Time for a new mask: Headrest vs. ComfortLite 2?

[mdintx]

Hey Folks,

My Swift LT seems to going out on me. I used to be able to toss and turn without problems. Now, it's easy to break the seal. I'd like to try something else given the lack of durability from the pillow. The two options I'm considering are the Headrest or the ComfortLite 2. The CL2 is intriguing to me because of the option to use nasal pillows or simple cushions. The Headrest gets good marks for fit and comfort of the pillows. They also seem to last pretty long.

I'd appreciate some feedback from folks who've tried both masks.

Thanks!

Mark

[sleepycarol]

I have used both masks. I tried the Comfortlite first. I liked the design, but found the headgear to be uncomfortable and didn't like the "Darth Vadar" forehead rest. I found it to be hot in the summer. The pillows tended to dig into my nostrils with the way the the adjustment and curvature of the nose piece.

I tried the original headgear as well and found that it had a tendancy to pop the adjustable straps when tossing and turning. I don't think you can get that particular headgear anymore, probably for good reason.

Since I liked that particular design I also tried the Breeze. I didn't like that headgear at all since the back piece is hard and inflexible and I sleep mainly on my back.

For me the Headrest fit the bill. It has numerous adjustment points to fit the pillows, up and down and closer or further away. I don't find the headgear to be uncomfortable, but it is way too big for my head. I have it adjusted as small as it will go and so wear a women's elastic headband from the front to the back. That stablizes the mask and I find that it is enough I don't have to do anything else to make it fit. I don't find it hot in the summer either. Although I have read some complain about the headgear and have made significant changes to it.

I am still on the first Headrest that I purchased about 2 years ago. Not even have had to change the pillows and still have a great seal. I do have a back-up Headrest for the time when the original goes south on me.

[Gerald]

I've used them both.....and found the Headrest to work better for me. I've used the Headrest for about 2-years....and I can see nothing better. I've improved mine in a number of ways by making small modifications....and I love it. Nothing else seals as well....my AHI is consistantly below 1.0....and my exhaled breath rainout is prevented by a string wick along with a tiny "bleed air" port I cut into the nosepiece. To enhance the system, I use 2" #2080 Blue 3M Delicate Release masking tape from Lowe's. My leaks almost don't exist.

Gerald

[Gerald]

Sleepycarol......

My Headrest is about the same age as yours.....and I had a small "failure" that you might find interesting. The "Exhaust Port" is a little piece of plastic....with holes in it...and it's cemented into the body of the mask.

My exhaust started making loud "whoshing noises" ....and I finally realized that the little "exhaust port" plastic piece had broken away from the body. A little "Super Glue" and it's as good as new.

Thought you'd want to know......

Gerald

[DreamOn]

I've tried both masks. I used the ComfortLite 2 during most of my titration night. I had trouble with the ComfortLite 2 pillows resting/rubbing on my upper lip, which contributed to a miserable night of sleep (or lack thereof) in the lab. I thought that perhaps the sleep tech just adjusted it wrong, but when I tried it again later during my first mask fitting, I had the same problem. As I recall, all pillow sizes were tried. I have read that the simple cushion doesn't seal very well for many people, so you may want to look into that.

I love the Headrest! It's my favorite mask to date. It comes with two nasal pillows, and both sizes fit me fine. I've only had the mask for a few months, but it seems like the pillows will last for a long time. I like that the angle can be adjusted, since there are wires inside the pillows. Although the headgear is a tad big for my head, I wear it over my PAPCap and it stays in place with no movement of the pillows. It's very comfortable for me. Forward visibility is great because of the mask's design. I also really appreciate that the air vents upward (out of the way!) instead of outward, like most masks.

~ DreamOn

[Ms.Snuffleupagus]

DreamOn, what mask setting do you use for the Headrest on your machine?

[DreamOn]

DreamOn, what mask setting do you use for the Headrest on your machine?

"Standard" mask setting with the Headrest and Opus 360.

[Ms.Snuffleupagus]

Thanks for the info DreamOn.

Am becoming a cpap mask addict/collector .... I have the Opus 360 and the Quattro but the Headrest sure looks interesting....

