Optilife question

millertunes · Post by **millertunes** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 1:31 pm

My DME just let me try out the new Respironics Optilife mask and I like it except for one thing - the chin strap!. Of course the thing doesn't actually go under my chin, just sits on the edge and is very annoying. I would take it off completely (and I have just to get to sleep)but it seems to give the mask more stability because I more around so much. Is there any modification that anyone can recommend to make it go farther under my chin? The strap slots are designed in a way to not make customization possible. Has anyone else had problems with this? I can't decide whether I like it better than my Swift or not. I just keep on trying...

Sara

Daffney_Gillfin · Post by **Daffney_Gillfin** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 1:54 pm

I started out with the leg of pantyhose(tights) pulled through the strap, and then tied loosely around my neck. It helped a lot in the beginning. I didn't like where it sat on my chin either. However, last Sunday night, I forgot the extra tie, and didn't notice until I went to pull off the mask in the morning. I've left it off since. I guess I got used the mask in general, and that part doesn't bother me anymore.

I'm convinced that the Optilife is better than the Swift for me. Quieter, and more comfortable.

RichCMH · Post by **RichCMH** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 3:27 pm

Pull the side straps up (or the top strap a bit tighter) so the wings are pulled up to your cheeks or at least the top row of your bottom teeth. This rotates the wings, so that the hole for the chin strap is positioned back further on the face/head. This fitting makes the chin strap fit further back on the chin. You may have to move the side strap to the outer holes also.

Just make small adjustments at a time and see how each works.

Keeping the wings low on the jawline will make the chin strap useless for stability.

-Rich

jules · Post by **jules** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 4:37 pm

A piece of elastic though the chin strap holes (chin strap is gone) to the back of the head has worked for me. The chin strap with the mask is a joke imho and totally a waste as it ended up sitting under my lips most of the time. Right now it is sitting on the table which is a much better place.

I have the elastic tied in place so I put the mask on by putting the elastic band behind the head and stick head into the strap - mask loop. I have 2 nights with this and works fine so far.