Did Respironics Degrade the Comfort Gel Design?

[skeezix]

Each year in early spring I have to replace my Comfort Gel nasal mask and head gear. In 2011 I noticed the new cushion was very obviously thinner i.e. less bulkier and therefore less compliant than the previous cushions. Now I see that Respirionics offers a new design called "Comfort Blue" or some such. I see this action as a deliberate and cheap corporate trick to get folks to pop for its new design. Any opinions or thoughts on this? I hate to be such a pessimist but after 68 years of paying more and more for less and less, I guess I just can't help it.

[jamiswolf]

Hi Skeezix,
The Comfortgel nasal was my first mask. And then I discovered that it was to be discontinued for the "Blue" so I checked it out. The frames are the same size...meaning the cushions are interchangeable. I understood that the "Blue" frame is slightly beefier in a few problem areas.

The Gel in the "blue" mask is different in that it is designed to be customized by boiling to soften and then contouring to your face. Instructions and timing are very specific so that you don't get burned.

I also find the regular ComfortGel mask is more comfortable then the "Blue". ComforGel cushions are still available and are actually cheaper now that it's a discontinued mask. Stock up now while they're still available.

I don't think it was a change to save money...just to improve the line and the verdict is still out whether that was a success or not. So there's my opinion. I'm using Quattro FF now...
J

[archangle]

I'm skeptical as well in general, but I think Respironics was actually trying to improve the ComfortGel design with the "Blue" model. I have both and prefer the blue.

The cushions on the blue seem to be more durable. The older ones seemed to get "scuzzy" more quickly.

You do lose the "boil to customize" option. I have a suspicion that Respironics felt that nobody used that.

However, for any mask change some will like one way better, some will like the old. In particular, fit and leaks is always a bit of trial and error.

You can probably stock up on non-blue cushions if you prefer them, but don't wait too long. I don't know how long they'll be available. The old and new cushions are interchangeable. The flaps are the same.

[Goofproof]

I'm skeptical as well in general, but I think Respironics was actually trying to improve the ComfortGel design with the "Blue" model. I have both and prefer the blue.

The cushions on the blue seem to be more durable. The older ones seemed to get "scuzzy" more quickly.

You do lose the "boil to customize" option. I have a suspicion that Respironics felt that nobody used that.

However, for any mask change some will like one way better, some will like the old. In particular, fit and leaks is always a bit of trial and error.

You can probably stock up on non-blue cushions if you prefer them, but don't wait too long. I don't know how long they'll be available. The old and new cushions are interchangeable. The flaps are the same.

I have never used the boil fit feature, I do think over time your face bends to the will of the mash, making the fit better. Jim

[skeezix]

I started using cpap in late 2006. I used the comfort select mask. After about 2 years I changed to the comfortgel. I am now on my 3rd one. All the inserts were blue. The first two inserts were identical and had to be replaced because the skin that holds the jelly had abraded, allowing the jelly to leak out slowly.

I bought the third comfortgel about a year ago. The insert was obviously thinner, not having as much jelly. I would say it has about 10 to 20% less jelly, and it doesn't seal as well on my face.

The first headgear straps were about an inch wide and were difficult to get adjusted for a good fit on my particular head. The elastic lasted about 6 months and as they neared the end of their lifetime they lost their elasticity.

The headgear that came with the first two comfortgel setup, bought in 2008 and 2009, were different. The straps were somewhat wider, thicker, especially in back, and they were differently shaped. They were easier to adjust to a decent fit and they lasted longer. I one I currently use is going on its 2nd and its elastic is beginning to "not stretch" anymore.

The cushions (what I call the clear cover that snaps onto the mask body) that came with the earlier masks were always perfectly formed. Then in 2009 the cushion that came on the 2nd comfortgel looked, well, used. It had a few crinkles already in it so I returned the entire mask for a replacement. Unfortunately, the replacement was also a bit crinkled but I lived with it. And with its leaks. At the prices one has to pay for this stuff it's a crying shame that the quality is so crappy.

Anyway, the 3rd comfortgel insert and cushion were ordered separately because the rest of the mask, and the strap, were still good. I received 3 cushions of varying sizes (S, M, and SM whateverthehell that is). Only the S size worked (that's the size I was originally prescribed. All three cushions were in good shape. No crinkles.

Sorry for the bad attitude, but as everybody knows, you pays your money and you takes your chances. But to pay $60 to $100 for something that only lasts 3 to 4 months and then starts deteriorating, and for something that one has to keep buying for the rest of ones life, is for me nothing less than a ripoff by a company that has its customers by the balls. I don't know. Maybe these companies (and I have no reason to suspect this problem is limited to Respironics) all suscribe to the old, and typically American, built-in obsolescence manufacturing model......

[jamiswolf]

Hi Skeezix,
I understand your frustration. The only thing you can really count on in life is change. I resisted modern autos...driving 70s vehicles until just a few years ago. I'm happy as a clam now with no more tune-ups.

About the masks, like I said before. Stock up now and stash them away. CPAP.com has them on sale right now...

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/comfor ... QgodKzLj7A

Jamis