Nasal Mask Question

[ffarmer]

I need to switch to a nasal mask - the Comfort Lite 2 has been suggested. Has anyone used this, and would you recommend it? Are there any other nasal masks anyone would recommend?

Many thanks.

[boston]

I really like the swift LT and many like the swift II mask as well. The swift LT is VERY light and comfortable (at least to me). Theres fewer parts to clean as well. I had a comfort gel nasal mask, and the swift LT is much easier to adjust.

[birdshell]

I used the Comfort Lite 2 for a little over a year. It is a good mask, but there are a few fixes that help with its effectiveness. Over time, some of the little things become annoying. Hopefully, the DME or lab will let you try one...brick and mortar DME providers should give you a 30 day trial on each new mask. ALL mask manufacturers do so, as an RT told me who runs a sleep lab. Ordering online is a different story.

So, check out our Rested Gal--Laura's Lab Rat Award, and see if you think that one or more of the fixes will be OK for you. I tied a pantyhose strap around the tube, and used the twist tie idea to control the metal fit strips and keep the silicone in its groove.

Lab Ratting Awards by Laura--rested gal

viewtopic.php?t=15104

Here are the CL 2 awards from that site:


ComfortLite 2

gasp
"jacket" for the "simple cushion" (nosepiece)
Oct 01, 2008 subject: Little jacket for CL2 Nasal Piece to gasp description and pictures -- making a cover for ComfortLite 2's nose piece (the "simple cushion.")to reduce rainout (condensation.)
viewtopic.php?p=301316

BadBreath
baseball cap as "headgear"
Jul 05, 2007 subject: Giant Duckbilled Hosehead to Denny for ball cap modification as headgear
viewtopic.php?t=21772

NightHawkeye
fishing line fix for CL2
Apr 30, 2006 subject: Fix Turns ComfortLite 2 to Perfection to NightHawkeye for description and pictures - using fishing line to bring CL2's nasal assembly in closer to the nostrils.
viewtopic.php?t=8884

oldgearhead
twist tie fix for CL2
Oct 15, 2006 subject: CL2- creative modification help please to oldgearhead for directions and picture - twist ties to bring ComfortLite 2 nasal assembly closer to nostrils
viewtopic.php?t=14379

Another oldgearhead modification using chinstrap and twist tie for the "simple cushion" attachment - with pictures:
viewtopic.php?t=15175

sleepyWI
fishing line fix for CL2
Feb 02, 2007 subject: My CL2 fishing tackle fix to sleepyWI for description and pictures - using snap swivels and braided fishing line to bring CL2's nasal assembly in closer to the nostrils.
viewtopic.php?p=161903

kteague
Breeze nosegear used on CL2
Feb 14, 2007 So this is what a good fit feels like to kteague for modification using Breeze nosegear with CL2 headgear.
viewtopic.php?t=17411

linda b
fleece/velcro half strap to steady ComfortLite 2 simple cushion
Sep 07, 2006 subject: New mask to linda b for directions on making a fleece/velcro half strap to steady the ComfortLite 2 "simple cushion" nasal piece.
viewtopic.php?t=13347

Another linda b modification described here:
viewtopic.php?t=15175

flygal6
several fixes from top to bottom on CL2
Feb 28, 2007 subject: New CL2 Modifications to flygal6 for several modifications to CL2 - exhaust, swivel, pillows angle.
viewtopic.php?t=17794

rested gal
removal of swivel elbow on the CL2
Apr 14, 2006 subject: ComfortLite 2 without the elbow drawings and description of removal of swivel elbow on top of headgear by rested gal
viewtopic.php?t=8493


Best of rest,

Karen,
Who could use the CL 2 again...maybe

[ffarmer]

Boston and Karen, thank you both for your replies. I don't have an option for a trial on a mask , and since I have never used a nasal mask, I don't know how to evaluate them, so feedback is really helpful.
Frances

[cpapqueen1]

What is your pressure? I would recommend the activa or the ultra miraqge II. Both masks are reliable and not apt to break.

[ffarmer]

What is your pressure?

I am on APAP; not sure of the pressure settings as I have a doc who doesn't think patients should be educated about their treatment, read their cards, etc. I recently got a card reader and the software, but have had some difficulties with it, so I will have to get someone to help me. Hopefully if I can sort that out I can start to take a more active part in my treatment.

[jrfoster]

What is your pressure? I would recommend the activa or the ultra miraqge II. Both masks are reliable and not apt to break.

Yes, after more than two years on CPAP and many masks, I have found the mirage activa nasal mask the best for me! It is comfortable and very seldom has
leaks. It is made to move when your face moves to keep the seal. My AHI has dropped 1-2 points since switching to the mirage activa mask some 6 mos ago.
That is my recommendation.

Jeff

[Kiralynx]

I need to switch to a nasal mask - the Comfort Lite 2 has been suggested. Has anyone used this, and would you recommend it? Are there any other nasal masks anyone would recommend? Many thanks.

I use the CL2, with direct seals. I tried the simple seal (nasal mask) and the nasal pillows before the direct seal. I have made one adjustment to mine so far, which is a velcro stablizer for the seal part of the mask, and I have added the Padacheek covering for it this last week.

When I knew I needed the titration, I had already been reading this Forum, and knew that the mask is a primary key to successful therapy, I called the sleep center where I would be having the titration, and requested a session to come in and try on masks. The technician was very helpful and patient, and I must have tried on a dozen or more masks, both sitting up and lying down, and under pressure. The CL2 was the winner for me.

I like it for a number of reasons. First, I'm claustrophobic, so having something covering my face was right out. Second, I'm a side sleeper, and I can't stand anything between my cheeks and the pillow, so that eliminated an awful lot of masks right there. Third, the straps were easily adjustable. Fourth, the mask allows me to change between simple seal, nasal pillows, and the direct seal without needing to get used to a whole new mask.

My pressures are MaxIpap = 14, MinIpap = 10, and Epap = 6. With the direct seal, last night, I had an absolutely flat leak line. In fact, since moving to the direct seal, I've had nights where things wobbled, but it's been the flattest I've had yet. <g> Doesn't mean I wouldn't like to try other masks, since the Quest for the Absolutely Perfect Mask is about as enduring as the Search for the Fountain of Youth, or the Seven Cities of Cibola.

But I can definitely recommend the CL2.