LiteBreeze

[Guest]

This post is for those of you who have gathered a few spare mask parts and still have not found the perfect fit. For the last several weeks I have been using a highly modified breeze which I find to be the most comfortable mask that I have used. I have been using CPAP for over 2 years now and have used a couple of masks before switching to the Breeze then to the Swift.

Anyway, if you want to try this, you will need an old mask that has the adjustable bar with pads that fit against your forehead and has the strap connections. Respironics comfort, Resmed Mirage, etc. and you will need the complete hose guide and pillow assembly from an old Breeze and a strap.

Remove the hose guide assembly and discard the entire back of the Breeze.

Standing in front of a mirror, hold the hose guide assembly up to your face allowing the top to rest on your head just above your forehead.
Depending on the shape of your head, you may need to cut off some or all of the adjustment tab on the top of the hose guide. Use a small saw or a Dremel etc.

Adjust the angle and height of the pillows using the adjustments at the bottom of the hose guide to obtain a comfortable fit with the top resting against your head.

Remove the forehead piece from the old mask and discard the rest.
Cut off the adjustment arm so that you are left with only the cross piece, pads, and strap attachment.

Using hot melt glue, attach this piece to the hose guide at a position that will allow it to sit comfortably against your forehead.
Glue a small pad of comfortable material to the top of the hose guide where it will touch your head.

Attach an elastic strap to the cross piece that will reach around your head.

Put it on and make the final comfort adjustments to the pillow assembly

Enjoy!

The process described above may sound difficult, but it is really easy and can be done in about 30 min. The completed mask is very comfortable, very lite, and stays in place better than anything I have used before. It is easy to put on and to take off.

This one works for me, and is also working for one of my friends as well.
I hope some of you give it a try and post your results.

[rested gal]

Guest! You lab rat, you!

Gotta love such creativity.

I have all the parts you mentioned, but no glue gun. One of these days I may give that a try, as I used to really like the Breeze before I found the Aura.

Thanks so much for the clear description. If you ever get pictures of your masterpiece, do please post them.

Good going!!

[Guest]

You really don't need a glue gun. Just heat the end of a hot melt stick over a flame and smear a bit on. No need for pretty, just use a fair amount where ever the parts touch or almost touch. It sticks really well and the joint is strong.

[tomjax]

I think a soldering gun would make a more permanenet connection.
The hot glue probably will not hold it.

I use the soldering gun to repair mine every ttime it breaks.

Just melt it together, but be sure it is aligned properly.

[Guest]

tomjax & RG Thanks for your interest.

I may try the soldering iron next time. For now the hot melt is holding very well.

[ja-awake]

I must confess, I don't follow the rules; I too have tinkered with my breeze in the past to make it fit better. To "Guest," what does this adjustment do for you? Does the headgear stay in place better with the straps than with that strip that goes over your head and pulls your hair out in the morning?
Thanks!

[Guest]

ja-awake

Yes, It stays in place very well. The cross piece with the strap and pads puts what pressure there is on your forehead and is hardly noticed. The pad on the top of the guide should touch just about at the curve between your forehead and the top of your head. This prevents the mask from sliding down any. Then, when you adjust the pillows up to your nose, nothing can move. For me, it stays in place all night every night. Before I did this, I was having large leaks an some point almost every night. with this setup I have had no large leaks at all. My leak rate is just a little above the normal vent rate. Once adjusted it just stays in place.

If you want to make one, do check out the guide with pillows attached in a mirror before you start to make sure that by adjusting the length of the top tab and adjusting the pillows you will be able to get the two ends correct and that there is a little room for the cross piece between the guide and your forehead.

Also, just to be clear, there are no changes at all to the breathing circuit, just to the headgear. I would post a picture, but I don't have a place to host it and the site does not seem to have any way to upload one.

[Guest]

ja-awake

Yes, It stays in place very well. The cross piece with the strap and pads puts what pressure there is on your forehead and is hardly noticed. The pad on the top of the guide should touch just about at the curve between your forehead and the top of your head. This prevents the mask from sliding down any. Then, when you adjust the pillows up to your nose, nothing can move. For me, it stays in place all night every night. Before I did this, I was having large leaks an some point almost every night. with this setup I have had no large leaks at all. My leak rate is just a little above the normal vent rate. Once adjusted it just stays in place.

If you want to make one, do check out the guide with pillows attached in a mirror before you start to make sure that by adjusting the length of the top tab and adjusting the pillows you will be able to get the two ends correct and that there is a little room for the cross piece between the guide and your forehead.

Also, just to be clear, there are no changes at all to the breathing circuit, just to the headgear. I would post a picture, but I don't have a place to host it and the site does not seem to have any way to upload one.

[Jerry69]

If you will send me a dig picture of your modified mask, I will post it for you. PM me for my email address.

Jerry