Calling all users of the Comfortlite 2 - Suggestions please

[dieselgal]

I recently purchased this and when I first put it on I thought I was gonna love it. BUT as usual I have had issues. It came with the pillows and the simple cushion. The simple cushion was what I really wanted to work but I tried everything I can think of and every configuration and I just cannot get that to seal even on my back. The pillows I can get to work if I lay on my back but almost any movement breaks the seal on one or both and the black on the inside of the headpiece in the front drives me nuts making me itchy. I have not made it for more than 2 hours total with the mask and I want to like it.
Any suggestions?

[Sleepy-eyes]

I love my CL2...........mainly because it's the only mask I've used that DOESN'T leak...........at least on me! I'm sure you have already, but if not.............read through your instructions again. They may seem quite simple, but they are specific and worked well for me. The main thing is to keep the part up on the head fairly loose and don't pull the cusions up tight against the nose. They seal by inflating against the nose. I wear this mask the loosest of any I've ever tried. Other than that, I don't know how to help you.

[kteague]

Dieselgal,

I am partially using the CL2. The fit of the headgear works for me, although I did need the PADACHEEK cover for the black foamlike piece that rests against the top of the forehead. That helped it feel less foreign and even made it shift less. I am concerned that portion of the headgear is going to get pretty hot this summer. Others on the forum have modified their CL2 to work without the piece of the headgear that's bothering you. I also removed the swivel joint.

The pillows sealed just fine, but by the time I got them angled to seal good, the metal strip across the front was resting on my upper lip. Just made me very aware of its presence and left indentation. I ended up rigging the nosepiece of my Breeze to attach to the headgear of the CL2, and it's my favorite to use so far.

Whether the Breeze or the CL2 or the combo, I cannot keep a seal without stabilizing it with an extra strap (pantyhose tights leg, sport headband, strip of t-shirt, etc) around it to keep it from shifting. Others have said the same. I am a side sleeper and switch sides, and as long as I've got the stretchy sweatband on, I rarely lose the seal. I put it around my neck before putting the mask on, then pull the front up over the nosepiece near the eyebrow level (depending on which mask and where the vent is located). If the seal is your only issue with the CL2, I'd venture to say having some material between the foam and your head and adding an extra strap to hold it in place will make it a workable mask for you. You may even be able to use the simple cushion with it stabilized.

Let us know how it works out for you.

Kathy

[linda b]

I've been using the CL2 with the simple cushion successfully since May 2006. I love it. But I do use an extra strap to stablize it. I don't toss and turn, but I do sleep on my sides, waking enough to turn over a couple of times during the night.

[birdshell]

I copied this from Rested Gal's Lab Rat Awards posting; the entire thing may be viewed at:

Click Here to Go to Lab Rat Awards

I personally use several fixes, or adaptations, on my CL 2 using the direct seal. Those are: doubled sticky velcro (hook side stuck to itself and then adhered to lower back strap inside the ComfortLite 2 printing); fishing line or twist ties; lanolin on the direct seal; and of course, the ubiquitous pantyhose strap.

ComfortLite 2

NightHawkeye
fishing line fix for CL2
Apr 30, 2006 subject: Fix Turns ComfortLite 2 to Perfection to NightHawkeye for description and pictures - using fishing line to bring CL2's nasal assembly in closer to the nostrils.
viewtopic.php?t=8884

oldgearhead
twist tie fix for CL2
Oct 15, 2006 subject: CL2- creative modification help please to oldgearhead for directions and picture - twist ties to bring ComfortLite 2 nasal assembly closer to nostrils
viewtopic.php?t=14379

Another oldgearhead modification using chinstrap and twist tie for the "simple cushion" attachment - with pictures:
viewtopic.php?t=15175

kteague
Breeze nosegear used on CL2
Feb 14, 2007 So this is what a good fit feels like to kteague for modification using Breeze nosegear with CL2 headgear.
viewtopic.php?t=17411

linda b
fleece/velcro half strap to steady ComfortLite 2 simple cushion
Sep 07, 2006 subject: New mask to linda b for directions on making a fleece/velcro half strap to steady the ComfortLite 2 "simple cushion" nasal piece.
viewtopic.php?t=13347

Another linda b modification described here:
viewtopic.php?t=15175

flygal6
several fixes from top to bottom on CL2
Feb 28, 2007 subject: New CL2 Modifications to flygal6 for several modifications to CL2 - exhaust, swivel, pillows angle.
viewtopic.php?t=17794


rested gal
removal of swivel elbow on the CL2
Apr 14, 2006 subject: ComfortLite 2 without the elbow drawings and description of removal of swivel elbow on top of headgear by rested gal
viewtopic.php?t=8493


_____________________________

Sleep well,

Karen

[JZ]

Diesalgal,

I have been using the CL2 for about 3 months. I have a small head and face and have had trouble finding a mask or nasal pillows that work for me. The CL2 is not great for me, but it is OK with some of the fixes others have listed.

I absolutely have to have an extra strap (panty hose leg) around my head to stabilize it. I place the strap in front just below the lever clip that moves the pillows piece and tie it at the back of my head with the double starting knot (the knot lays flat and is comfortable to lie on). Thanks to Rested Gal for the link to doing the simple double staritng knot:

http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/doublestartknot.htm

By the way, in spite of having been a Girl Scout for many years, I guess I have knot dyslexia because I stared and stared at the double starting knot directions for ages and kept flubbing in until suddenly I got the very simple concept -- LOL.

I have a PADACHEEK cover for the forehead piece that really helps. And I put a little dab of Ary Nasal Gel on the tip of my nose and nostrils to help with the seal just before putting on the mask.

With these fixes, I can usually maintain a seal and be "reasonably" comfortable as I toss and turn during the night.

Good luck.

Janna

[JZ]

Oh, forgot to mention I have only used the simple cushion a couple of times. I use the same fixes, but get more leaks than with the pillows. Would like to use the cushion more, but, alas, usually can't get a good enough seal.

And what is with that cheesy piece of metal on the nasal pillows? After awhile it starts getting wavier than a Ruffles potato chip and reduces the ability to get the pillows situated correctly. I think I am going to have to order a new set of pillows.

Janna

[apneaicinisrael]

Hi to all the CL-2 users,
Regarding the padacheek for CL-2 -- I also use and love it, it really stabilizes the unit. Last summer though I had to remove it because the fleece was too hot. With her usual responsiveness to customer needs - a new cotton padacheek is on the drawing board! Just hoping that it is possible to do and comes out by summer!
Also, if any industry guys are perusing this forum - that metal "T" thing is IMHO the major design flaw of this otherwise great mask. It gets crumpled and slips out of its pocket. I have taken to keeping a small set of pliers at bedside, with which I straighten out the crimps every so often, after which it stays put better.
That's my 2cents about my friend the CL-2!
AII

[sleepyWI]

Here is my version of a CL2 fix. I have also removed the elbow and substituted a straight piece from another mask. My Cl2 is very stable and I generally have very few leak problems.

Tim

viewtopic.php?t=17115&highlight=cl2

[Steve-o]

I had the same issues you are having. Thing leaked constantly. The length of the tube connecting the simple cushion to the mask was simply too long (on my face) to provide adequate pressure to keep the seal. So, I added an extra strap, still no luck. Finally, went back to may ultramirage II.

Total was of money for me. My nares are too slotted to use the pillows.