comfortgel mask giving me some problems?

[golfcrazy]

Hi, i'm just over 1 week into my cpap trial using the REMstar auto with a comfortgel mask. The first few nites I found it really hard to sleep as I guess it takes time getting used to sleeping with a mask blowing air up your nose. Anyway by about the 3rd and 4th night i felt I was getting more used to it and slept longer and did feel alot better during the day. However last 3 nights I have been waking with air leaks and it just doesnt seem to be getting any better. I know you have to basically trial and error the masks but I think this mask is proving too tedious for me as I'm often waking with the mask usually blowing air from top of my nose into my eye. I do like the sound of a mask that just fits into your nostrils, any recommendations on this sort of mask, and the name of it?

cheers

[Hurricane]

Tried a lot of masks, the Swift 11 is the one I use, its quite, comfortable, and if you watch tv in bed it doesn't get in your way.
Ed

[MickeyBaby]

I am a relative new-comer and was initially issued a Respironics comfort gel nose mask. It would seal nicely at first but by the middle of the night I would be awakened by the air whistling past the leak. No matter how hard I adjusted the headgear it would not maintain a good seal throughout the night.

I went back to the doctor and she gave me a ResMed Mirage Swift II Nasal Pillow System. The change is great! It feels nearly as if I am not wearing any nasal device at all! My wife notices how much better I am sleeping and am only getting up two or three times each night these days. Generally, I get up to drink some water or to use the bathroom (from drinking all that water!)

My hose/mask system is having some rain out and I am getting ready to buy the fleece cover for the hose. Hopefully, that will resolve my problem.

The Mirage Swift II Nasal Pillow System is working very well for me. I strongly recommend it.

[aka northernlights]

Hi:

Welcome to the wonderful world of hoseheads! I've been a charter member for over a year now (just passed 3000 hrs), and have never felt better. This is one treatment you have to stay with if you really want to change your life for the better. All the people here are great support, and can help you with all your questions.
In reference to your problems with the ComfortGel, I can give you a few suggestions, as this is the mask I am now using, and I have found it to be the best so far. I think the number one thing you should do, is only adjust the straps when you are lying down, otherwise you'll never get a proper fit. Don't worry if they are different lengths on each side - Our heads are not symmetrical!! You can also adjust the forehead piece in 3 positions, which I have found fixed the leaks into my eyes. Of course, you can also mold the blue gel to fit your face, but I haven't found this necessary in my case.
Anyways, best of Luck on the road to wellness!

Steve.

[Lee Lee]

Have you got the mask adjusted correctly? Sometimes, if you make the straps too tight, it will leak.
Tighten the top straps and loosen the bottom ones alittle.
Sometimes, that will make the leaks go away. If it doesn't, try it the other way around.
The way you tighten your straps causes the mask to angle away or closer to your face.
Experiment a bit, before giving up!
Good Luck,
Lee Ann

[oceanpearl]

My suggestion would be to have someone put the mask on you, making sure that the upper forehead pad is in alignment with the mask. Have them adjust the straps so that the silicone is lightly in contact with your skin. The upper strap shouldn't need any further adjustment. Start the CPAP and the mask should seal itself. If not, you can adjust the bottom strap in very small increments.
This mask is the best fitting and has the least leaks of the dozen or so that I have tried.