OptiLife - Pain in the nose!

jimbassett · Post by **jimbassett** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 11:42 am

Hi Jessica! I have a petite that has never been opened I would trade with you for the large size. If your interested drop me a PM Thanks. Jim

RichCMH · Post by **RichCMH** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 1:59 pm

I'll trade my unused petite for a new medium!

sweetdreams · Post by **sweetdreams** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 5:49 pm

I like the Optilife but can't seem to get the leaks down. I've not had trouble with sore or irritated nares. But not sure how the pillows should fit. I've gone back and forth between the small and med and don't see any difference.

How does everyone like the head gear? I'm wondering if that's my problem. It gets really unconfortable right above the ears. Seems to crawl and not stay in place.

Thanks all.

twitch · Post by **twitch** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 5:56 pm

Embarrassing moment:
For the first week, I was wondering about the headgear. The straps were over my ears and the nasal pillow were pushed against my lips. This couldn't be right! I finally went to the Respironics website where I learned - the Respironics logo goes behind your head, not on your forehead!!! I'd been wearing the headgear completely backwards! Doh!

I'm now visiting the website daily to make sure I'm fitting it properly. I'm still not sure...

RichCMH · Post by **RichCMH** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:09 pm

If the OptiLife headgear is on your ears, pull the top strap a bit tighter, this should bring the side straps forward a bit. In doing this, you may need to make a minor adjustment on the side straps too, since they will be pulled up. I keep the wings high on my cheeks, which then makes the chin strap more useful for stability!

Longer hair will also make the headgear move around. You will have to experiment with hair tie-backs.

Take some time when you can in the evening to make adjustments in a mirror. Hold pillows up to your nose and then adjust straps with the other hand. Test for leaks in bed, make adjustments as needed. Small adjustments at a time!

Once you find the perfect fit, mark the spot with some medical tape or a fabric marker so when you wash the headgear, you have your strap positons set.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 7:11 pm

Twitch, so funny. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've looked at the tag (picture directions) that came with the mask thinking I must have it backwards. Last night I even folded the mask above the ears and taped the fold. Tape didn't hold but I may be on to something...may have to get out the needle and thread if the adjustments that Rich suggests don't help me. The back strap is what crawls and makes the forehead (should it be on the forehead or over the forehead?) strap very loose. I've tweaked and tweaked and guess I'll tweak some more.

Thanks all.

OptiLife - Pain in the nose!

OptiLife fitting tips