OptiLife Nasal Cradle Question

[KimberlyM]

For those who use the OptiLife cradle, does it seal around the outside or your nose or how does it work? Please tell me your positive and negative experiences with it. I am currently using the Swift LT and was curious about the cradle feature of the OptiLife. Thank you everyone!

[KimberlyM]

Anyone? I am going to bump this since there may not be a lot of OptiLife users.

[Hawthorne]

When I was using the Optilife, I tried the cradle cushions but could not get any size to fit well. I was disappointed because I had used the Comfort Curve which has a setup like the Optilife cradle cushions. I love the cushions with the Comfort Curve but not the Optilife ones.

Both masks are made by Respironics but the cushions fit quite differently in those 2 masks. In each of those masks the cushions attach differently as well. That may be what made the difference for me.

[Slinky]

I rather liked the OptiLife nasal cradle cushion. The nasal cradle cushion fits pretty much just the end of the nose and yes, it does fit AROUND the nose. Unfortunately, I can't seem to keep my mouth shut so .... am now using the ProBasics Zzz-Mask full face mask and HOPING to figure out an easy, comfortable, permanent way to stop the center of the forehead leak w/the Respironics FitLife full face mask. I didn't try the OptiLife nasal pillows that also come w/it as I'm not particularly a nasal pillows fan.

[sister]

Hi Slinky,
I use the fitlife sometimes, to stop forehead leaks I use a wide chinstrap, wrap it around the forehead part of the mask,loosely.I have found that takes care of the forehead leaks and I"m able to sleep all night.
Good luck!

[KimberlyM]

When I was using the Optilife, I tried the cradle cushions but could not get any size to fit well. I was disappointed because I had used the Comfort Curve which has a setup like the Optilife cradle cushions. I love the cushions with the Comfort Curve but not the Optilife ones.

Both masks are made by Respironics but the cushions fit quite differently in those 2 masks. In each of those masks the cushions attach differently as well. That may be what made the difference for me.

I didn't know another mask had the cradle feature. I will check that out. Do you currently use the cradle with your Comfort Curve? I have narrow nares, but have managed to get pillows to work; I just don't find them comfortable.

[Hawthorne]

I use my Comfort Curve occassionally now. It only comes with a cradle type cushion. It has strange cheek pads and some people have trouble adjusting those (they are adjustable) to suit them. Thought I should warn you about that. I think there is 1 for sale on cpapauction right now.

The mask I am using most now is the ComfortLite 2. It has simple cushions, pillows and direct seal cushions available for it. I prefer the direct seal cushion because it sits just under my nose (nothing in the nose but not like the simple cushion which is over the nose as a regular nasal mask). The direct seals cushions come in several sizes and I was surprised to find that I need the largest one! It comes with certain combinations of pillows/cushions but replacement parts are available. Again there are some available on cpapauction right now. Beware one seller there who asks too much for all his/her items!

[vipertec]

I have the Optilife I love it with the pillows but with the cradle cushions i just couldn't get it so it was comfortable and wouldn't leak too much.

[Treesap]

I use the Optilife with the cradle cushion, and I LOVE it. It fits right under my nose. I do get more leaks with it that I do with other masks, but I still feel good.

[KimberlyM]

Thanks everyone, I can't get a new mask for about two months, then I will check out some of these options!

[Slinky]

Thanks for the tip, Sister.