Liberty Mask Break

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 11:06 pm

Has anyone else has had a problem with the ResMed Liberty mask elbow? By elbow, I mean the part that one squeezes to remove the hose from the mask. This allows getting out of bed without unmasking and having to readjust the mask when returning to bed. Here is a large picture, to show the detail, from our host, cpap.com:

I have had two break. The first one was the first week, never having been removed from the main mask; it broke at the 6:00 spot, or the bottom. The second broke after about 5 months and broke at the 12:00 position, or the top.

The configuration for both positions is the same.

I know of one other person who had a similar first week break. Are there any more like us out there? I am wondering how many there are that have broken?

IMHO, this is a design flaw--or possibly, a production flaw. My treatment of my mask is certainly not causing this. I am quite careful with it and live alone. (The cats haven't shown any interest in squeezing that portion of the mask, preferring to chew on the cord.)

So, I plan to complain to ResMed. A new elbow costs about $20-$25 IF insurance does not cover the part. I encourage anyone who has had this problem to not only report the breakage to ResMed, but to ask your any sleep specialist or related professional to complain as well. They need to know that this is a design flaw that needs to be addressed.

Thank you and please add to this thread if you have had a similar experience.

Karen

BTW, I have fixed the part by using advanced cyanoacrylate (super) glue (the type that withstands vibration) and a narrow strip of the packing tape that contains fibers encircling the entire circle. I find that this leaves me with absolutely NO odor in the mask even after only a few minutes of curing; the repaired circle stays on the outside of the mask and never contacts the air stream, so this seems to be a safe solution.

goose · Post by **goose** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 11:30 pm

Hey Karen,
I was going to say something about disconnecting the hose/mask at the CPAP machine and just roam like an elephant (that's what the DME suggested to me rather than stress the mask parts by disconnecting there).....

BUT -- I saw the comment about the cyanoacrylate glue to repair the cracks....I wouldn't do that as I wouldn't want the fumes or residuals from that glue in my air stream......

Here's part of the Wikipedia info from the "Toxicity" section:
"...Cyanoacrylates give off vapor which is irritating to eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory system. ACGIH assign a Threshold Limit Value exposure limit of 0.2 parts per million. On rare occasions inhalation may cause asthma. There are a wide variety of adhesives of which different cyanoacrylate formulations may be a component. It is wisest to obtain and consult a manufacturers material safety data sheet for a product in order to consider the specific hazards associated with exposure..."

I'd always heard that the one of the bases of the glue was cyanide but I don't see that borne out in the write up....but now it's got my curiosity up.....

Now back to the elephant picture.........

Take care!!!
cheers
goose

jsmythe · Post by **jsmythe** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:03 am

Can you disconnect the hose from the mask instead of the elbow? My mask also is designed to take apart, but to save breakage, I disconnect the hose instead if needed. Cheaper that way too

BTW-I liked goose's idea.. may try that myself...

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): hose

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 11:30 am

Please keep in mind that the point of this thread is to suggest that others with this problem contact ResMed about the design flaw.

Thanks Goose. I appreciate the research, but as I said, the broken piece is totally outside the airstream. If one looks carefully at the BIG picture, it shows that there is one tube that allows air flow INSIDE the other cut-out tube that allows for a more flexible connection to the mask. It is the outer cut-out portion that has broken.

The superglue really and truly does not irritate anything. I am one of the first to look askance at chemicals; I am allergic to fragrances (generally) and now, sensitive to silicone. I figure if I don't sense anything from the small amount used--that is also on the exhale side of the treatment--then it is pretty safe...as if ANY thing is safe. I also allow a minimum of 12 hours for curing and outgassing before using the mask again, if not more.

Good suggestion, jsmythe. I don't know what mask you use, but I have used other masks where that was a good option. On the Liberty, there is a swivel in the hose that does not disconnect easily. It would be more difficult than disconnecting at the machine, elephant style. [WARNING: Joke coming!] However, I don't think I want the elephant look because it is only supposed to be lucky if the elephant's trunk is up in the air. It would be too much trouble to hold that hose in the locked and upright position.

The only other option would be to remove the mask, which might work. One BIG reason that I do not consider that to be a viable solution, though: the first break (in the first week of use) occurred before I knew that I could disconnect the mask from the hose. It took me a couple of nights to even figure out why the elbow kept disconnecting from the mask.

Thanks for the help, and best wishes.

Karen

What do you get a Wookie

for Christmas

if he already has a comb?

Megawatt · Post by **Megawatt** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 12:03 pm

I have a liberty and have had the same problem. One thing you might try is take a ¼“ wide strip of duct tape (I used gorilla tape) and wrap it around that elbow right where it connects to the mask. The other weak spot is where the upper clips connect to the headgear. Resmed need to take notice and fix the weak parts of the mask. Even with its flaws this mask is the one for me.

On another point: I had a problem of the nose pillows slipping around. I eventually came up with a fix that make my snoozing almost perfect. What I ended up wit is I took a pair of my wives pantyhose (Ok i don't want to hear it ) and made a strap out of one of the legs. When I mask up I put on the strap so it goes over the bridge of my nose and down and under my ears. I put on the mask and then I position the material so that it covers my nose and the pillows. This keeps them in place and I don’t have any slippage at all. Just my 2 cents. . . .

Happy pillow Snorkeling

Megawatt

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 3:19 pm

Thank you--and believe me, there are NO comments here about anyone using pantyhose straps...You are in good company and there are an awful lot of us who have used them in the past, if not currently.

In fact, that is one reason I like the Liberty--I do NOTHING extra except for my Pad-a-Cheeks. That said, pantyhose straps ARE a great addition to the CPAP users of the world. Thank you, Laura!

Should you wish more information, just search for rested gal, pantyhose, and masks....

I agree with the upper clips in this respect: they have come off and are a nuisance while donning one of my Liberty masks. On the other Liberty, they are not so loose. One does still like to be cantankerous and slip off occasionally.

Thank you for all Liberty users who share your experiences with ResMed. If we do not alert them, changes will not happen.

Karen