Any experience with Respironics ComfortGel mask?

editrix · Post by **editrix** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 5:52 am

After a week, it looks like the process of adjustment to this thing is going to take a loooong time -- like months, not weeks. Meanwhile, my years-long average of 4 to 6 hours' sleep per night is not likely to change any time soon. Instead of helping me sleep, the CPAP machine (REMstar M Series Plus with heated humidifier) has become just one more of several reasons why I can't sleep and am still just as tired and impaired during the day as I ever was.

I might count it as progress that I apparently stayed asleep on the thing for more than three hours last night, except that I turned in shortly after 9 p.m. just from sheer exhaustion (having been up since 4 a.m., having a very long and tiring day, and generally running a long sleep deficit anyway). Then from 12:45 until 4 a.m., it was the usual fitful series of dozes interspersed with struggles to keep adjusting the mask, which was annoying me (and being ineffective, to boot) by leaking the air flow onto various parts of my face. It really works best if I were to sleep on my back, but I sleep on my side. Movements from back to side or side to side usually dislodge the mask in some way so I have to readjust it (which doesn't just involve moving it around on my face but usually adjusting the various straps on this contraption as well, not to mention that the chin strap keeps slipping, which makes it useless to prevent air leaks -- in turn causing an extremely dry throat and mouth -- through mouth breathing). My face has to be "just so" over the edge of the pillow to keep out of the mask's way, yet gravity usually makes it shift off center, thus causing the leaks.

I am now wondering whether I have even been given the right kind of mask. No one else on cpaptalk.com seems to be using the Respironics ComfortGel Nasal Mast http://comfortgel.respironics.com/, and I have since learned that there are a gazillion kinds of different masks on the market, each touting different benefits. It seems like the choice of mask is a hugely individual matter because a mask that works great for some may suck for others. Moreover, it's highly annoying that I cannot read or do a crossword puzzle just before I fall asleep, as is my habit. I cannot wear my glasses while wearing this mask, so both those activities are out. Playing even soft music just keeps me awake. I have to read to make myself sleepy, then fiddle with the mask and the straps for five-plus minutes before turning the machine on, by which time I'm awake again from the exertion. There are masks that will let me keep my glasses on. They all look make me look and sound like either an astronaut, Darth Vader, or some kind of Star Trek alien, so the apperance doesn't make much difference.

As soon as I can manage to wrest a copy of my sleep study results from at least one of the doctors who has it (you have no idea how long I've been asking for it, to no avail), I'm making an appointment with a doctor who's a sleep specialist who perhaps will give a a flying fig. My whole life, including my work performance, is really impaired by not being able to get a good night's sleep. I have to do something.

(Also, I keep trying to edit my profile here to contain more information, but when I enter the changes and click "submit," the changes never show up. Any advice on how to edit my profile would be welcome.)

Thanks, everyone.
Mary

sleepyinsunnyvale · Post by **sleepyinsunnyvale** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 2:36 pm

I've been using the Comfort Gel mask for about 3 years now. I like it a lot. No leak issues and it doesn't require constant adjustment (at least for me).
However, I don't have need to wear my glasses when the mask is on so that isn't an issue for me.
I *think* the Hybrid mask allows you to wear glasses when it's on. I'm sure someone with more information will add to this.

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 2:44 pm

Hi Mary,
It is common knowledge here on the forum that the majority of masks with "Comfort" in their names provide no comfort at all. From time to time you'll hear from people that like them,but the majority of users don't. Unfortunately, a mask is a very individual thing - it's hard to tell what you'll actually like until you've tried it.

My favorite is the Aura (Headrest) by Aeiomed. Everyone has their favorite, though, as well as a mask they just can't stand (for me it was the F&P HC431, but you'll also find people on the board that love that one as well).

Good luck!

Vader · Post by **Vader** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 4:05 pm

CollegeGirl wrote:Hi Mary,
It is common knowledge here on the forum that the majority of masks with "Comfort" in their names provide no comfort at all.

ROFL!
whoa, don't hold back, tell us what you really think.

For *me*, the Comfort Gel in particular offered ZERO comfort. I would rate it as the very worst that I've tried (I still have a scar from it) But one thing most reasonable folks believe is that ALL masks are quite a personal preference thing.
It seems that almost every one is equally loved and hated.

sleepless_in_ny · Post by **sleepless_in_ny** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 4:15 pm

The Comfort Gel was my second mask tried. All in all I have tried at least 7 in the past year. The Comfort Gell is up there for me. The Activa is running a close second.
It is such a trial and error and individual thing to find the right mask. I did not like the original Comfort Lite, not was I crazy about the Comfort Lite 2, F&P 407 is just okay, I don't get leaks but lots of redness. The Swift and I didn't get along as I am a side sleeper and the hose on one side doesn't work for me. The Tiara Snapp is poor.
So you really have to take all the input and then take a shot, if it works great if not try something else.
With all this said it did take a while just to get use to the entire set up. But in the long run I find I will wake to adjust the mask but go right back to sleep. In the morning I feel rested and that is a huge difference.
Also remember to remove and oils from your face and your mask. That is real important to get a good seal

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 4:16 pm

The Hybrid will let you wear your glasses with it on.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 7:27 pm

I started using the Comfortgel "m", over a month ago, after using FF Masks for over a year. I got it used, and new it wouldn't work, but it does pretty well, and is less trouble than the FF Masks.

