ComfortLite 2

Treesap · Post by **Treesap** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 2:19 pm

My next mask purchase is going to be a ComfortLite 2. I have questions about the different nasal interfaces.

The link to it is here: http://global.respironics.com/UserGuide ... tLite2.pdf

There are pillow cushions which insert into the nostrils. They don't look like nasal prongs like you would see on the NAII.

There is a direct seal cushion which looks like regular nasal pillows.

And there is a simple cushion which looks like it goes over the whole nose area.

If you have used this mask, I'd appreciate any input about the nasal interfaces.

RipVW · Post by **RipVW** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 2:40 pm

Same here, Treesap. Just purchased mine at cpapauction.com yesterday, so I expect receipt sometime next week. I'd be interested, too, in knowing others' experiences with these three different interfaces.

Gerald · Post by **Gerald** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 2:40 pm

I used the CL-2 for a while....with the direct seal pillows (the interface that fits a short distance inside the nares).....and I liked it. However, I switched to the Aura to achieve a lower leak rate.

My honey uses the CL-2 with the simple cushion (the "cup" that fits over the entire nose) and she likes it. She can't use the direct seal or other interfaces that fit inside her nares....because she has a "bump" inside one nare....caused by a piece of odd-shaped cartlidge. Her only problem is that the head-piece of the CL-2 slides around during the night.....her hair allows this movement.....and she experiences more mask leaks than she would like to have.

The head-piece of the CL-2 is VERY comfortable....better than the Aura for me.....but I think the Aura is a little better from the standpoint of "fewer leaks".

My honey and I are working on "stabilization" of the CL-2 head piece....and once we conquer the "slide-around" problem, that should help her get a better AHI "score". We just need to "tweak" the CL-2 system a little bit. BTW, her AHI last night was 1.1 and mine (with the Aura) was 0.2.

Gerald

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): AHI, Aura, seal

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 4:00 pm

I have 3 of the Comfortlite 2 mask. I like the interface that goes over my nose. The nasal one isn't bad either, but I was probably just use to the other one. When I use the nasal interface, I use AYR nasal ointment (something like that), otherwise it bothers my nose. I haven't tried a lot of mask since I've had apnea, only 2, and they were both probably as good as it gets. According to my sleep MD, this is one of the most popular ones. With the technology today, I think it's hard to believe they haven't found anything better than these mask. I plan on looking into the dental insert or whatever it's called. There has got to be something better than these mask!

Treesap · Post by **Treesap** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 4:00 pm

Gerald,

Do you know what caused a higher leak rate when you used the CL2?

I'm concerned that I might have the same problem as your wife with it because I have long hair, and it seem seven my other masks slide over my hair easily.

Your AHIs are great!

jules · Post by **jules** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 4:09 pm

I used the CL2 simple cushion for quite a while.

You can deal with the hair slippage problem by adding straps. I don't have any pictures of my solution and have since taken the elastic off and used them elsewhere.

I added two straps just for anchoring it - one from the top of the head (looped into the top of the headgear under the tubing) to under my chin and the second from the front to the base of my head. I used pieces of about inch wide elastic but anything on that order would work. When I attempted to use the nasal pillows I added a third strap wrapped around the hose in front to the back of my head.

Gerald · Post by **Gerald** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 4:14 pm

Treesap.....

The problem I had with the CL-2 was getting the nose-piece aimed correctly where it contacted my nares. I never could seem to get it just right. Please bear in mind that I consider myself an excellent "mechanic" and I can usually fabricate anything....to do anything. I just never could get it to seal correctly.....even though I really liked the head-rest part....because it is super-comfortable.

My honey has trouble because we haven't yet spent the time to figure out how to prevent the "slide-around" problem. Her hair "lubricates" where the headrest contacts her forehead....and the danged thing slides around when she's on her side. We'll probably end up with some panty-hose tights to hel with stabilization.

You might seriously consider trying out the Aura. I find it very stable....easy to aim the output into my nose....and quite comfortable. It's the mask Rested Gal (Mother Superior of the CPAP Underground) uses. I need to spend as much time sleeping on my side as possible....and it works very well in that position.

Finally, you might consider using Lansenoh Lanolin on your nares. It's great stuff to help the seal......and increase comfort.

Hope this helps.......

Gerald

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 4:14 pm

I also have the CL2 (among others). The direct seal is *not* like nasal pillows. I have 2 of the 3 interfaces and don't have the direct seal. One of the two is exactly like nasal pillow and the other is as described - like a small cup over the nose (I think it's called something like "simple nasal cushion"?). The simple cushion doesn't work for me at all.

