Am I the only one that uses the Comfort Classic Mask?

bethlori · Post by **bethlori** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 9:20 pm

Last night was my second night using my cpap machine and I still have to nap again during the day. I have also had terrible headaches since using the machine but it could also be sinus pressure and pain that I had slightly this week before using the machine. After reading through many posts here I have yet to see anyone using the mask I use. It's the comfort classic. Does anyone else use this mask and for those that don't is there a general consensus of which mask is the most comfortable. I do like to sleep on my side which is why I didn't use the nasal mask at my sleep study. I do have a follow up appointment this coming week to discuss my cpap so I'd like to be able to go in there with some suggestions of the most comfortable and leak free mask. I do realize that it is a personal preference thing but what do most of you wear?

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 9:37 pm

yep

we used to refer to that mask as the CrappyClassic. it was cheap, small, headgear not very good, leaked and was noisy and it was cheap. Did I mention it was cheap, most of the sleep labs got them for free. The idea was if you went home with that cheap thing you may just buy it when you needed a replacement. DME's like them because well they were cheap or they got them for free with every machine they sold.

they have since improved it, they changed the elbow exhaust design to the newer style, should have a bunch of tiny square holes for exhaust now (nearly all the Respironics nasal masks use the same exhaust elbow and swivel system so they can make them cheap). So if you get like a newer ComfortGel it will have the same elbow and exhaust system as the classic, it also will be just as noisy since the exhaust is exactly the same.

you may not think it is very noisy, but you only think that until you use another mask that is silent then you realize actually how noisy they are.

did I mention they were cheap

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 9:49 pm

As Snoredog says, but I use the ComfortGel, and the exhaust makes noise and blows into covers, but it seals well and works better for me than my Activa. The mask systems are most of our problems. All have different ideas about what works for them. I used the ComfortFull with pretty good results, still do at times. Jim

bethlori · Post by **bethlori** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 9:50 pm

Oh great Now I'm really depressed. I am literally dreading going to sleep with that thing on my face

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 9:51 pm

Welcome to the forum ... usually the members are much more helpful.

The masks are often the most difficult to get the treatment to work. Everyone has different facial structure and therefore what fits one person well will not anohter and visa versa.

More people will be able to help you get through your education ... yes you have to educate yourself ... and this forum is about the best place available for it.

If you fill in your profile with the equipment you are using, folks will be able to get you answers much quicker.

1) be patient
2) not give up
3) get an original copy of your prescription from your doctor and keep it safe
4) demand a copy of your sleep study results and learn what it means ... folks here will help you figure all this stuff out ... including snoredog.

Finally ask lots of questions ... no matter how silly they may seem to you ... there are many others out there with the same issues and thoughts as there are many who have already gone through everything you are about to go through.

Best of luck!

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Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 9:52 pm

Oddly enough my new sleep lab told me that they like this mask. My DME gave me one gratis and yes it is cheap, but it is also been working for me as of late. I am surprised and pleased. I am a side sleeper and I find that it isn't shifting. It isn't noisy at all. The headgear fit me better than most, which also surprised me.
I have tried the CL2 also the original CL, swift, Comfort gel (my next favorite), Soyala, which I think was too small but also a fairly good fit, need to try a med, UM II and FP 407 so I have a fair comparison.

So don't go by the numbers (as in cost) go by the fit.

bethlori · Post by **bethlori** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 9:56 pm

Thank you DreamStalker, your words are most comforting. I am educating myself through this forum.

I did leave my doctor's office with my sleep study results but I'm not sure what I should be looking at and what it all means. Funny how they didnt' explain any of that to me.

I will fill out the profile and hopefully that will help. Can you tell me what numbers I should relay to you all

sharktone · Post by **sharktone** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 10:21 pm

Hi Bethlori,

I use the comfort classic mask as well.. it works ok for me. I had to adjust and re-adjust the straps till I finally found the perfect seal. First I had it too tight and I would wake up with a red triange on my face, then it was too loose and it leaked like crazy.

I am actually looking to get a full face mask as well because when im congested its impossible to wear the nasal mask. Im hoping that on the nights im congested I can switch to the full face mask.

Does anyone else "toggle" between masks? I dont want to do it, but I feel its better to switch masks then go without treatment.

LoriD · Post by **LoriD** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 10:26 pm

I have used the Comfort Classic from the beginning of CPAP treatment and have had no problems with it at all--as a matter of fact, it was recommended for me with my condition of gastric reflux, and of course to alleviate the anxiety of having a FF mask and I find it quite comfortable and mine happens to be very quiet and I notice no leaks at all. I did have to adjust the straps at first, but now I have a general idea of where they have to be.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 10:44 pm

Do you have a problem with your mouth and throat feeling dry, you maybe mouthbreathing. That would be suggested by your symptoms, Taping might help or you may need a Full Face Mask. Jim

GKevinK · Post by **GKevinK** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 2:39 pm

bethlori,

The Comfort Classic was the first one I really used, and to this day seems to have been the one 'over the nose' mask that sealed pretty well for me. The thing is, though, the gel bumper at the top of the mask takes only two or at most three days to open up a sore on my forehead. (I now have a scar there to show for my attempts.) I switched to a CL2 with nasal pillows... which has been working well for me.

Kevin

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:18 pm

GKevinK wrote:bethlori,

The Comfort Classic was the first one I really used, and to this day seems to have been the one 'over the nose' mask that sealed pretty well for me. The thing is, though, the gel bumper at the top of the mask takes only two or at most three days to open up a sore on my forehead. (I now have a scar there to show for my attempts.) I switched to a CL2 with nasal pillows... which has been working well for me.

Kevin

That's the advantage of the ComfortGel, it has a better (wider) pad on the forehead, and it's adjustable to take pressure off the top of the nose. Jim

I could see how the ComfortClassic could drill a hole in your head.

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