CL2 Direct Seal ?

joeyv20 · Post by **joeyv20** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 6:28 am

I am using the CL2, having a little trouble with skin irritation (this seems to be normal for me, it happens with all the masks so far) I modified my CL2 gear a bit, thanks RestedGal! It sleeps great now! Anyhow, I am sleeping better but have red marks in the morning they fade over the course of a day but, I can still see them if I look close just before bed time. It's time to rotate back to the swift. I need to find some good modifications for that to keep the seal thru the night like the CL2 . Anyhow, I am thinking about buying a new interface for the CL2, I have gone and looked at the pictures on the cpap.com site but I can't really see enough detail to understand how it fits my nose/face. Anybody here use one? Feeling up to a detailed description? I called cpap.com and the person that answered the phone was nice but not able to really describe it to me. Probably better to hear from some who use it or have tried it first hand.

Thanks!

Joey

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 6:48 am

The way I understand it (and I haven't tried the nasal seals) is that the seals fit against the bottom edges of your nares w/very little, almost no protrusion into the nostrils themselves.

The nasal pillows fit "into" the nostrils and sit against the bottom of the nares to some degree.

The nasal cushion is pretty much a smaller version of a nasal mask. I started w/the pillows but switched to and prefer the nasal cushion.

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 11:03 am

...and you may like to try one of the Simple Cushions:

joeyv20 · Post by **joeyv20** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 5:54 pm

Thanks gearhead!

That's what got me started on the CL2, I like it fine but my facial skin is easily bothered. It seems I need to change things pretty regularly. I was thinking maybe I can just switch between the simple cushion and one of the "nose" pad types. I am too tired from my say to remember the proper names but there are two one is a nasal pillow and one is a...I have used nasal pillow with the swift, haven't tried the other thin, I may give it a go next.

Thanks for sharing your opinions. this is so awesome! I have walked this road alone for too long it is wonderful to have folks that know and understand and are so willing to share.

Once again, thanks you'all!

Joey

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 6:36 pm

Joey -- what part of the CL2 leaves marks? Where on your face? Perhaps someone can help. Also, fleece strap covers are available to help stop marks on the face.

The CL2 comes with 2 out of 3 complete interfaces. You get a:

1. Simple Cushion (which is a small nasal mask), and either a
2. Pillow Cushion
3. or a Direct Seal Cushion

The Pillow Cushion is a pillow like the Swift with a little bit inside nares.
The Direct Seal Cushion fits mostly outside the nares - like a fat pillow.

When you click on this site, you will get the info. And click on the down arrow by "add to cart" and you can see the sizes and choices.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/2106

Now, here is a link for Swift Tips:

viewtopic.php?p=85539#85539

Good Luck

joeyv20 · Post by **joeyv20** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 10:10 pm

Thanks LInda,

The CL2 cushion is leaving marks all the way around at this point. The reddest mark is at the bridge of the nose. It does seal well but is not tight, it's just my skin I suppose. I have had problems like this from the beginning. Ther are no bothersome strap marks with the CL2, so that's nice but the strap marks I have had ever last more than a little while and fade long before lunch , it's the masks that get me.

I only got the simple cusion with mine, it came from the DME. I am trying to get a print out of charges from them. Believe it or not I have never seen one. My insurance has covered everything so far but, I would like to know what they have charged me. I am thinking seriously about throwing them over <g>.

I would love to know where or how to find the best information from posters (is that a correct term?) regarding the swift because I will definitely be using it soon and would like to know whatever tricks there are for getting it to stay sealed overnight. I will try the velcro on the back strap trick but, wondered if there was more information. the backstrap, velcro fix is about all I have found.

it sounds as if the pillow cushion may have less contact points so it may be the best alternative since it seems to be just the contact that is causing some of the issues.

Thanks so much!