Mine slides, too. I am using the padacheek CL2 cover which doesn't so much help with slippage but does help with the marks on my forehead. I've found the sliding is better for me when I use two slots next to each other (I think it's the bottom 2) rather than having the empty slot in between. I've been trying pantyhose tights (one leg) around my forehead to keep it from sliding so much. That seems to work.

I look like I have some kind of strange big bug on my forehead with this mask and my pink and lavender padacheek .... it's good for a giggle when I get ready for bed

Mindy

jules · Post by **jules** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 4:26 pm

There is a fishing line or "bread wrapper wires" fix for the CL2 direct seal and pillows on the thread below - picture included. I didn't get it to work myself and gave up on the pillows.

viewtopic.php?t=8884

kteague · Post by **kteague** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 4:42 pm

Hi. I used the CL2 for a period of time. Adding a PADACHEEK cover helped mine stabilize. Had to cover my hair before putting on headgear. I liked the feel of the nasal mask except I don't like warm air blowing in, and the colder air left the tip of my nose too cold. I liked the pillows best, but I got carried away adjusting them and got the little metal strip out of whack. I liked the CL2 ok, and it's straps were comfortable.

The Headrest is my mask of choice.

gulfpearl · Post by **gulfpearl** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 10:09 pm

I have been using the CL2 for over 2 years now. It's my favorite mask. I haven't had the problem with the headgear slipping because I tie my hair back into a ponytail & place the lower back strap below the ponytail. This stops slippage for me. One word of caution once you find the right adjustment leave it there, trying to find a new adjustment is time consuming.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 10:18 pm

Treesap, you probably already have these links, so this is really for others who might need to try some modifications for the ComfortLite 2:

LINKS to Respironics ComfortLite 2 nasal pillows mask topics New ComfortLite 2
viewtopic.php?p=69974

LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards Contains creative modifications for many masks
viewtopic.php?t=15104

The three types of "cushions" for the CL2 are:

Simple Cushion -- like a very small traditional triangular nasal mask, worn over the nose.

Pillows Cushion -- normal "nasal pillows" which (if you don't make the mistake of trying to use "too small") will be just a little way inside the nostrils ...doing most of their sealing at the outside of the nostrils. Like the pillows of the Swift and Headrest. Not "prongs" that go way into the nostrils like the NasalAire II.

Direct Seal Cushion -- similar to the "Pillows" but more like nubs than the usual nasal pillows. Not much inside the nostrils at all. That sounds good, but the "direct seal" thingies might be more apt to slide out of place and leak for some people.

With all those "cushions", I have to use the good old homemade strap around the front to keep any of them from leaking. Any of the cushions work fine for me with an extra strap cradling them upward.... like the lower strap placement I drew on these pics...routed whichever way works best:

http://www.tnlc.com/Lara/laura/osa/aura-strap6ways.jpg

Best way to tie the homemade strap -- lays flat, stays tied, yet is easy to take off in the morning...not like a "knot" at all:
http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/doublestartknot.htm

jpd23 · Post by **jpd23** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 11:45 pm

I like this mask a lot. I use it with the nasal pillows interface. (I agree that the names are confusing - I would rather call the one I use "direct seal" and the direct seal version "nasal pillow" because they seem more pillow-like. The nasal pillow is actually pretty firm but I like the fit. )

Getting it adjusted just right can take a few nights. Angle to the face, then bend the tilt of the cup, then pinch the distance between the pillows, then distance up & down. At least that is my order of adjustment.

If I have the adjustments wrong I get leaks or a pressure sore on a nare. But once I get it dialed in it can stay stable for weeks. I sleep 70% back/30% side.

I use AYR Gel on my nares and on the interface to reduce friction and to enhance the seal. If you tighten it up too much it will pull up off of your head. Less is more. I have more tension on the lower straps than on the the upper. I could not get the direct seal or the cup to an acceptable leak rate. I also polident strip my mouth shut.

RipVW · Post by **RipVW** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 7:26 am

Thanks, all, for your suggestions--should have my CL2 in a few days, got the tracking info last night. Your advice will make this trial much easier, hoping it will be my new "perfect mask."

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:50 am

RipVW - hah! You're dreaming With each mask I've thought "Aha - my new favorite". Then a week or so later it gets thrown across the room along with the other (now) 5. I can't afford to keep buying new ones so I end up rotating. Wore my CL2 last night.

So far here's my take:

Opus - nogo!
Optilife - nogo!
Bravo - works sometimes
Swift II - works sometimes but is very touchy
Quattro - works rather well but I seem to have developed an allergic reaction to the silicone flap. Even after washing in Vinegar and water and rinsing well, my face turns very red and get bad rash.
CL2 - works sometimes (nasal pillows)

Last night I used dental floss on CL2 instead of fishing line a la that lovely photo ... worked ok last night so will see how long that keeps working.

Mindy

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