Any Experience with the ComfortLite Nasal Interface?

Hello,

I currently am using a nose mask and it is not working out too well because I am a side sleeper. I was reading about the ComfortLite Nasal Interface:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/1833

It it seemed interesting because it has both the nasal pillow like interface and the prong interface that goes into the nostrals so you can choose which you like better.

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this. I would greatly appreciate any comments.

Thanks!

it seemed interesting because it has both the nasal pillow like interface and the prong interface that goes into the nostrals so you can choose which you like better.

Welcome to the message board, jkruer...and to the quest to find an interface that is comfortable to sleep in.

Here's a link to some interesting discussions about the "ComfortLite":

Jun 12, 2005 subject: LINKS to ComfortLite

The Swift and Breeze seem to be generally more popular as nasal pillows interfaces. The Aura is also a good one, unless you have a small head. The Aura's headgear was way too big for me, but has been my favorite for months now...with some rather drastic modifications I've done to it. The Breeze is my very close "second favorite."

Of course everyone's different. Just have to try various interfaces until you find the one that works best and is more comfortable for you. That can be an expensive search! Mask "discard drawers" can get hard to shove closed.

If you hit the Search button at upper left of this page, then type in the word Links and author's name: rested gal that will turn up links to discussions about a few other masks too - the Aura and the ComfortCurve. I'll work on getting up a "Links" thingy to the Breeze and the Swift later today.

Jkruer:::

Welcome to the forum.

Rested gal has so much information, She is a great source for just about anything you want to know...

.... except maybe pillows

Pillows are alsmost as important as the mask you choose. The wrong pillow can invalidate any mask engineering.

Check out the thread "Pillows".

My personal favorite is the "shapeable" pillow from Target ($12.99). It is soft, it is supportive, it doesn't compress into a biscuit, and yet it is very easy to move around on. I find that it helps to support either of the mask systems I have tried (2). Yeah, I'm still a newbie, but I love this pillow! I use both the F & P 405 and the Swift and the pillow actually helps to hold the masks in place when I'm on my side (also a side sleeper.)

I hear Tempurpedic is also nice, but it is too hard for me to move to change positions as I have very weak neck muscles.

The pillow only has one drawback that I have found so far - it needs to be fluffed every day.

Something ELSE to consider!

- JB

thanks a lot. I really appreciate this. It looks like I am going to talk to my Dr about the breeze and the swift. They have a lot that people can try on, so hopefully they will have both and I can see which one I like better without having to buy both!

Thanks!

If you are just going to "try them on" at the office, I saw someone else here suggest that you bring your pillow and try them lying down - even if you have to lie on the floor of the showroom.

And one more thing I have learned - the pressure of your machine can either improve the fit or make it leakier, depending on the style.

And yet one more thing - be sure to wash your face with a pure, fragrance-free soap before testing a mask. It's not so much for cleanliness as to improve the seal.

Good luck with your decision!

- JB

I just switched to the ComfortLite last week and LOVE it. Try laying down wearing a ball cap - if that doesn't bother you, you'll be rockin' with the CL. My DME helped me properly fit the headgear (truly, not too tight - though for me, lower than on the mannequin helped), I use the nasal mask rather than the pillows/cushions, and I can toss and turn all night if need be. The funny thing is, I don't! I guess I'm getting such deep sleep I don't need to move? I don't remember any time in my life that I fell asleep and woke up in the same position - and it's for real, too, because the book I was reading (mask on!) when I fell asleep was still on my chest hours later. But when awake or settling in, I can move freely with only the tiniest adjustment to make the mask perfectly comfortable, and even without adjusting, the change in placement or stability is only minor - enough that I could leave it alone and still sleep just fine.

I've had no problems with leaks or noise, unlike with my ComfortCurve. Find the headgear to be very secure without being uncomfortable (it's super padded). Do notice a little itching if any of my hair gets between the mask frame and my skin, but that's easy enough to stop by tucking my hair out of the way and typical to most mask headgear. I pull my hair through the back strap, too - not only does it get my hair "out of the way" of my head (my hair always makes me itch) but it adds that last bit of stabilization I need so the headgear can be a tad looser without riding up my skull. Oh, and I have developed a small red spot at the top of my nose, but it's only red - doesn't hurt or feel rubbed raw, and doesn't bother me with the mask on. Not sure what causes it, not minding.

I'm a CL convert. But the best advice I can give is try out as many masks as you can while laying down at your DME office, preferably hooked up to your CPAP. And, if your DME has clueful techs, have them help you fit it the first time. Initial fit makes all the difference in that trial run.

Try multiple styles, and - like with clothes - don't let how it looks "on the rack" keep you from it. Try all your choices - you may be surprised by what you actually like. I went into my titration thinking I'd want a Nasal Aire and couldn't STAND it. Went through a couple masks after that, including the buggy but still useful CC, but really wanted something more stable. Went to my DME to find out if the mask I was using otherwise came in a petite, left with a whole new system that I NEVER thought would have been as comfortable as it is.

If you can try it for free, go for it!

Tina

The first mask I bought was a Comfort-Lite and I have just bought a new one. It is easily adjusted and very stable for a side-sleeper. I also have a Swift and a Breeze, both of which are good masks but I have to say that I like the Comfort-Lite the best.

Where is the exhaust port on the comfortlite?


thanks,


ron

Exhaust ports are a series of holes, just above the nasal pillow, where the silicone of the pillow connects to the clear, rigid plastic. It blows straight out, in the direction that your nose points.

It blows in a diffuse fashion, but if you have your arm right in front of your face (when laying on your side) you will feel it blowing. Otherwise, it is largely non-intrusive. I find this mask to be fairly quiet and very comfortable. My partner does notice the exhaust when I am on my side, but a teddy bear between our pillows has solved that.