Phillips Respironics Wisp mask high breakage failure rate

[Leea]

Is anyone else experiencing breakage in the Wisp mask?

I have been using the Wisp for a couple of years. So far on 3 of them the headgear has snapped in two. Two of them broke just past 6 months so I just got a new one. One broke just before 6 months so for a week I went back to the old brand I still had. Knowing that they tend to break I wanted to build up a reserve so just in case I would be ready but I am having a hard time getting ahead. I don't get it, I am not hard on them and I don't crank it down tight. So far they haven't broken while I am traveling but I am in fear of that. I tried to repair one but can't get it to work.

I would just change to a different mask but this is the first one I found after many years of trying that doesn't leak a lot. I do like it. I get 2 sizes of cushions I can use so I get a new one every 3 months.

My supplier says they have heard of it but claim it is not that common. Based on my percentage I can't believe that. They said it has a 30 day warranty, ridiculous. They suggest I change to the fabric version, it may last longer. There are 2 models, plain silicone which I prefer and fabric covered.

I am tempted to put them in a box and send them back to the manufacturer if I thought it would do any good.

Lee

[Pugsy]

I haven't seen a lot of complaints here on the forum about the silicone breaking on the Wisp and I don't use that mask so I have no personal experience. We do have a lot of happy Wisp users here.

Have you looked at or tried the ResMed Swift FX Nano? The cushion is quite similar and the silicone for that headgear is quite sturdy...it's the same headgear as the Swift FX nasal pillows and lots of people use that mask and I have never heard of the silicone breaking with it. I also have personally used that headgear for years when I use the FX pillows and never had a problem with the silicon.

[D.H.]

In most cases, you can use the headgear from a different mask or a "generic" headgear. From what I see, this mask should not be an exception.

It seems that this mask can be used with the clips or the headgear can be threaded directly through the holes. If the problem is with the clips, try threading directly through the holes.

[chunkyfrog]

Exactly what part is breaking?
I have had the Wisp, and the part that can be either clear silicone or reversible fabric
is the FRONT FRAME. I preferred the silicone, because it clings to the face and
held the cushion away from sensitive parts of my face.
I could not tolerate the fabric frame because of extra pressure around my nose.
To DH: since you are not familiar with the wisp, I am reminding you that the headgear
of the Wisp is unique to that mask. It is far shorter than many other headgear styles.

[Pugsy]

In most cases, you can use the headgear from a different mask or a "generic" headgear.

While this is true for a lot of the FFM and some nasal cushion masks I don't think it's a very viable option with the Wisp.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/wisp-n ... ck-pr.html
You might take the time to look at the mask and see how it is anchored for optimal seal.
I can't think of any other headgear that would get the job done easily or even with considerable modification...besides...people shouldn't be expected to totally redo a headgear to make it work and make it last.
I have tried the Wisp with the silicone headgear...modifying another headgear wouldn't be easy with the Wisp due to the anchor points.

[Leea]

In most cases, you can use the headgear from a different mask or a "generic" headgear. From what I see, this mask should not be an exception.

It seems that this mask can be used with the clips or the headgear can be threaded directly through the holes. If the problem is with the clips, try threading directly through the holes.

I think I used the wrong term.
I can not use anything generic. The silicone part, the part that breaks, is specific to this mask. It holds the cushion.

[Pugsy]

I would normally call the part of the mask that directly attaches to the cushion the "frame" but headgear is actually what it is since with this mask they offer the silicone headgear as well as standard fabric headgear.
I suspect DH wasn't familiar with the unique attachment anchor points of the Wisp.

[Janknitz]

I think the manufacturer will not care that they don't hold up for years since most insurers will replace them in six months (though most of us use them far longer). Planned obsolesence is good for the manufacturer.

[chunkyfrog]

That part is called the FRONT FRAME, and cpap.com sells it for $30.
You may find it cheaper on Ebay.

[Pugsy]

That part is called the FRONT FRAME, and cpap.com sells it for $30.
You may find it cheaper on Ebay.

I didn't spot any better deals just now but I did spot a complete package..silicone for $50 plus $8 shipping.

But you want a laugh...I spotted a listing for just the silicone frame for $132.99...what planet are they on? with shipping added on top. Clearly states it is the "accessory" frame part number so and so and nothing else. I about choked when I saw that.

[Leea]

I don't think they can sell the frame on Ebay. I think that is considered the prescription part of the mask.
I think next time I will be looking at the ResMed Swift FX Nano It seems it might work for me.
I have contacted Respironics. We will see if they have anything to say.
Lee

[palerider]

I don't think they can sell the frame on Ebay. I think that is considered the prescription part of the mask.
I think next time I will be looking at the ResMed Swift FX Nano It seems it might work for me.
I have contacted Respironics. We will see if they have anything to say.
Lee

there is no prescription part of a mask... the only thing that requires an rx is a whole mask.

wisp frames are all over ebay, btw. (49 results at the moment.)

[Leea]

there is no prescription part of a mask... the only thing that requires an rx is a whole mask.

wisp frames are all over ebay, btw. (49 results at the moment.)

Right you are. It has been a while since I checked. I even found a complete mask. I thought that was against the rules.
Lee

[palerider]

I thought that was against the rules.

oh, it is against the rules, doesn't mean that listings don't happen, sometimes they get taken down, sometimes they slip through.

[chunkyfrog]

No society can exist without a certain amount of black market.
Anyone can benefit from a bit of civil disobedience.
Some could not survive without it.
The law can harm as easily as protect.
This can explain why the short line to Hell is full of lobbyists.