Reveiw of the Respironics ComfortLite 2 mask

robbieh · Post by **robbieh** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 10:44 am

I feel like it is safe to give a progress report on this mask. I’ve had problems with all the masks I’ve tried so far. They work great the first night but then immediately start having problems by the second or third nights. There are some masks I can tolerate wearing all night but my sleep is not great. I have been having an average of 6 to 15 minutes of apnea each night with episodes lasting an average of 17 to 30 seconds. My AHI’s have averaged between 4 and 5.

I’ve worn the ComfortLite 2 mask for 3 nights now. I found I don’t like the pillows on any mask because it makes me feel like I have to breathe through small holes. The simple nasal mask on the CL2 is very comfortable so that is the one I’ve been using. It doesn’t feel like I’m smothering. I also love the freedom of being able to lay on my side without having to constantly adjust the angle of my head or fold my pillow back so I can hang my masked face over the edge. With the CL2, the side of my face actually lies on the pillow and the mask is not pushed to the side. The head gear looks pretty wild but actually works great. There are a lot of places on the mask and head gear that allow you to tweak the fit. I’ve woken up the past three mornings thinking I had taken the mask off in my sleep. There are zero marks on my face for the first time when I wake up. The most exciting thing of all is that I’ve had not 2 good nights in a row but 3! The first night my AHI was 1.5, very good for me. The second night it was 2.6, still not bad for me. The third night it was 2. This is the first time since starting CPAP 2 months ago that I’ve had such low numbers 3 days in a row. The amount of time in apnea for the 3 nights was also significantly lower averaging a little over a minute compared to 17 minutes. The average length of apnea each night was 11 seconds. The reason that is so exciting is that I’ve never had such low numbers before. The night before I tried this mask, I was having apneas that lasted over 30 seconds. That is when my oxygen sats start going down with the apnea episodes. That is very significant! My leak rates are too high but I forgot to tape my mouth shut the last two nights which could also be why the numbers were higher.

Another nice thing about this mask is that it is not “high maintenance”. I don’t need to take it all apart and wash it daily to get it to keep a seal. The Liberty has to be taken apart every day to wash the mask. It also has to be carefully dried by hand because it will not air dry by evening. The CL2 parts are much fewer so there is less chance of breaking something. It is nice and sturdy so it holds up well to my wild sleeping style. I was worried I would not like the over the head tubing configuration. The first two nights I tried to make sure it stayed in the right place. Last night I just let it do whatever it wanted and it was not a problem at all. I haven’t gotten tangled up in it yet.

If I can get the leak rate down, I’m certain I will have most of my problems licked! I have an appointment with OptionCare on Monday to trade my CPAP for an APAP. My sleep doc gave me a prescription to try it for a month to see if that would help. That will give me 2 more night’s data with this CL2 mask to see if I even need to go that route.

packer · Post by **packer** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 11:11 am

if I could ask-- are you a large or small person--

I am a big guy and have large head-- do you think it would adjust for
large head size??

thanks packer

JZ · Post by JZ » Sat Aug 11, 2007 11:27 am

Congratulations, robbieh!!

I think I am a slow learner -- It took me 5 months to get used to the CL2 - LOL. But that is just me -- light sleeping insomiac. I really like the CL2, but wish the forehead piece was smaller and lighter weight. I have had a data capable machine since March, and my AHI is usualy 2 or slightly below with the CL2.

Robbieh, if you are going to stick with the CL2, I recommend you invest in a padacheek cover for the forehead piece -- makes it more comfy (not to mention stylish).

Packer, I have a small head and face. It is my belief that the CL2 can easily adjust for a larger head. It has significant adjustment capabilities. Maybe some other CL2 users will weigh in here to let you know.

Janna

Cliff · Post by **Cliff** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 12:27 pm

I have the CL2 as well, and I loved it until just recently, as it seems like the simple cushion is losing it's ability to hold a seal. The pillow version still works fine, but I had huge leaking with the simple last week. I am going to try replacing the simple with a new one and see if that fixes the problem. It cold be it just breaks down faster than the pillows do.

Cliff

In the mean time, I have been using the optilife, and aside from the mask marks, it is keeping a seal very well

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 12:33 pm

I, too, like the CL2. And I also eventually found I preferred the simple nasal cushion to the nasal pillows. I like that it comes w/2 sizes of the nasal pillows and 2 sizes of the simple nasal cushion. For those who definitely prefer the nasal pillows style of interface the CL2 also comes w/the option of 2 sizes of nasal seals and nasal pillows rather than 2 sizes of simple nasal cushion and nasal pillows. It really is like getting TWO masks for the price of one.