Joey

stoverquill · Post by **stoverquill** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 9:35 am

Hi Joey,
I have the same problem with sensitive skin as you. I also use the CL2 and like the nasal pillows. Nothing touches my skin on my face. Only the head gear on forehead and very little around the edges of the nares themselves. I recommend these to anyone who has sensitive skin.

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 9:41 am

The nasal pillows should be tried. However, I would suggest you use some
ointment to lubricate the contact points inside the and outside the nares.
I use Bag Balm, but anything with lanolin oil is good. Others use KY Gel, Ary Gel, and etc.. Ypu will probably need to find something that is agreeable to
your skin.

Here are my nasal pillow mods:

..or this:

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 9:48 am

If I am understanding you correctly all you got w/your CL2 was the nasal cushion.

You can see from Linda's post what you SHOULD have gotten w/it. I'd go back to my DME, let them know that you KNOW what you SHOULD have gotten w/it and request the other seals or pillows cushions you SHOULD have gotten.

When I picked up my equipment from my local DME I was given a printout of items and charges which I had to sign. I was given a copy. Every time I go in and pick something up or return it I get a printout I have to sign w/a list of item(s) and charges. I am given a copy of each of these as well. I would request a copy of your "account" to date from your DME. Just keep in mind the charges are NOT what your insurance pays. You will need a statement from your insurance company showing charges, allowed, paid and any amounts you may be liable for.

For that matter you should have a copy of your script for your equipment as well. Might as well ask for that whilst you are getting the above copies.

Have you used the Swift yet? I don't have particularly sensitive skin but after a week to 10 days w/the Swift I got irritation at the base of the nose/top of my upper lip from "sweat" or moisture (didn't have any rain out) where the barrel laid against my upper lip under my nose. The CL2 doesn't have that barrel skin contact, just the nares is the only contact (and the forehead, of course). I also didn't like the Swift headgear at all. Its much easier to take the CL2 off and put it back on than the Swift in my opinion.

joeyv20 · Post by **joeyv20** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 10:16 am

I spoke to my insurance company yesterday. I spoke to the DME yesterday, the person in charge of my account was not available so I left a voice mail. I will call again later today to get that statement of all activity on my account. I could stay and fight but frankly I have other health issues that require my time as well as a family and I just don't think I have the energy to fix this wrong. I plan to save myself this time. This for me is turning over a new leaf , and it is for now a necessary evil.

Thanks for advising me regarding the equipment, I will get the statement and then see if I can get the equipment.

Do you know how do folks get copies of manuals for older machines? Does aybody here know? I'd like to understand how the machine works and how the menus work etc. Thanks!

Joey

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 10:26 am

Do you know how do folks get copies of manuals for older machines? Does aybody here know? I'd like to understand how the machine works and how the menus work etc. Thanks!

..eBay, ..search for CPAP...

joeyv20 · Post by **joeyv20** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 10:29 am

Thanks! I would have never thought of that on my own!

Joey

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 11:39 am

Joey, it's possible that your DME only gives one "interface" as a CL2. But the forum sponsor gives 2 (I just assumed that the 2 meant "two interfaces").

Regardless, since you already have the headgear, etc., you ccould just order the nasal pillows from cpap.com. The headgear, etc. is designed to be used with any of the 3 choices of interfaces.

joeyv20 · Post by **joeyv20** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 12:17 pm

Thanks! That is my present plan.

Joey

gregnga · Post by **gregnga** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 12:30 pm

Linda3032 wrote: The CL2 comes with 2 out of 3 complete interfaces. You get a:

1. Simple Cushion (which is a small nasal mask), and either a
2. Pillow Cushion
3. or a Direct Seal Cushion

The Pillow Cushion is a pillow like the Swift with a little bit inside nares.
The Direct Seal Cushion fits mostly outside the nares - like a fat pillow.

I have a CL2 and I only received 2 interfaces (I got it from the DME), pillows and I'm not sure if it's the simple or direct seal. By looking at the pictures here, its hard to see the differences.

CL2 Direct Seal ?

CL2 Direct Seal ?

CL2 Interface