But for you if you don't tape, you are doomed to failure, chin straps most often don't work. If you can't hold in the air you don't get treatment. A FF Mask will at least get you treatment.

XPAP treatment works best if you use it when you are ready to sleep, T.V. and Crosswords are better done before using XPAP. The last thing you need to sleep is something to keep your mind active. Jim

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 7:51 pm

The Comfort Gel gave me fits; switched to the profile Lite been in love from night one!!!!!!!!

rjgreen3

path2others · Post by **path2others** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 9:14 pm

The only way I can get the Comfort Gel not to leak was to tighten the straps to the point of leaving pressure marks on my face. I find the Swift Nasal pillow much more comfortable. I am going to try the Hybrid as soon as I can get Medicare to pay for it. I hope you can find a comfortable "fit" soon and can start making up for all of that lost sleep. Don

editrix · Post by **editrix** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 1:13 pm

sleepyinsunnyvale wrote:I *think* the Hybrid mask allows you to wear glasses when it's on. I'm sure someone with more information will add to this.

Thanks! I've started to print out information on a bunch of different masks so I can possibly try a different one as soon as insurance will pay for it (new mask every three to six months, I'm told). I just printed out the info. on the Hybrid. It's a little frustrating (and expensive!) that this has to be so trial-and-error for everyone, but that's the impression I'm getting. Thanks again.

editrix · Post by **editrix** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 1:17 pm

CollegeGirl wrote:It is common knowledge here on the forum that the majority of masks with "Comfort" in their names provide no comfort at all. From time to time you'll hear from people that like them,but the majority of users don't. Unfortunately, a mask is a very individual thing - it's hard to tell what you'll actually like until you've tried it.

My favorite is the Aura (Headrest) by Aeiomed.

LOL about "Comfort" in the names. You may be right! Too bad it has to be so trial-and-error. I just wish I could find a way to get a decent night's sleep in the interim.

I've printed out the info on the Aura, too. Thanks!

editrix · Post by **editrix** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 1:57 pm

[quote="Vader] For *me*, the Comfort Gel in particular offered ZERO comfort. I would rate it as the very worst that I've tried (I still have a scar from it) But one thing most reasonable folks believe is that ALL masks are quite a personal preference thing.
It seems that almost every one is equally loved and hated. [/quote]

It's certainly been an education. I once thought that CPAP treatment was CPAP treatment, you know? I had no idea there were so many varieties. I've been doing all this reading, but I have to agree that I probably won't know what will work best until I try it.

On average, how long would you say it has taken you to adjust (to whatever extent you're going to) to any particular mask? I don't know how much of the problem is just a matter of getting used to having anything on my face at all. I do think that anything that would let me keep my glasses on so I can read until I get sleepy would be real helpful. I will probably choose one of those options next, if possible.

Thanks for responding.

editrix · Post by **editrix** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 2:05 pm

[quote="sleepless_in_ny"]The Comfort Gel was my second mask tried. All in all I have tried at least 7 in the past year. The Comfort Gell is up there for me. The Activa is running a close second.
. . . So you really have to take all the input and then take a shot, if it works great if not try something else.
With all this said it did take a while just to get use to the entire set up. But in the long run I find I will wake to adjust the mask but go right back to sleep. In the morning I feel rested and that is a huge difference.
Also remember to remove and oils from your face and your mask. That is real important to get a good seal

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 2:53 pm

If you really want your prescription and the doc doesn't seem to respond let me suggest the following that worked for me. I know work can get in the way, but if you dedicate one day to it I think there is a high probability of it working. GO in the morning as the office is opening. Walk in and tell the receptionist what you want and that you have asked before and that you can wait.

Sit there in the waiting room, checking periodically with the staff to see when the doc can do it or ok the staff to give it to you from you file (where it most certainly already resides.

This lets them know you are serious.

Good luck!

editrix · Post by **editrix** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 3:31 pm

[quote="snoregirl"]If you really want your prescription and the doc doesn't seem to respond let me suggest the following that worked for me. I know work can get in the way, but if you dedicate one day to it I think there is a high probability of it working. GO in the morning as the office is opening. Walk in and tell the receptionist what you want and that you have asked before and that you can wait.

Sit there in the waiting room, checking periodically with the staff to see when the doc can do it or ok the staff to give it to you from you file (where it most certainly already resides.

This lets them know you are serious.

Good luck!