That double option plus all the possible adjustment areas make the CL2 a great interface. And it is quite a popular CPAP interface.

What I did eventually encounter w/the CL2 was the headgear irritating my scalp's hair follicles w/minor shifting movement during sleep. And hair breakage. But that was over the period of 2-3 months.

Since I liked the CL2 simple nasal cushion so well I tried the Respironics Simplicity and find that I like it VERY much. The only problem I have had w/the Simplicity (EASILY remedied) was that the headgear was MUCH too large for me. I had to cut better than an inch out of the center headstrap to get a proper fit. The Simplicity comes w/a velcro "stabilizer clip" so you have the option of running the hose above your head if you so choose. The swivel is the easiest swinging swivel I've encountered in the various masks I had previously tried.

That was one thing I DIDN'T like about the CL2. The swivel didn't swing very easily. Altho a drop of vegetable oil did improve that greatly.

sharon1965 · Post by **sharon1965** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 12:57 pm

i've been on cpap for 7 months (wow, how did that happen? ) and the CL2 was the first interface i had any measure of success with...i used the direct seal nasal pillows which i preferred to the regular nasal pillows ( i found the simple cushion very comfortable but couldn't seem to get it to seal well...i think my incredibly oily skin contributed to that issue...)

so it worked well for me for 2 months or so, then i had to go off the hose for a month after septoplasty and when i went back on i just couldn't get the CL2 to work for me anymore! it was very heavy on my nose and i would wake up in the a.m. in a lot of pain...plus i couldn't get the direct seal pillows to seal anymore! go figure...i waited a while longer to give my schnozz a good chance to heal and tried again...no luck

i ended up trading it in for a breeze, but i think in 5 months time when i'm due for a new one i'll give it another try...in spite of the headgear i really did find this one to be a nice interface...glad to hear it's working so well for all of you

SanDigital · Post by **SanDigital** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 5:12 pm

I was given the Comfortlite 2 by the insurance company. No other options were offered, so I was a bit worried. Luckily, it does work well for my face.

The Good: 3 different types of nose pieces, easy on/off headgear, great for side sleeping...I can really bury my face into the pillow and it will hold it seal.

The Bad: I can only wear one of the three nose pieces, the material of the headgear really holds in the heat, I was playing with pressure settings and found a seal nearly impossible to hold above approx. 13 (at 14, it popped out of my nose like a cork from a bottle!) But, this isn't at issue when the machine is set to my prescribed 9.

I found that the Direct Seal nose piece works best for my long, thin, aquiline nose. This has two good sized prongs that sit well into the nose. I have a feeling it won't work if you have a small nose.

It does wash easily too. To dry quickly, clip it to the front of a house fan for an hour or so.

Highnote · Post by **Highnote** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 8:56 pm

Sorry to rain on the parade but I gave up on mine...CPAP newbie, first mask I tried. Could not get used to nasal pillows, although I could get a good seal with a little help from K-Y. The medium simple interface was too small, the large too big and leaked like crazy. After 2 weeks of exhaustion, time for another mask. The headstraps also had a habit of riding up on my head.

The positives were that it was good for side sleeping, and it was nice to have 4 different nasal interfaces to choose from. Too bad they went 0-for-4.

Chacun a son gout!

GreenIce · Post by **GreenIce** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 10:05 pm

CL2 does not work for me at the moment. My AHI and leak rates varies (big difference) each night. Maybe because using direct seal (size 5). Just bought medium size pillow. Hopefully it will be successful. I do like CL2, slightly bulky on the head but just comfortable.

Simple cushion does not work at all, it simply "comes" off (lifted) during higher pressure (> 10). Adjusting the angle does not help. Is there any tips or trick to adjust simple cushion ?

corymomma · Post by **corymomma** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 12:38 am

I just got the CL2 this past week. I forget what I had (I'm a blonde, sorry) but it was definately not working for me...1. I'm a side sleeper, and then it was rubbing a horrible sore under my nose. So when my provider said he had just what I needed I was hesitant because he was mentioning it had to do with the head gear, and all I could think of was it's not the dang head gear it's the mask rubbing a sore...well whichever way it was, so far I'm in love with the CL2 I can sleep on my side and smother my self with my pillow how I like to sleep without any issues. I too have not had any issues of tying myself up with the hosing in my sleep, like i did previously. I'm just using the simple nasal mask, not the pillows b/c i didn't feel like i could "get all the air out of me" while the air was still blowing into me. A good friend of mine says it looks just flat out strange, and the mask is weird...in response I must agree, I feel like a Telly Tubby on drugs or something, but no longer look like an elephant, and now I'm getting some good sleep, minus the fact I am still taking it off in my sleep...best of luck to all...corymomma

robbieh · Post by **robbieh** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 11:05 am

