CFlex with OptiLife

Nurofen · Post by **Nurofen** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 3:48 am

Hi

Got a OptiLife mask today which I am testing out as my ComfortLite is leaking too much. I was told the OptiLife is much better for stopping leaks.

Anyway, I gave it a shot after my provider fitted it out for me and the first thing I noticed was inhaling through the nose was easy but exhaling was difficult. There felt like there was too much resistance on the exhale. I could see this will be a problem when I trial it tonight properly for the time.

So, question - I don't normally use CFlex, but should I start now to help make the exhale easier?

I know trial and error will answer this question, and I'll give the CFlex a shot myself, but if anyone has been here before and has experience with this problem, I'd really appreciate your thoughts.

Thank you.

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 5:39 am

I always keep my c-flex on 3 no matter which mask I use. It's what works for you. Try starting with 1 and work your way up to where you are comfortable. I have found the Opti pillows to be more abrasive to the nares than other NP masks, so be sure to have Ayr gel on hand. Last night I had to use Aquaphor ointment for the nares and this a.m. the nares are not quite as sore.

Brenda

wkosturko · Post by **wkosturko** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 6:35 am

Breathing does get easier. Sometimes I have to check to see if my M series is still on. After your nares get use to the pillows I think you will like the optilife!! Good Luck

Snoozing Gonzo · Post by **Snoozing Gonzo** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 8:47 am

I noticed the same thing and just attibuted it to being used to the Activa. I guessed it was a matter of being harder to exhale through those little pillows as opposed to the wide open mask. I don't generally use CFLEX but turned it on and have tried it at 1 and 2 settings. Its good to hear folks have gotten used to it, I'd rather not use CFLEX.

Chris

robbieh · Post by **robbieh** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 8:55 am

I personally don't notice much difference with the c-flex turned all the way up to 3. When you first put the mask on it is very irritating trying to breathe against the pressure so I also use the ramp feature. When I wake up in the night after its been on awhile, I don't notice a problem. Somehow, I must get used to it. Since this is the only mask I've used, I don't know if this is something peculiar to the OptiLife. I do like this mask except when I start mouth breathing.

jasper · Post by **jasper** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 9:22 am

I use C-Flex on 3 for both the Optilife and the Activa. Both work well for me.

zzzzzz!! · Post by **zzzzzz!!** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 10:28 am

I turned off the C-Flex one night to see if it was any quieter without it, but I found it really hard to exhale (and my pressure is only at 7). So, it's definitely C-Flex and a short ramp for me.

It took a couple of weeks for my nares to get used to the pillows, but overall I've been pleased with the OptiLife.

Good luck with your trial tonight!

JimInAL · Post by **JimInAL** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 10:33 am

I've been on CPAP for about 3 months using OptiLife most of that time. I used CFLEX starting out, but turned it off as an experiment to reduce aerophagia.

Initially exhaling was an issue, but no more so than with the FP 421. Now I don't even notice even when I first put it on.

The OptiLife also tends to be a pretty quiet mask unless you get the covers too close to the exhaust, then it can get noisy.

ScottH · Post by **ScottH** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 1:09 pm

Same story. I eventually turned off the ramp, but I bounce between 2 and 3 for cflex, depending on how I'm doing. The OptiLife works much better with the exhalation relief on than not.

Nurofen · Post by **Nurofen** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 3:09 am

Thanks everyone for the terrific feedback.

Well, I tried the OptiLife with my M-Series Auto last night and it went really well. I turned on the CFlex and set it to 1 and kept the same pressure settings I used with the ComfortLite.

I didn't notice any leaks the whole night. This is an unusual situation for me because I am so used to making repeated adjustments to the ComfortLite to stop air leaking. The only issues I did have with the Opti are minor - it'll take a little getting used to having the hose come out of the bottom of the mask and as someone mentioned, it gets noisy when the air outlet gets to close to the bedding. Otherwise, it's so much quieter than the ComfortLite, I really noticed that. It's also very comfortable and light.

It's been one night only, so I still have a few more nights to give the thing a decent testing out. However, early indications are good and I haven't felt tired today so far, a very good sign that I've found an effective machine/mask combination.

Thanks again.

wkosturko · Post by **wkosturko** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 7:26 am

Yea!!!

CFlex with OptiLife

CFlex with OptiLife

I have that problem as well