OPTILIFE MASK HELP?

IndyArchyGuy2 · Post by **IndyArchyGuy2** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 11:15 am

I recently went to an OptiLife Nasal Pillow Mask. I had been using an Ultra Mirage II Nasal Mask for years (prior to that, similar unit), and have tried a variety of different masks in the past two years only to go back to the Ultra Mirage II! Not sure what to do! I am tired of the mask covering my complete nose and it is so heavy compared to the OptiLife Nasal. I really love the OptiLife Nasal, but I am not sure if I have the right pressure setting, and the biggest thing seems to be the pillows pulling out at night. Does anyone have any suggestions on keeping them "in place" better? The chin strap just seems to hang there and does not really do anything as it does not seem to touch my chin. I swear, every night I put the mask on, it feels like it is completely different every time! I love the mask, but I have got to do something to keep it in place. I typically fall asleep on my back, and wake up on my sides, back, or even stomach. I wake up in the middle of the night on sides, stomach, etc.....hrumpf!!!! Your help is much appreciated.

I do not want to add another mask to the pile I have downstairs in my basement. In fact I am getting ready to sell several on eBay since they were only used once or twice!

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 11:23 am

Welcome to the forum.

The mask is by far the most difficult to get right for most. Many of us end up customizing/modifiying the masks to suit our needs.

You have a very good machine although you may wish to consider getting the software and card reader to monitor and diagnose some of your mask/pressure issues.

For your type of sleeping ... you may want a mask that can route the hose up over your head (that way you can toss and turn all you want). Many will tell you what mask works best for THEM, but what really matters is to find one that works best for YOU.

Hang in there and visit here often and you will get your setup tweaked and running smoothly.

Best wishes!

lking · Post by **lking** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 11:25 am

I also have the OpiLife mask and love it! Place the nasal pillows against your nostrils first then slip the headgear over your head. Adjust the straps on the headgear as well as on both sides of the face until they are snug but not tight. You will then need to adjust the angle of the nasal pillows so they make a good seal. Be certain you are using the correct size of nasal pillows...the DME RT fit me with the small pillows but after my titration the sleep clinic RT said to try the medium size. Mediums is the size I have been using ever since and they work beautifully.

BTW, I am also in Indy!

allergyridden · Post by **allergyridden** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 11:35 am

If you sleep on your stomach I don't see how the Optilife will work for you.
It was difficult for me to get adjusted right too. Takes some playing, but when you get it right the pillows will stay there.
I put the two side pieces resting on my chin, can't stand it over my mouth. You have to play with it, while laying down. Try the two different slots in the side pieces several times to decide which is right for you. I have a small narrow face & I use the ones closest to my face. the side straps with velcro have to be just right, too tight makes my nose hurt, too loose makes them dislodge. So try it before bedtime, toss & turn some & keep adjusting them. When you finally get them right, make the sides with a marker so that when you take it apart to clean you'll know where the end of the velcro should be for you.
Respirionics has adjusting info on their website that helps too.
It's a good mask that has improved my stats a lot. Pretty comfortable too. So it is worth the struggle in the beginning. Keep trying!

DBoone · Post by **DBoone** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 6:29 pm

lking wrote: You will then need to adjust the angle of the nasal pillows so they make a good seal.

Getting the right angle for the pillows is key for me. A couple of times, out of the blue, the Optilife started coming off my nose during the night. Adjusting the straps didn't seem to help. That's when it dawned on me to adjust the pillows again. Worked both times.

Treesap · Post by **Treesap** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 8:32 pm

Yes, adjusting the angle of the nasal pillows is a requirement if you move around a lot. I find I need a different angle on my back than on my side.

bryansong · Post by **bryansong** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 10:30 am

I started using the optilife about three month ago and pretty-much like the mask but do not really care for the hose coming out of the bottom.

I had some trouble with the chin coming lose in the night so I took a couple of straps from an old Breeze headset with Velcro ends, looped them to the chin straps then around the back (under the ears) to stick to the back of the headgear or headband. This really stabalized the headgear.

Machine	Mask