Do people "break in" ComfortGel Blue cushions?

[Sasesusos Orinoco]

Diagnosed four months ago, fitted with a Philips Respironics Remstar System One and ComfortGel Blue Nasal CPAP mask, 8 cm pressure. All going well, obvious improvements in quality of sleep and morning blood pressure.

When I started, I had nuisance problems with irritation and soreness just under my nose. I did my best fiddling with mask and headgear adjustments, without much success. My respiratory therapist didn't really have much to say. I don't think I have the mask too tight, there certainly is some hissing and leakage.

Things improved after two or three weeks and I figured I was getting used to it. But when I received a new cushion and mask, my lip got sore again. On comparing the old and new masks, I notice that the old one was much softer and more yielding in the area under my nose.

So I tried "breaking in" the new cushion by deliberately scrunching the lower rim down as hard as I could a dozen or so times and flexing it. It seems to have helped.

Have other people found it necessary or helpful to "break in" a gel mask in this way?

[StevenXXXX]

I don't use the newer ComfortGel Blue nasal mask, but I do use the older ComfortGel.

You should NOT have to break in new mask cushions.

In fact, new mask cushions should seal better than older mask cushions.
The wear in older cushions is what makes them leak more.

I would concentrate more on the tension in the headstrap to try to solve your soreness.

It is also possible that you may be somewhat allergic to the new material.
Try washing both cushions very well before you wear them for the 1st time.

[Ms Piggy]

I've never had to break in new cushions, although I mainly use nasal masks, and have tried a few different ones with no problems. as previous post says try adjusting the tension on the straps, and also I would go back and complain to your supplier that the new one is harder than the original one you had as it shouldn't be, unless they have changed whatever they make it out of.
good luck.

[gurp13]

I use that mask and found it to be uncomfortable at first, but it got better. I haven't replaced the cushion yet so that will be interesting.

[Starlette]

My nose (more so the right side of nose since i'm a left sided sleeper) has issues too. I've bookmarked your post. I'm interested in seeing what kind of responses you get. What aggrevates me to no end is that i truly do sooooo much better with this mask, yet we seem to have compatibility issues *cries*!

Starlette

[archangle]

The old ComfortGel cushions had a "forming" procedure where you put the cushion in boiling water for a period of time, then dipped it in cold water for 10 seconds, then put it on and it would conform to your shape. I usually didn't bother with doing it myself when I got a new mask.

I couldn't find anything documenting the forming process for ComfortGel Blue masks, but you might do some searching for it. You might try it, but use a non-dangerous water temperature instead of boiling water. The mask is rated to take 93C water for up to 10 minutes for disinfection, so you shouldn't have a problem with the mask being able to handle it. The trick is not to burn yourself. I would NOT put the mask on my face after a 90C dunk without the 10 seconds in cold water bit.