Need to replace mask with similar type

[RF101]

Hi, All,
I'm new here, even though I've used a CPAP machine for over 10 years. However, I need some advice about a replacement mask.

Machine: Phillips Respironics, REMstar Pro, C-Flex, Ref: 461CA, attached humidifier, removable SD card,12 VDC supply.

Mask: presently a Puritan-Bennett Breeze(tm) SleepGear(tm) with the DreamSeal(tm) nasal mask. It works very well for me. I do not use the so-called “nasal pillows” version as I can't get on with that type at all.

As some of you will know, the above mask has no face or cheek straps below the ears. It is supported by single frame coming over the head with a back-of-skull positioning pad and two Velcro side straps that go above the ears. When the several adjustments are properly done this mask is stable, does not leak and is quite comfortable.

To date, I have gone through two of these masks as, after a while, certain small plastic parts break. I have repaired these masks several times (screws, epoxy, even stainless steel wire reinforcement), but now my current mask may be beyond repair next time it breaks. So, I need to get a new one.

Problem: I've been told that Puritan-Bennett is no longer in business. So, likely, this mask is off the market, and, not surprisingly, I cannot find it on Amazon or from my local medical appliance supplier. Nor can I find anything similar, i.e. a mask with NO face side straps.

Of course, I have a back-up mask. It's the conventional face-strap kind, but I don't like wearing it – it's hard to get on and off quickly (the Breeze SleepGear DreamSeal nasal mask is very quick and easy to use), also I don't like the feeling of being “strapped in”.

Questions:
1. Is Puritan-Bennett really out of business?
2. Are there any similar masks that do not have face straps?
3. What brands are they?
4. Where can I get one in Canada?

Thanks for all replies.

[Pugsy]

Welcome to the forum.

The Breeze is pretty much history. No longer being made and extremely hard to find available anywhere.
About a month ago I found a maybe source. I will see if I can find it again and see if they still have any in stock.

Not many nasal pillow type of masks available that don't use head gear or straps of some sort.

There is the TapPap...it uses a mouth guard to hold the pillows in place.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/tap-pa ... k-improved
I have personal experience with this one myself...used it for well over a year and I really liked it.
Only changed because the ResMed AirFit P10 nasal pillow mask was released and I tried it and like it. It was a very close race.
It does have straps but they are extremely minimal.

There is a new mask slated for release late this month or early February called the Bleep/Dream Port...no head gear.
You can find more information about it in this thread and in the very first post there is a link to a video where someone has done a really in depth review on it.
viewtopic/t173810/New-no-headgear-nasal ... ilit=Bleep

Masks without headgear that are nasal interface....extremely limited.

I have really high hopes for the Bleep myself. Hoping to get one and be able to post my own review very shortly.

[Pugsy]

I know nothing about this place but they do show it in stock.
http://www.aircaremedical.com/Puritan-B ... CPAP-Mask)

[RF101]

Thanks for the reply... this is the type I want (over the head), but the example on the link is so-called "nasal pillows", which I do not want. I want an over-the-head (only, no cheek straps) nasal mask, i.e, it goes over the nose, but not the mouth (I do not have a mouth-breathing problem.) So, still looking! I am surprised that my present mask has been discontinued - it works so well. Most disappointing.
Cheers,
RF101

[Pugsy]

Well good luck.
My understanding was the company either had a fire or went through some really tough times and they closed up....and no one picked up on anything they made.
And while a few people did really like it....not enough to get someone else to want to take it on and start production on it.
Your choices are slim and none in finding one like it.

Don't look for it later either...the trend is for less and less stuff on the head and face.
Make your stuff last or learn to like something else.

[RF101]

You said:
"Don't look for it later either...the trend is for less and less stuff on the head and face.
Make your stuff last or learn to like something else."

Thanks for comments, but I fear you are right... a pity, as this is very good technology (I'm an engineer!) and easy to use. I will keep repairing it as long as I can and keep a cheap back-up mask to hand "just in case".
As a long shot, if anyone has a spare one of these Puritan-Bennet types out there, do let me know... I'll buy it, even if just for parts!
Cheers,
RF101

[Pugsy]

I don't know where you live so I don't know how many mom and pop DME brick and mortar stores might be in your area but if you have very many you might just call them up and ask them if they have any old Breeze stuff laying around on the back shelves anywhere that they want to get rid of.

[D.H.]

Maybe this mask (I know nothing about the supplier) ===> https://www.bettymills.com/cpap-mask-br ... CLEALw_wcB

[D.H.]

Perhaps if you can't get one not under the ears, try vising the pad-a-cheek website. They provide a velvet cover over the straps. That may solve your discomfort issue.