Problematic full-face mask (F&P Vitera) & not-so-nimble fingers. Help, please?

[Helena]

My very elderly mother, who has arthritis in her hands, just received a Fisher-&-Paykel "Vitera" mask.

The mask closures on each side are a plastic hook device that must go on a plastic frame and be securely "jerked" into place.

She is not physically able to do this.


She can open the closure mechanisms, but cannot attach them and jerk them into place.

She needs to open the mask many times during the night to get a drink of water or blow her nose.

We do not always have a night-time helper who could open and close her mask ca. 20 times each night.

I have just removed the plastic-slider mechanisms, with the hooks, that attach the velcro straps to the plastic frame, so that she can open and close the straps directly with the velcro straps. She will test this tonight.

She has been using a ResMed F30i, with many leaks, and much discomfort, and is now trying this Vitera to see how it does.

Any ideas on how else we could adapt this or that to have the Vitera straps open and close?

Thanks very much, again.

[SarcasticDave94]

I just push the hooks into the slots till they click. Tugging shouldn't be needed. To remove, the hooks can be pivoted to pop them out.

[Helena]

Dave, thanks for your message. The Vitera she received has closure hooks that do not just slide onto the bracket. One must get the hook into the proper place and then give it a good tug, otherwise it does not go into place.

Hmmmmm.

[SideSleeper]

At age 80 and with just slightly stiff hands, not so nimble anymore, I had problems with that mask also during the night. I use an Air Touch F20 with the foam. Resmed masks unhook the mask tubing from the mask easily and I use a bendable straw from a hospital water pitcher right through the hole where the tube hooks up--don't have to take off the mask to have a drink and not so hard on hands.

[DaveL]

You are all amazing! This is a magical place to get help.

[StratCat48]

I've been using the F&P Vitera full face mask for a couple of years. It's worked well for me. As I've replaced the assembly that has the hooks a few times, I've found that some of the hooks go on easily, some not so much. Likely just a small difference in the manufacturing.

When I put the mask on I grip the plastic hook on the sides with my thumb and middle finger and my index finger at the front of  the hook and push it back to hear a click as goes on. This may be a challenge for some with limited dexterity. The video below quickly shows the mounting of the hooks.

A couple ideas that may help making the hooks easier to get on....
- Try dobbing a small bit of Vaseline on the hook or the part it hooks to. The Vaseline may help it slide on easier.

- If still tight to get on, using a fine grit emory board, carefully sand off a small amount of the plastic on the inside of the hook. Take small amounts off and retry, so as to not remove too much and make for a loose fit that could detach easily.

[Gumby Bunny]

If she likes and needs the forehead support part, maybe try the  Quattro Air Full Face Mask

[Helena]

Thank you, all, so very much. I appreciate your help.