Provider sent ComfortGel, not CGel BLUE--should I care?

[Sasesusos Orinoco]

My provider, Sleep HealthCenters, started me with a Philips Respironics ComfortGel Blue mask, and the replacements they've sent me have all been ComfortGel Blue up until now. I just noticed that the one I received a few weeks ago is a ComfortGel. It's not exactly the same, and the instruction booklet has directions about soaking it in warm water to make it fit, if necessary. It seems to fit fine.

I didn't choose a mask, I just took what the therapist and Sleep HealthCenters provided.

What's the difference between ComfortGel Blue and just-plain ComfortGel, and should I care about the substitution?

[Alshain]

Both masks will work, it's more a matter of comfort. If you were comfortable with the Blue then the DME should not have suddenly changed masks on you. They are a bit different. If you think the Original is just as comfortable, it is cheaper for you. It's really all personal preference. If you don't think the Original is comfortable, call the DME and tell them that changing your mask without your consent is unacceptable.

[jabman]

The DME should not be switching your mask without your consent. Even if you like the new one they sent I would call them to let them know that what they did is not ok other wise they might take it apon them selves to switch anything when it comes to your theapy.

How is the new mask working for you? is it mere/ less comfortable, is it leeking less?

[Sasesusos Orinoco]

I've only have tried it for one night. It seemed fine. I might not have noticed the difference if the instruction book didn't talk about boiling the mask, cooling it, and putting it on your face for five minutes to "customize" the fit. Apparently you can't or don't do that with the ComfortGel Blue. I don't know if that means the ComfortGel Blue is supposed to be better (because you don't need to "customize" it) or worse (because you can't "customize" it).

Actually, I don't even know how to tell what kind the cushion is. The hard plastic mask says "ComfortGel" on it, and so does the instruction book, but the cushion itself doesn't seem to have any words or markings on it.

[archangle]

The DME probably either got a bunch of ComfortGel cushions cheap because they're discontinued or ended up with some "overstocked" ComfortGel cushions and needed to get rid of them, so they decided to slip them in on unsuspecting customers.

I like the ComfortGel Blue cushions better myself. They seem more durable and are comfortable enough.

Both types of cushions fit properly with either Blue or non-blue mask, so if you fit well enough and you choose to use the non-blue, there will be no compatibility problems.

I used regular ComfortGel masks and cushions for 6 years or so. They lasted pretty well before needing replacement.

[archangle]

I've only have tried it for one night. It seemed fine. I might not have noticed the difference if the instruction book didn't talk about boiling the mask, cooling it, and putting it on your face for five minutes to "customize" the fit. Apparently you can't or don't do that with the ComfortGel Blue. I don't know if that means the ComfortGel Blue is supposed to be better (because you don't need to "customize" it) or worse (because you can't "customize" it).

Actually, I don't even know how to tell what kind the cushion is. The hard plastic mask says "ComfortGel" on it, and so does the instruction book, but the cushion itself doesn't seem to have any words or markings on it.

Hold a CGBlue and a CG cushion in your hand at the same time. Be sure to take the cushion out of the transparent flap. The CG is thicker, darker, and gooier. There's no confusing them side by side. The CGB is two toned. There is a clear border around the flange area on the CGB, not on the CG. My CGB has a model number 100226 on the clear plastic flange, but that part number probably changes with the size of the cushion.

By the way, the flaps are identical.

CGB masks have an exhaust vent with 50 or so holes in it. CG masks have a slot for the exhaust vent, no holes. CG and CGB masks, cushions, and flaps all fit each other and work properly. My CGB mask says "ComfortGel Blue" on it.