. A Resmed mirage fx is a much more comfortable experience, and if it were not for the large profile that gets in the way and the leaks into the eyes I'd go right back to that. And speaking of leaks...well, leaks still happen with the Wisp, of course, but they aren't right at your eyes, so there's a plus. The vent is on the hose and turns whichever way you want - there's another plus. I use a heated hose, though, which is heavy and pulls the vent into position to vent right - you guessed it - into my eyes, so that one comes out no loss no gain. That darned button - I'm so embarrassed now, but I absolutely couldn't figure out how to use it. Everyone kept calling it a snap so I thought it should do something different. Well, it is at least flat. It will break your nails, so learn to twist it instead lifting. I find it the most difficult mask that I've ever owned to figure out in the middle of the night. I'm constantly putting it on sideways...upside down...no idea why and it may be just me. I can't wait until the insurance company will pay for a different mask. For comparison - I'm slight, small to average sized, oval face, use the petite mask, have a shortish nose.

by Anonymous on January 10, 2013

I just got this mask and I love it. It does not leak or leave marks on my face.

by Anonymous on December 16, 2013

I like the design and fit... However, the quality of construction of the headgear is very poor. I've had 2 of these masks in a very short time and find the fabric tears, plastic snaps. I hope they will improve the quality quickly or I will have to go to another brand.

by Anonymous on March 22, 2013

I have been using this mask for over a month and I love it. I have 2 problems with it but they do not involve the actualy mask part. First is the circle around the ears they need to be bigger. The bottom strap makes my earlobes sore. Second is the snaps will let go sometimes when I roll over. I have long hair so they get caught up once they come off and it's hard to get it back together in the dark. Please fix these issues because like I said I really love the facial fit on the mask itself. It never leaks or moves and it has never made a place on my face.

by Anonymous on November 20, 2015

I hate this mask. It leaks way too much, blowing air into my eyes and across my face. I get the mask positioned just right when I go to bed, but then wake up in the middle of the night with it leaking. I'm a side sleeper and my pillow pushes against the frame on one side and pushes the mask out of position during the night. I normally use some flexible tape from the drug store to tape the top sides of the mask into place but eventually it leaks despite that. I wake up, try repositioning the mask, pulling it tighter or loosening it, etc. to see if I can fix the leaks. If I can't, then I have to get up, turn on the light, take off the tape, re-set the mask on my face again, then go back to bed and see if the problem has been fixed. All in all, it is an INFURIATING problem. Hard to say which is worse - sleep interruptions form apnea or sleep interruptions due to the damn mask leaking. After MUCH trial and error, I went back to the my cpap provider and got some nasal pillows to try instead. I hope those work better. The wisp mask might be good for back sleepers, but it sucks for me.

by Anonymous on July 28, 2013

New to cpap. This was the recomended mask. It was very light weight, that was nice, but after 2 months time it seem to breakdown, fabric mask broke, the garters don't stay hooked, anyone know of something simlar that may work better

by Anonymous on January 22, 2013

Just got my Bi-Pap about a month ago. Initial mask would not work for me. They had a Wisp in stock and gave it to me to try. It is wonderful, works great and I love it. I have, however, found one flaw so far. After just one month, the main "garter snap" to take off the mask is coming apart. They may have to strenghen that up, but otherwise it is great.

by tmphayes on August 21, 2016

The Wisp is worst quality mask I've ever used. I've had to replace both the headgear and nasal mask after two months use. It has to be adjusted at least nightly and often, hourly. Respronics's Wisp quality control is beyond shoddy.

by Anonymous on June 21, 2015

Been using this headgear with wisp mask for probably 9 months. Like the headgear a lot with the exception that the garter snap is a little difficult to handle one handedly. Prefer the wisp mask to the one with the pillow, but there's a lot more leakage; medium size is too small and the large fits right if I could just get the tension correct to keep it from riding up to my eyeline. In other words, I like the concpet of this equipment...just need to learn how to get it right for me. Maybe a soft cloth line would eliminate the sliding up and leakage. All that being said, I still prefer this headgear and mask as opposed to the headgear with forehead strap and pillow mask.

by Anonymous on May 14, 2018

I've used this mask for years.. The quality of the headgear has improved a lot but still needs to be better. I've used both the plastic and cloth frame. The plastic seems to last a bit longer but both masks will crack and break much before they should. I sacrifice the longevity of the mask because it is comfortable and fits well. Don't know why they can't create a headgear with a thicker and more durable product at the main pressure points.

by Anonymous on June 11, 2016

I recently tried the Wisp mask and I love it. It's the best mask.

by Anonymous on November 18, 2013

This is the best mask ever.. It seals immediately stays sealed & is very comfortable. Solid...

by Anonymous on April 10, 2013

Disappointed. After fifteen years of trying different masks, the Respironics Nasal Wisp would be near the bottom of the pile. The idea is great; something small and unobtrusive. From there, it starts going down. The air vent is too close to my nose (smaller than average). The amount of wind passing by is too cold, no matter how warm I make my heater-humidifier. The head gear keeps folding up into a twisted pile every time I take it off. The extra foot of tubing with the connector on the end has too much weight and swats me upside the head when I turn over. When I connected it to the top of the head gear, I have woke up with the tubing wrapped around my neck. I thought this was supposed to help me breathe, not strangulate me. Otherwise, it is great.

by Anonymous on September 2, 2015

I've had the wisp for a while now. It's hard for me to get it adjusted just right. If I get it where it doesn't leak then it digs into my face right beside my nose. I have also had to use it without water because I wake up and feel like I'm drowning. Even though I don't have that on,I still have a large amount of moisture in my mask and have to take it off and dry my nose. I have tried other masks and so far this one is the best fit. Some of them slip all over my head unless I tighten them to the point of having it dig into my face/nose. Honestly I hate wearing one at all because I'm a little claustrophobic. I do wake up at times with an extremely dry mouth too.

by Anonymous on February 8, 2014

Hated it! Poorly fitting mask where even the large sized was restricting and uncomfortable. The head gear is awkward and stiff. Couldn't sleep until I went back to my old pillow mask. Would return for refund except the package had to be opened to test it out. Buyer beware.

by Anonymous on November 21, 2012

i would like to have my son try this mask because the other mask is leaving marks on his face

by Anonymous on March 9, 2013

I got the Wisp Phillips Cpap mask, however, the adapter for using oxygen with it does not fit on the hose adapter. What am I doing wrong?