Mask Inserts for Condensation-Sponge foam?

[gsbuck]

I've noticed that some posters have proposed using a wick type material inserted with wire into the nosepiece of a mask to help absorb the condensation droplets. However, I was wondering about using a sliver of foam sponge inserted into the nosepiece and whether it would do the same thing. I cut a sliver of foam from a sponge paint brush and inserted it into the cylinder part of my Mirage Swift II w/nasal pillows. It's about 1-3/4" x 1/2" x 1/8" and seems to fit just fine. When I tested it by turning on the air flow with the mask on, I learned that it does 'lift' and blocks the airflow into the nasal pillows, reducing the airflow and assume the pressure, too. Does anyone know a way to anchor the foam to the lower/back cylinder of the nosepiece so that it does not lift? I thought of using glue but hate to ruin the nosepiece if it doesn't work. Seems like it should work to keep the condensate from blowing into the nose if the foam stayed in place, as well as no fibers to inhale. Has anyone tried this? Do you think glue (regular white glue) would hold,or should I use Super Glue? Is this a bad idea?

My favorite mask so far is CL2 w/nasal pillows, but I can't figure out how to get anything inside that nosepiece, but I have made a little cover to insulate the outside if it, a felt type material held on with a rubber band...

[jimbassett]

Don't put anything inside a mask!!! It could move to cover the exhaust ports and cause you to breathe your exhaled breath. CO2 is not good in large quanities. Why don't you instead make or buy a fleece cover for your hose and stop any condensation before it becomes a problem. Also you might try turning down the HH some. Good Luck with your therapy. jim

[gsbuck]

The condensation is not from the hose, and I have covered all of them. The problem is the condensate that forms from the exhaled air into the nosepiece. It seems to be a common problem with others in this forum. If the absorbtion material is glued or otherwise fastened so that it doesn't cover the exhaust vents, or block the intakes, then what would be the problem?

[Gerald]

Gsbuck.....

Here's the real info.

I'm the guy who put the string into his mask using a wire fishing lure leader.

The string went into my mask on about August 1st. It hasn't been removed. What little moisture it soaks up...dries out during the day.

The system works perfectly....I haven't had one drop up my nose since August 1st....and I don't intend to change a thing.

As for all the talk about "loose fibers"....I consider this a bogus issue.....cow patties....B.S.

I use a cotton string....and I get no obstruction...or reduced flow.

The fact that you are experimenting with foam is just fine. You are using the Scientific Method to determine whether or not your idea is valid. Evidently, you've got good common sense....and you seem to be intellectually honest. You're in no danger.

There are all kinds of material you can put inside your mask to soak up a couple of drops. I've suggested some sort of hollow cord...like a shoelace, maybe...with a stiffner inside...maybe made of Weed-Eater plastic string. Another guy has used tennis racquet string.

Continue to experiment.....and let us all know what you learn. If you discover something better than my string, I'm gonna be the first one to change.

Gerald

[ichitumi]

I use one piece of toilet or quarter piece of facial tissue. I twist it into a pretty stiff roll and stick it in the nasal pillow housing around the perimeter and away from the air holes. It stays on well and I can just throw the thing away in the morning (usually a little moist ... sometimes more than others). No other moisture accumulation unless it's from the pillows not being totally dried after being washed in the morning. Nowadays, I rotate two sets around to make sure they're good and dry.

[Gerald]

Ichi....

Sounds like you've got it going your way! Good thinking!

Now we'll get to hear all kinds of screaming about how dangerous it is to put toilet paper inside a mask.

Horrors!

[Babette]

Have you tried raising the ambient air temperature in your bedroom? I'd try a space heater before I'd go this route. Both string and foam really strike me as breeding ground for inhaled bacteria.

I bought one of those new micathermic space heaters, and I put it on a very low temp, right next to the machine/hose. I was rainout free last night. Oh, and shut the bedroom door.

Cheers,
Babs

[Gerald]

Babs.....

I have deliberately not removed my string wick...for over 2-months.....just to see if I experience a problem.

So far...nothing....nada....zip.

My experiment is running along nicely....and I've cured my problem with moisture formed by exhaled breath.

Gerald

[gsbuck]

Cannot raise the temp in the room, I have to have it very cold (set on 64 F.) in order to sleep. Otherwise I'll toss and turn all night! My DH would love for me to turn up the temp, but it's out of the question for me.

Am curious how the tissue would not move around and block the air passages or go thru them into the nose...?

Thanks, Gerald, for your encouragement. It's just a variation on your idea, so thank you! I'm thinking the super glue would leave a strong odor to be inhaled, and not sure the white glue would adhere very well. If you think of anything, please let me know! I've discovered all the nosepieces vary a bit and some are just not conducive to having anything inserted.

[Babette]

The condensation is not from the hose, and I have covered all of them. The problem is the condensate that forms from the exhaled air into the nosepiece.

If you're using a CL2, as your profile indicates, see Gasp's solution for a little "jacket" for her CL2.

Cheers,
B.

[gsbuck]

I saw that earlier today and thought it was a great idea! I had posted asking her for instructions/dimensions, but no response by this afternoon. So I got busy and made one myself. It's a little 'make-shift', wrapped the nosepiece and secured it with a rubber band. But it should work and when it does I'll do something a little easier on the eyes.

Thanks!

[Gerald]

I don't think "glue" is the answer....because I don't think "glue" will stick to the material that the nose-piece is made of.

I think that a "wedge" is the answer.....a length of absorbing material.....made stiff enough by something....that will keep it in the position you want it to stay in.

Babs......as I remember, Gasp still has a little rainout caused by exhaled breath....even with the use of the "Little Jacket".

The "Little Jacket" doesn't cure the whole problem....but if a wick is installed, the problem will go away.

Gerald

[roster]

Do what you want, but string is a deadly killer.

Silly string caught on fire and almost killed bride. http://www.mehyo.com/play/silly-string- ... ed-someone

Infant killed by kite string. http://www.dawn.com/2006/02/20/nat26.htm

3-year-old Miramar boy killed by window blind draw string. http://www.examiner.com/r-2192927~3_yea ... tring.html

And I believe Steve Irwin was killed by a string ray.

[ichitumi]

I have a hard time sleeping unless my bedroom is relatively cool. Besides, I'm too cheap to turn on the heat

Have you tried raising the ambient air temperature in your bedroom? I'd try a space heater before I'd go this route. Both string and foam really strike me as breeding ground for inhaled bacteria.

I bought one of those new micathermic space heaters, and I put it on a very low temp, right next to the machine/hose. I was rainout free last night. Oh, and shut the bedroom door.

Cheers,
Babs

[ichitumi]

I'll try to take a photo and post re: the tissue. BTW, I use a resmed mirage shift LT nasal pillow, so it may not apply to your particular mask setup.

Superglue will probably melt the mask. There's a lot of solvent in that stuff. Not sure about white glue with the daily moisture content. Besides, part of the reason I wanted to use something temporary is because I don't want it to be a breeding ground for germs, mold, etc. I want to be able to wash the mask on a regular basis.

Cannot raise the temp in the room, I have to have it very cold (set on 64 F.) in order to sleep. Otherwise I'll toss and turn all night! My DH would love for me to turn up the temp, but it's out of the question for me.

Am curious how the tissue would not move around and block the air passages or go thru them into the nose...?

Thanks, Gerald, for your encouragement. It's just a variation on your idea, so thank you! I'm thinking the super glue would leave a strong odor to be inhaled, and not sure the white glue would adhere very well. If you think of anything, please let me know! I've discovered all the nosepieces vary a bit and some are just not conducive to having anything inserted.