Questions for ComfortGel FFM users

[BusyLyn]

I've mostly been using a ComfortGel FFM since starting cpap therapy in late October. My cleaning routine at first was to gently wash the cushion and silicone flap in warm water with a small squirt of Palmolive dishwashing detergent, rinsing thoroughly and then air drying. With the Encore Viewer software I was able to keep track of all of my numbers, and after a month or so I started seeing that my mask leakage graph was getting worse and i seemed to have more vibratory snores. I mentioned the worsening leakage at my 8 week visit with the sleep doctor, and I was chastised for using dishwashing detergent to clean the cushion (I was told the Palmolive was too strong). When I visited my DME, the rt said that they didn't replace cushions, but only the full mask. Since I wasn't convinced that the ComfortGel was my perfect mask, I got a different mask with headgear from the DME, and then bought a replacement cushion myself from cpap.com. The second mask - and the third mask that I swapped the second for - were failures for me, and I've grown to love my ComfortGel. But, once again, I'm seeing a worsening in my leakage graphs even though I'm now washing the flap (every 2 days) and the cushion (occasionally) in Dr. Bonner's castile soap.

So I've got some questions for more experienced ComfortGel users:

• 1. How often do you wash the flap and cushion?
  2. What do you use to wash them?
  3. How ofter do you replace the cushion?
  4. Does your DME stock or allow you to order replacement cushions, or must you replace the entire mask?
  5. How often do you have to adjust (tighten) the headgear?
  6. How often do you replace the mask?
  7. How often do you replace the headgear?

Thanks for any help you can give!

Lyn

[BusyLyn]

Bump.

Is there nobody else using the ComfortGel? I really need to know how often other users are replacing the cushion and the mask itself. Since my DME is only interested in replacing the entire mask with headgear, and then only once every six months, I need some info about other users' experiences.

Thanks!
Lyn

[mdintx]

I've never used the ComfortGel FFM though I have used the nasal. My routine has been to take the cushion and flap into the shower with me and wash it with baby shampoo every morning. With this method, I've not seen a change in leak data even after several months.

[Irene P.]

I have the nasal comfort gel mask. The cushion and flap don't last me more than a couple of months. I find replacements most often on Ebay. But my DME would have them for me if I went that route. Or I can buy from CPAP.com and insurance will pay 80% of the cost.

I use Ivory liquid to wash my cushion and flap, but I don't wash them every day. Some days I just use wipes.

[avi123]

Hi, I plan to try the ComfortGel Full face mask from DirectHomeMedical.com. Looking at its photo I don't see much difference about cleaning the gel cushion and the silicone flap than I do with other cushions. Daily, I would just wipe the cushion with mask wipes from

http://www.cpapsupplyusa.com/cpap-088-a ... wipes.aspx


Once a week while cleaning the other CPAP parts I would take every thing apart and soak them in a plastic container containing warm water with a few drops of ivory soap or baby shampoo, and next, rinse and air dry. I don't like the vinegar idea.

[Dee in NC]

I have the Comfort Gel FFM and I find that some of the SST flaps leak at the connection to the mask when NEW!! Now I make sure to test the mask within 30 days. My DME sent a replacement SST flap but it leaked too. However, the SST flaps I paid for from CPAP dot com didn't leak. O_o I just sent an email to Respironics asking if they destroy defective ones. I wouldn't be shocked to find that DMEs buy "seconds" to save $$. To make sure you don't have this problem, press around the edge of the SST flap while wearing the mask. If the hissing sound decreases, it's leaking air around the edge. You can use tape as a temp fix.

Now for your questions:

1. How often do you wash the flap and cushion? Weekly; I wipe the outside of the flap daily to remove oils and ensure a good seal. The official recommendation is daily but weekly works for me (no nasal or respiratory infections) unless I catch a cold and then I clean it more often.

2. What do you use to wash them? Warm water with a tiny amount of NON-antibacterial dish detergent (maybe 10 drops in a full sink of water). I've heard you should just use hot water but I think some soap is needed. Very important to let it fully air dry.

3. How ofter do you replace the cushion? Haven't done that yet. I bought two replacement flaps but the cushions seem to hold up well. I'd probably just get a new mask instead of replacing the cushion.

4. Does your DME stock or allow you to order replacement cushions, or must you replace the entire mask? Not sure. I just order a new mask when it's time. Helps to have multiple masks since they take a while to dry and you can take an extra along when traveling. Huge pain trying to get supplies from other DMEs. They may require a prescription and may not have what you need in stock.

5. How often do you have to adjust (tighten) the headgear? Depends. My weight fluctuates and my hairstyle changes.

6. How often do you replace the mask? I order one every 6 months but I don't usually toss them until there's a problem with leaking or something breaks and even then I keep the working parts especially the ones that are hard plastic. The quick connect hose piece (tube swivel) is critical but easy to forget when the mask isn't connected to the hose. I forgot it once and had to make a replacement using a paper cup and tape!! TIP: Setup the mask like you're going to use it BEFORE you pack to make sure you have everything.

7. How often do you replace the headgear? Depends. I wash it in the washer. Once it begins to fray or if the velcro ends won't lie flat or keep a tight hold. Hard to give a time since I have so many masks in rotation. Sorry.

[DebbieDeb]

Just found this info for a new mask I might try.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... eviews#tab

Says:
Masks should be washed daily in warm water with baby shampoo and left to air dry. Never use antibacterial soap as it will break down the silicone of the mask. Avoid soaps with lotion or lanolin which can coat the mask and cause it to lose its seal. A safe cleaner is the Control III Disinfectant CPAP Cleaning Solution.

Also suggests when to replace cushions or get a new mask.

[avi123]

Are you all talking about ComfortGell Full or ComfortGell Full 2 from Respironics, with Premium Headgear with Mushroom Swivels Clips?

[BusyLyn]

The ComfortGel and the ComfortFull 2 are 2 different full face masks made by Respironics. The ComfortGel has a gel cushion, the ComfortFull doesn't. That being said...

It didn't matter whether I washed the first cushion in Palmolive dishwashing liquid (not the antimicrobial, degreasing version) or the second one in Dr. Bonner's castille soap. After 4-5 weeks of use I started to notice increased variation in the leakage graphs in EncoreViewer, and I was more likely to have issues with large leaks. I was also more likely to wake up due to leakage, and I didn't feel as rested. According to the reimbursement schedule from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, full face mask cushions can be replaced every 30 days, but a complete full face mask w/ headgear should be replaced every 6 months.

I am a side sleeper and I have a tendency to nuzzle my face into my pillow; the bottom of the mask cushion seems to be the weak point for me. But except for one night with my first ever FFM (not the ComfortGel) I've been compliant with my cpap therapy since I started. My 30 day AHI average for the last 2 months is 0.8, and I feel better. I need effective therapy at all times - not for one month out of every 6.

I bought the second cushion out of pocket from our host, but I can only be reimbursed for purchases from an in-network supplier as I have an EPO Blue Cross plan. I now have a new mask w/ headgear so I have a few weeks grace period before I again need a new cushion.

The problem now is to find a company that stocks mask supplies -- not merely the complete kits like my current DME -- that is in-network with BCBS. When I asked my current supplier about ordering parts I was told that they only carry full kits and won't special order individual parts. (Note for those reading this who use a pillow mask - they only give you the size of pillows that you use, and they keep the other 2 pairs. I think we can fill in the rest of the blanks. ) I'll start another topic that asks about mask suppliers specifically.

-Lyn