A "cool mask" idea

In an earlier post I was asking for advice because I cannot stand wearing a mask in the hot 30 degree celsius temperatures we have been having in Ontario lately, plus the humidity. This idea works especially well for those of you who have a full face mask. Cut out a triangle of cotton, (the outer shape of your mask) or J Cloths work or some absorbant material. Cut out the opening for the nose. Wet the cloth and lay it over the mask opening, then put the mask on. The feeling of this cool wet air blowing on the face is heavenly in the hot days. It will eventually dry but by then you will have fallen asleep. This works too with the Aptiva which I have, but best on the full face because of the circulation of the air. It feels like having a facial..CareS

CareS wrote:or J Cloths work or some absorbant material.

Thanks. This sounds like a great idea. We've been having unusually hot & humid nights, too, particularly for up here in the mountains, and I sleep without a/c, so I'm going to try your idea tonight!

Just 1 question - What's a J cloth?

CareS, you come up with such neat tricks. Lab rat extraordinaire!!

I think it is called a J-cloth because it is made by Johnson and Johnson. It is a disposable dishwashing cloth with a loose weave. Stores often carry their own brand. I doubled the thickness. I hate to mention this because of all the commotion this caused the last time. This is not entirely my idea but perhaps based on it. Tack thin disposable napkins with their sticky side down completely around the mask opening. This will be a bit tricky and require trimming. After you have done that wet the napkins (they hold lots of moisture) no..I am being serious! Personally, I cannot get anything remotely resembling a seal from a FF mask but I don't care. I have tried this approach too and look forward to sleeping with my cool, refreshing mask tonight. Let me know how you make out with this. One thing I did notice was that the mask no longer made those intrusive noises. If you used a cotton cloth, you might try hair gel on one side to get it to stick to the mask. This will wash off easily. CareS

rested gal wrote:CareS, you come up with such neat tricks. Lab rat extraordinaire!!

RG's right, CareS, you are a lab rat extraordinaire! What a great idea, & it works!

I used a pantiliner (I can hear all my macho brethren reading this & LOL now) - & you're right, lots of trimming. Figured with the adhesive it would be easy to stick to the mask & not come off in the middle of the night. I've used it for 3-4 nights now & love it. You were absolutely right - feels so good I'm actually looking forward to putting the mask on. I think you should patent it & then sell it to CPAP.com or one of the mask manufacturers. It would be very simple to manufacture pads that are already shaped to fit the inside of whatever flavor mask. I should've private messaged that to you instead of on an open forum!

I'm mildly concerned that the pantliner may leave adhesive residue on the inside of the mask, but if it does it should be easy to clean off with an adhesive remover like you'd use to remove adhesive tape residue from your skin. I usually only take the mask all apart & wash it every 3-4 days, but wipe the mask seal (& my face) with an alcohol swab before putting the mask on every night. If I had to cut a new pantiliner to fit every day it would be pretty time consuming, although guess I could make a pattern to work from....

Thanks for a great idea!

Can't wait for summer to try it

Actually, I too love the cool air blowing on my face when using Ultra Mirage f/f mask. But being winter here it is easy to get the cool part.

Re good ideas. I ordered a tube cover as I had had a couple of gurgling experiences last week. Guess what - 1st night with the tube cover got another gurgling experience. Ahhh well only cost $9.99 & it does stop the tube rattling over the bedpost - next will be to try F&P ambient tracking & possibly their heated tube (on the HC604).

Cheers

DSM

Thanks so much for your reply. I can't take 100% credit for the idea of sticking the sticky strips to the outer mask. I really believe one idea triggers another. I have to admit, my mind is much sharper and clearer since going on Cpap. I sleep a lot less but am much more rested. Anyway, I think a possible answer to all this cutting and trimming to fit the thin disposible pads (notice I am staying clear of the words "Thin Pantyliners") Tape two PL's together side by sticky side with whatever kind of tape, it doesn't matter. Trace the outline of your mask, full face or nasal to make a pattern on to the joined PL's. and cut pattern about 1/4 inch larger all around. Fold the PL's in half where they are joined and cut out the nose opening. By folding it in half you will have both sides the same. If you want to use it dry, just for more comfort and possibly better seal, or dampen it to give you a refreshing cool effect. Now if two thin panty-liners are not sufficient then tape three side by side on the sticky side that dosn't contact the face. Two should be OK. I shouldn't be giving you these instructions without trying it out myself but I think they are an improvement over the original instructions. I am hopeful that my fellow cpap users are no longer shocked at the thought of using pantyliners. I have one other use but you have to use the maxi pad. Cut it in half and use it as a shoulder pad in your dress or suit..it works. Very useful little devils..CareS Let me know how this works for you. CareS

DSM, you live right there in the country where the fabulous Aussie heated hose was invented and is sold! The perfect solution to preventing rainout (water dripping out of or gurgling in the main air hose.)

Just go to sleepzone.com.au and get yourself the "heated cpap tube." You won't regret the money spent for that wonderful invention.

Unlike the F&P hose that is used with the F&P machine specifically, the Aussie heated hose can be used with any machine. It can even be ordered with a sensor line inside for use with any PB machines that use a sensor tube.

The only mask that can't be used with the heated hose is the Comfort Curve. Respironics chose to make that mask with a connector that will fit only a smaller diameter, shorter main air hose they package with that mask. Can't use the CC mask with a normal length/diameter main air hose without jury rigging a connection. It's probably Respironics's attempt to lessen the chance of a normal size air hose shifting the CC. That mask was so apt to leak unless I stayed in one position and didn't move - even with its own lighter air hose! No big loss since more people prefer other masks anyway.

Many of us here in the U.S. have ordered the heated hose from the Aussie website and love it!