Testing ComfortLite2 Mask

[Wideeyed]

Just an update on my status---called my DME looking for the Respironics strap someone had recommended to modify a Breeze headgear to eliminate mouth leaks. (Had already tried 2 different chin straps to no avail!). He brought me a complete kit (ComfortLite2 headgear w/pillows & nasal covers). Last night I used the nasal cover and found it rather noisy---not sure I had adjustments accurately made to prevent leaks BUT do not recall waking due to mouth "blowing" open. My new internist advised against taping mouth as I do have GERD.

I'm going to try using the ComfortLite2 w/nasal pillows tonight---any "experienced" users have tips to offer re adjustments to be made? The nasal pillows are M---had to go up to L nasal pillow size w/Breeze because couldn't tolerate the texture of the M size pillows---too harsh against nose.

NOTE: Another item--internist gave me a sample Requip pak for restlessleg and I've been on it since Monday night. I don't know if this has helped with mouth problem or not but was coincidental. My first sleep study indicated restlessleg but internist (former) did not want to give Rx. I have since changed internists---this is one problem in a long list--and am still able to use same DME (who, by the way, is SUPERB!).

I can't remember but someone had asked why I wasn't taking medication for the restless leg when I first posted problem with mouth "blowing" open--thanks for that comment---got me to thinking my internist was not listening to me when I asked questions.

Thanks to everyone for all of your helpful suggestions and encouragement---tomorrow will be my 1 month anniversary on CPAP. Couldn't have done it without this forum and my great DME.

[oldgearhead]

If you can't tape, you had better go to a full-face mask. The CL2. like all
nasal pillow masks, will either blow your mouth open or blow you up like a
blowfish.

[Wideeyed]

[quote="oldgearhead"]If you can't tape, you had better go to a full-face mask. The CL2. like all
nasal pillow masks, will either blow your mouth open or blow you up like a
blowfish.

[linda b]

To keep the CL2 simple cushion from leaking too much, you might need to stabilize the mask a little bit using Rested Gal's pantyhose/tights fix. I'm using a 1/2" piece of fleece-covered elastic about 16" long with a piece of velcro (grab side) on each end which can be stuck to the headgear. For me, I stick each end onto the headgear just below where the V is formed by the two top straps coming together. This, on my head, is just above my ears. I also put a small piece of sticky-backed velcro (grab side) on the rigid down tube just above where the simple cushion elbow is attached to grab the fleece so my added strap stays as low down as possible. I tried a longer piece to stick to the headgear at the back of the head at the neckline, but it went over my ears and I did not like that.

[birdshell]

Link to Comfort Lite 2 Strap Fix

Fishing Line Fix

Above is the link to a velcro strap modification for the CL 2, and another for the fishing line fix for the interface. Linda's fix is above; we will all have to find the solution that is best for each one.

As to the type of seal, I've not yet tried the simple seal.

Before the CL 2 came in, I had a borrowed CL 1. My first interface was the direct seal, which I had in a size larger than my measurement. It worked well, but the stretched nares were sometimes uncomfortable.

Then, when my CL 2 came in, I got 2 sizes of nasal pillows and the correct size of direct seal. I really had problems with both sizes of nasal pillows, as they would invert and cause seal failure, but not enough for me to wake up and flip the pillow back out.

Now I find that I have gone back to the direct seal a size larger than it "should" be. The smaller, correct size seems as if it does not deliver enough air. It also flutters and tickles my inner nostrils, so I'll have to take it off and rub my nose to get rid of the itch.

If I get brave enough, I'm going to cut off the edge of the interface. This will make the holes slightly larger and also may keep the edges from fluttering inside my nostrils. Maybe it will do nothing, but it is worth the effort.

All the best,
Birdshell