[Kiralynx]

I have used both the CL2 and the Headrest.

I really, really like my CL2 -- and the fact that I can swap between regular nasal pillows, the direct seals, or the simple seal. It was the one I used for my titration, and the one I used for getting used to xPAP therapy. I like the CL2 strap. It fits under my hair, and doesn't irritate my skin -- in fact, I use the CL2 strap on my Zzz-mask full face when I have to use that mask if I've got a respiratory infection or allergies.

I switched to the Headrest for my "summer" mask because the CL2 covers a relatively large part of my head, and it gets terribly hot, even with a Padacheek cover on it.

I find the Headrest pillows to be somewhat softer, but still sealing very well. The first thing I did, though, was cut the rubber straps off it and replace it with the strap from my CL2 (with the addition of a small bit of velcro to hold the front straps together over the headpiece.) The second thing I did was cover the remaining rubber with wicking fabric, which made for a nice, cool head piece. The third thing I did was take strips of wicking fabric and wrap them around the nose piece so I couldn't have the plastic rubbing on my face. This has the effect of insulating the nose piece, and I don't have a problem with rain-out.

The Headrest might have a slight edge over the CL2 because it is smaller and packs better when I travel. But it still needs a CL2 strap!

[kteague]

Seems to be a pattern emerging here, and I fit the pattern.

[sleepycarol]

[quote="Kiralynx"
I find the Headrest pillows to be somewhat softer, but still sealing very well. The first thing I did, though, was cut the rubber straps off it and replace it with the strap from my CL2 (with the addition of a small bit of velcro to hold the front straps together over the headpiece.) The second thing I did was cover the remaining rubber with wicking fabric, which made for a nice, cool head piece. The third thing I did was take strips of wicking fabric and wrap them around the nose piece so I couldn't have the plastic rubbing on my face. This has the effect of insulating the nose piece, and I don't have a problem with rain-out.

The Headrest might have a slight edge over the CL2 because it is smaller and packs better when I travel. But it still needs a CL2 strap![/quote]

Anyway to get a pic of the strap mod from the CL2?

[mdintx]

Seems to be a pattern emerging here, and I fit the pattern.

That definitely seem to be the case, the Headrest is coming out ahead. It looks like that's the one I'll be ordering.

[Kiralynx]

Anyway to get a pic of the strap mod from the CL2?

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=40878&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... 2+Headrest is where I discussed it when I first did it. I don't have a camera which loads easily to the computer, so haven't yet taken any photos of it as such. But maybe that link will help you visualize it.

[falvesjr]

I recently got a Headrest for a good price and tried it for the first time last night. Did not like it at all...

First off, how do you get the head-strap piece to stay on your head? It doesn't seem to tension properly for me and I had a feeling that it would fall off at any time. Then, I couldn't get the pillows to seat at the "perfect" angle, and the up/down - in/out movement isn't enough to get them to the exact spot I'd like. I suppose I can fiddle with the wire in the nose-piece, but it doesn't seem to like to bend too easily. Lastly, it is LOUD! Maybe I'm spoiled by the Activa SoftGel that I've been using -- it makes no noise whatsoever -- but the Headrest was always making noise, especially when the pressure went to my IPAP setting. It sounded like it was always leaking, even though I don't think it was that much. Unfortunately, when I looked at my data this morning, it was indeed leaking a lot! Long story short, the whole experience woke me at 2AM, but I stuck with it and slept another two hours. At 4AM, awakened again, I decided to go back to the Activa and get some real sleep.

Aside from the nubbed rubber headpiece, it looks like it would be a good mask. Unfortunately, it didn't work well at all for me... The search continues!

[Gerald]

A suggestion......

I think you'll find the Headrest to be a good mask....if you try fitting in what might seem to be a "backwards manner".

With your blower running, figure out what the best angle and position of the nose-piece should be. That'll be the nosepiece angle that is the most comfortable and without leaks.

Once you've determined where the nose-piece should be, adjust the headrest and strap assembly to match.

Also, I suggest lanolin on your nares.....I use Lansenoh...for nursing moms. It works great......adds to the seal....increases comfort.....and my nares are "happy".

Gerald