Has anyone used the Optilife mask

[katusha]

Please if anyone has used it and has any comments let me know. I am ready to siwtch the mask I have being using for three years.

[jerryinpa]

It's my favorite. Do a search, lots of info here.

After a couple of minutes, I can't even tell if I'm wearing it. If it leaks, it doesn't go in my eyes like a mask does.

I recently bought a second Opti, just to have it. (Cheap on the auction.)

My pressures start at 5 and 7, and Auto up towards 6 and 9+. When it gets higher, I have leak problems.... I don't know if it that is just my experience or everyone's??

You can find Opti systems on cpapauction.com often.... some pretty reasonably priced. Even a used one wouldn't be hard to disinfect, so if money's tight, maybe consider that.

Jerry.

[bdp522]

I had a problem with the wings of the opti digging into my face. I got PADACHEEK covers for the wings, and had no other problems. I have used the opti with pressures up to 12 with no trouble at all. I especially like this mask when traveling, it is so small and light that it is very easy to pack.
You can go to http://www.padacheek.com or just PM PADACHEEK, a forum member, to get info on the wing covers.

Brenda

[sleepngo]

I have been using the OptiLife nasal pillows mask for several months and like Brenda, I made one modification to the mask straps. I use snuggle straps from cpap.com to prevent red spots on my cheek bones, other than that the mask works great, it's my number one nasal pillows mask, hope this helps.

Dan

[jasper]

I've been using the Optilife for about 10 months and it is my main mask. My pressures go as high as 18 cm without leaking, and it seems to stay in place pretty well when I roll side to side.

Here are a few random thoughts and pointers.

I use the wing pads that PADACHEEK came out with. I recommend these unless you like to have a couple of extra dimples.

Likewise, I find that strap pads are needed across my cheeks to prevent strap marks.

The mask is easy on and off, lightweight and out of the way of my line of sight.

I consider the mask maintenance clip provided with the Optilife to be a must in order to keep it from moving around.

I don't agree with the starting angle they give you in the manual (45 degrees). Way too acute. Mine ends up closer to 15 or 20 degrees for a good seal.

Play with the sizes and have patience in finding the right angle of the pillows, plus the right strap pressures. I had leaks at first until I patiently tuned it in.

The chin strap is not intended to function as a regular chin strap, i.e. to hold your chin up. It only provides a point of reference to stabilize the mask.

Lastly, do a search for Rested Gal's list of Optilife posts. If she's listening in, maybe she can provide the URL again. Great resource.

The only con for me is that twice in 10 months, I've experienced some pain in my nostrils. No idea why, but you can either try Ayr gel, or just switch off to another mask for a night or two.

Good luck!

[Lucid]

Thanks everyone for the replies to this thread (even though I didn't start it)

The DME provider just left.

I am sitting here with a brand new M Series Pro CPAP (with heated integrated humidifier) and an Optilife mask hoping everything will work out.

I have a pressure setting of 12 and I am praying for no leaks and restful sleep tonight.

[bdp522]

I forgot to mention that I also use padacheeks on the straps. I use padacheeks on all my masks!

Heres a link to RGs collection of opti posts;

viewtopic.php?p=148694

Brenda

[Grump]

I have used this mask since a week after starting CPAP almost three months ago. I tried the Comfort Gel for the first week and switched to this one. I like the fact that I can put on glasses to watch TV in bed over the mask. I have had some leaks because I loosened the straps to lessen the lines on my face. Overall I like the mask but don't have much experience with others.

[thimarine]

I have been using the opti life since May of last year. I'm on my second one now. The new one the VA sent me is "improved" the tube is more flexible and is larger around in circumference. The first one said the tube would get softer after use. That was one of the main drawbacks because it would cause the pillows the slip out if you didn't have the clip positioned correctly---at least in my case. Like most people on this forum, I have a drawer full of masks (4). I have found this one to be the best and my numbers have been the best consistently with it. Good luck. By the way, I also have had occasional nasal soreness for no apparent reason. I put aloe with lidocaine on in the morning and twice during the day and by evening the soreness is gone. My only issue is the headgear pulling on my hair. I wear a skull cap like pro football players wear. No soreness on the top of my head. Even without it, should I forget it and leave it at home, it's really not that big of a problem.

[Robin_]

Interesting that so many people like the Respironics OptiLife mask. It does seem to sell according to the numbers on Cpap.com.

However, as for me, I hate the dang thing. I have used a CPAP machine for 6 months now, and have tried 4 different nasal pillow masks. In order of comfort and effectiveness (for me) they are the Resmed Swift II (which I think is great), the Bravo (which I got on a "Product Challenge" and is very close too it), the Breeze (which is comfortable, until you roll over on it and the hard plastic pushes into your jaw), and the OptiLife (which pinched my nose, hurt my face, and was very hard to exhale through).

[Hoover]

Have used it since last July. Have been able to be 100% compliant with it. Minor problem of sore nostrils initially but they toughened right up. I also tried the swift but I prefer the optilife. Use pressure of 15# and I don't leak much. My AHI is an average of 1.0.

[jtm]

The problem I have with this mask is I a WIDE face and the wings keep pushing the mask forward until the pillows lose their seal. I need to fabricate some type of strap to go around the back, just have not gotten around to it.