Comfort Gel Changing Shape - Poor fit now. Any Ideas?

Flash699 · Post by **Flash699** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 10:16 am

I've had my comfort gel (size M) for about 3 months now. Great fit at first although I had to juggle some small leaks here and there. It's very picky about position on my face. The problem is that over time the gel has collapsed inward around the under nose area. Now it is less comfortable and harder to get a good seal at the bottom. I'm thinking I'll have to buy a new gel insert after only three months.

First thought was "am I pulling it too tight?" but I can easily slide the straps up and down and it feels like it barely makes contact when I'm vertical. Any looser and it doesn't seal when my face relaxes.

I'm washing it daily with liquid hand soap and then once a week in a vinegar and water solution. I wouldn't think that would break down the material, would it?

Anyone else have this experience? Any ideas?

Thanks,
Flash

Limestone · Post by **Limestone** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 11:17 am

Have you tried reheating and following the moulding procedure in the mask manual?

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 11:18 am

Have you tried the "boil cool and hold to your face" instructions?

I've neve heard of the gel changing shape through use - which is why I suspect the vinegar - are you using a vinger /water solution (how much v. to how much w.?) or are you using vinegar directly on the mask and then rinsing it?

O.

Flash699 · Post by **Flash699** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:48 pm

Actually never got a manual, box, bag, or other information from my DME (actually had to look up pictures and descriptions to figure out what they gave me - I'm a newbie) so I've been using it "out of the box". Not sure how boiling it is going to "un-collapse" it but I'm willing to try.

I use about a 1:10 vinegar to water solution and soak it for about 30 min then wash with soap and water.

Flash

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 1:48 pm

Flash699 wrote:Actually never got a manual, box, bag, or other information from my DME (actually had to look up pictures and descriptions to figure out what they gave me - I'm a newbie) so I've been using it "out of the box". Not sure how boiling it is going to "un-collapse" it but I'm willing to try.

I use about a 1:10 vinegar to water solution and soak it for about 30 min then wash with soap and water.

Flash

This is a big problem with using a local brick & mortar DME. You don't get all the "stuff" you SHOULD have gotten.

You should call or visit them and express the fact that you did NOT get those particular documents.

If it were me, I'd complain to Respironics about it, too. THEY NEED TO KNOW! (that the brick & mortar DMEs don't do as good of a job as the online sellers)

Den

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 2:23 pm

http://comfortgel.respironics.com/ (some download pdfs missing but good fitting flash movies)

http://global.respironics.com/manualsandliterature.asp source for many Respironics user's manuals, including those not found by links in the above site.

http://global.respironics.com/UserGuide ... ortGel.pdf

1. Prepare the Mask and Water. Disconnect the neckstraps by removing the swivel clips from their sockets. Fill a bowl with enough cold water to cover the entire mask cushion. SET ASIDE.
Fill a pan with enough water to cover the entire mask cushion. Place the pan over medium heat, and bring the water to a boil. REMOVE THE PAN FROM THE HEAT.
CAUTION! DO NOT Microwave the Gel Cushion.
WARNING! Water and contents may be hot.
2. Warm the Cushion. Hold the mask by the headgear and place the mask cushion into the hot water. Let the mask soak for 4 minutes. Do not allow the headgear to get wet!
3. Cool the Cushion. Remove the mask from the hot water, and place it in the cold water. Let the mask cool for 10 seconds. Remove the mask from the cold water and shake any excess water from the mask.
Impmportant! Touch the mask cushion to be sure that it has cooled enough to prevent irritation or burning.
4. Re-form the Cushion. Position the mask over your nose, and press the mask cushion gently against your face. Pull the headgear over your head, and connect the swivel clips.

O.