To Packer, I hope someone who also has a size large head will weigh in their experience with the CL2 for you. I don't think I have a large head becuase this headgear tends to sit low on my forehead. You can adjust lots of things with this mask. There are two velcro straps to adjust the head gear. There is an angle adjuster that pushes the nose piece into or away from your nose and another adjuster that raises or lowers the position of the nasal mask to match the position of your nose compared to your head. I have the angle at its maximum to keep it against my nose.

For the forth night in a row, I slept well. I had an AHI of 1.5... still had a higher leak rate than ideal but I cannot complain. I do feel much better. I feel energized. I also felt something I didn't recognize... it was very weird at first. Now I know what its called: "cheerful". Been so long I didn't recognize it! yehaw!!

JZ - you aren't a slow learner... in here we call it "sleep-deprived" lol This is the very weirdest mask I've tried so far based on appearance and I only accidentally figured out all the adjustment deals. I didn't know there was a padacheek for this mask. I haven't had any mark issues with it and it is comfortable. But if this can be more stylish... well then I gotta go for it!

Haven't worn it long enough to notice hair folicle problems but my bed hair has definately taken a turn for the worse!

GreenIce, I too had wildly varying AHIs but this seems at the moment to have fixed that! My leak rates are calmer but still higher than they should be. I love being able to bury my face in the pillow like I used to!

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 9:25 pm

For those having hair issues with this, try putting a cotton scarf on loosely over your head - don't tie it - then putting the mask on. You might tweak around with the scarf to get rid of unnecessary excess fabric.

Might help keep the neoprene part of the forehead piece from rubbing your hair off.

Or maybe the padacheeks fleece cover might be a good option.

Robbie, I'm so excited for you!!!! A free mask, and it seems to work! It's clearly your week! Go buy a lottery ticket!!!!

Huggers,
B.

GreenIce · Post by **GreenIce** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 1:54 am

robbieh wrote: GreenIce, I too had wildly varying AHIs but this seems at the moment to have fixed that! My leak rates are calmer but still higher than they should be. I love being able to bury my face in the pillow like I used to!

I remember looking at your chart, it was hilarious !

Right now I am using Resmed Activa mask, the AHI is below 5, leakage seems to minimum. I will try CL2 later.

barbpsleep · Post by **barbpsleep** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 8:02 pm

I'm also having a positive experience with the comfortlite. 've been using the simple cushion for about 4 months. I had used the Swift, but I'm a side sleeper and need to change positions occasionally during the night. The swift seemed to leak a lot and it was bothering my teeth because it seemed I had to keep it fairly tight to prevent the leaks. It also left me with mask marks in the morning.

In contrast, the comfort lite has been easy to use. The overthehead swivel is great for sidesleepers. Though the head gear isn't small, it's still pretty light. I also tend to get a stuffy nose on one side during the night - deviated septum. With the cushion, I feel like I'm getting more air than I could with the swift's pillows.

It does seem that it needs to be replaced more often than did the swift for a good seal. And I find that the exhaust tends to come up toward my eyes, drying them out. But I had some of that with the swift too, so maybe it's just me. Interestingly, my DME says she doesn't have many other people using it.

linda b · Post by **linda b** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 8:48 pm

I've been wearing the CL2 with the simple cushion for 15 months and have been very happy. -- especially since I copied Badbreath's deconstruction using a baseball cap or a sun visor. I know, it sounds crazy, but it really works. Check it out. Using the visor version has solved the super bad "bed hair" problem, the "riding up the back of the head" problem, the "sweaty head under the headgear" problem, the "velcro tabs that quit sticking problem" AND the "leaking with higher pressure" problem. The pantyhose are gone, too. My gosh, when you list all these "problems, it makes you wonder why we would call this such a wonderful mask!!!!!!

For those of you who don't want to deconstruct, don't forget to try Rested Gal's panty hose fix to keep the simple cushion from blowing off your face when the pressure goes up. And the grabbing side of velcro placed on the part of the headgear strap at the neckline helps a little to keep it from riding up too much.

This is the only mask I've used, so I can't compare it to others. I do find that I have to change cushions after 3 to 4 weeks and they are sensitive to oily skin around the nose.

Reveiw of the Respironics ComfortLite 2 mask

Reveiw of the Respironics ComfortLite 2 mask

comfortlite 2