respironics comfortgel ff question...

I have a question that I'm hoping someone here can help answer...

I have been using a Respironics ComfortGel full face mask, size large, for about 4 months.. (I was diagnosed with severe apnea 4 months ago...so this has been my main mask.) I went through 4 other masks prior to getting this one, and for the most part it has been great. However, anyone familiar with this mask will know that the face can be removed into separate pieces to be cleaned and replaced. The issue I have is that the outer silicone flap, literally called the "SST flap" seems to break down for me after about 4 weeks. By break down, I mean that the silicone itself seems to actually get thinner and loses it's ability to seal to my face. By the end of the 3rd week of use, I begin to get leaks near my eyes, and by the end of the 4th week the mask literally just flaps against my face....rendering it useless.

I have called Apria, and my rep basically claims that "I am the only one to ever complain of this...." and acts like this is more of a hygiene issue on my part. I wash my face thoroughly before bed, and keep my mask clean. Respironics offers no info, just a roughly $40 replacement part. They can be found for roughly half that through online providers, and Apria did begrudgingly order me a new flap, but my concern is that I'm going to have to replace this piece monthly to continue using the mask.

So my questions would be....is this normal? Has anyone else had to deal with this? Am I doing something wrong?

Any help here would be great. Thank you...

Jeffrey

I use the Comfort Gel Nasal Mask. I've used it for 3 months without a problem. You said you have been using this mask for 4 months. How has it lasted for 4 months if the flap and gel last only 4 weeks? Why don't you try cleaning the mask without taking it apart. Gently wash it with mild soap and hot water.

LSAT wrote:I use the Comfort Gel Nasal Mask. I've used it for 3 months without a problem. You said you have been using this mask for 4 months. How has it lasted for 4 months if the flap and gel last only 4 weeks? Why don't you try cleaning the mask without taking it apart. Gently wash it with mild soap and hot water.

It's lasted 4 months because I've replaced the outer "SST Flap" 4 times. 3 times I've paid out of pocket, and once Apria ordered one for me and my insurance picked it up. The gel has been fine, and I never said it didn't last....just the outer flap of silicone.

jeffrey

I use this mask as well only because I have been to cheap to try something else. I have massive leak issues nose/corner of the mouth. I have not experienced your issue been on it for 2 months now. Every night is a battle over whether I will have good or bad mask karma with this mask

sacnvr2l8 wrote:I use this mask as well only because I have been to cheap to try something else. I have massive leak issues nose/corner of the mouth. I have not experienced your issue been on it for 2 months now. Every night is a battle over whether I will have good or bad mask karma with this mask

Yeah...when the leaks start for me, they are all up near the top of the nose, which blows air right into my eye! I hate that! I totally get the "good or bad mask karma" nights during those last couple weeks.

One big frustration I've had is that once I had the initial consultation with the DR at the sleep clinic, that was the last time I was able to see him. I had my consultation, sleep study, got my results, and a week later was told by the DR office to head to Apria for my equipment. I had allot of initial problems with the masks they had me in, and instead of being allowed to talk to a DR about what might be best for me, they kept referring me back to an Apria rep. While she is mostly kind, she really isn't all that helpful, and the mask issues I've had, (like this one) seem to irritate her and I don't really get my questions answered.

Anyway...

jeffrey

I have the same mask had for about a year in May, I don't take mine apart to wash it, I just wash it with soap and hot water, are you sure your mask even fits you, you might need a Medium instead of a large,

sharperjudy wrote:I have the same mask had for about a year in May, I don't take mine apart to wash it, I just wash it with soap and hot water, are you sure your mask even fits you, you might need a Medium instead of a large,

Hmmm....maybe it is too big. I really had to push my Apria rep to let me try the comfortgel, and she used their sizing chart to fit me....but who knows? I think I'll call her monday and start bugging her about seeing if I can try a medium.

Thanks!

jeffrey