Simple Seal Masks

jomac30 · Post by **jomac30** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 1:23 pm

I've read about full face masks, nasal masks, nasal prongs. How are the masks that use the Simple Seal classified? I'm trying to get a list of all masks that use the simple seal. I use the CL 2 with the simple seal, but the headgear seems a little too much. Now I'm trying to find a nask that uses the simple seal but less headgear. Is this possible?
I tried searching on cpap.com butdon't get result.
Thanks

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 2:01 pm

I've never seen a Simple Seal, all the masks I use have the Tough Love seal. Jim

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 2:32 pm

I agree with Jim. What you may find is the folks on this board are real inovative or better known as Lab Rats! If you like it except for **** change it. Elastic, velcro, Legs off of panty hose tights, elastic bandage wraps, vet wrap tape, skull caps, etc will make it work like you want it to.

Jerry

jomac30 · Post by **jomac30** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 2:35 pm

I'm afraid I'll ruin it if I alter it. Then I'll have no mask.

Could anyone tell me the difference between the Direct Seal and the Nasal Pillows? I know what the Simple Cushion is, but the other two are confusing.

linda b · Post by **linda b** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 8:32 pm

I feel really bad that I cannot remember his name, but a guy on here lab ratted new headgear for the CL2 which I have copied and it is terrific. He used a baseball cap, cut a hole in the brim, inserted the CL2 tubing through it and that was about it. I've been using a visor version for quite some time and absolutely love it. It is much cooler, doesn't destroy what little hairdo I have, doesn't shift around, keeps the simple cushion in place and nicely sealed without any extra straps.

The more I think about it, I think it was either Greybeard or Bad Breath that posted about that, at least 6 months ago. Maybe a search of their posts will find the information.

To the best of my knowledge, there is not another mask that uses the same simple cushion. There is a mask, also by Respironics, called Simplicity that has a similar cushion which I tried and did not like at all.

gl · Post by gl » Wed Jan 16, 2008 9:13 pm

jomac30 wrote:Could anyone tell me the difference between the Direct Seal and the Nasal Pillows? I know what the Simple Cushion is, but the other two are confusing.

The Direct Seal and Nasal Pillows are fairly similar. The difference is the nasal pillows actually are designed to insert a short way into the nares while the direct seals kind of press up against the nares without actually entering into them. The interface on the direct seals is kind of rounded. Just looking at the two, I expected the nasal pillows to give a better seal. In reality though, I've found the direct seal to both seal better and be much more comfortable on my nares.

YMMV

gl · Post by gl » Wed Jan 16, 2008 9:18 pm

Oh, and the simple cushion is in reality just a nasal interface. It is smaller than the other nasal mask on which I began my therapy. I've used it a few times but overall I prefer the direct seals.

jomac30 · Post by **jomac30** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 9:35 pm

linda b
I guess you are comfortable with the Simple cushion and the visor. I'd like to try doing that with mine.
Did you do this yourself just by following the directions? I'm not very good at doing that (I think I'm afraid I'll destroy it) Were you able to cut the hole in the visor easily?
Does your simple cushion leave a red mark on your nose? Mine does even though it doesn't hurt. How did you figure out what size simple cushion was right for you?
Thank you

jomac30 · Post by **jomac30** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 9:40 pm

gl
Thanks for explaining the differences to me. I find that the nasal pillows make my nostrils burn. I wonder if the direct seal would feel better. It sounds like the direct seal doesn't enter the nostrils and maybe would not irritate them like the pillows. Did you find this to be true?

gl · Post by gl » Wed Jan 16, 2008 10:18 pm

I never had any burning sensation from the nasal pillows. With me it was more the fact that in order to control the leaks I had to crank them into my nose so hard that it made my nares sore. I do find the direct seals much more comfortable, the best way I can think to describe it is the rounded interface kind of balloons out a bit and seals effectively for me. With these I'm able to reduce the pressure on my nose to the point where I hardly feel them at all.

I thought I'd try to get a picture for you showing the two interfaces side-by-side. Hopefully this works. The direct seal is on the left. You can see I also did the dental floss trick to stabilize them.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x193 ... AG0006.jpg

jomac30 · Post by **jomac30** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 10:49 pm

gl
Thanks for the picture. I think I'll try the direct seal

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 11:38 pm

Goshes, I'm sorry I took so long to find this thread and read it! I had fairly good luck w/the ComfortLite 2. I started w/the nasal pillows. But once I tried the simple nasal cushion I had no desire to go back to any nasal pillows mask. I found the more direct air pressure into the nostrils w/the pillows more irritating to my nasal passages and sinuses than the more difused air pressure via the nasal cushion type.

I liked the simple nasal cushion. I liked that it didn't fit to the bridge of my nose. Eventually I wasn't so happy w/the headgear of the CL2 but like you I was afraid of "ruining" it. On the other hand I liked all the "adjustability" of the CL2.

Then I had the opportunity to try the Simplicity and pretty much fell in love. It fits lower on the nose like the CL2 simple nasal cushion, I don't think there can possibly be a lighterweight CPAP mask. Everything is so flexible. You can run the hose above your head as w/the CL2 or the hose swivel is so free moving you can let it hang down on your chest. It comes w/a hose clip to clip it to the center head strap or to your PJs. Totally flexible forehead to nose angle.

The "problem" w/the Simplicity is that the center head strap is WAY TOO LONG. But it is so easy to remedy and the remedy can be "temporary" until you get it "just" the way you want it before making the "fix" permanent. All it takes is a velcro strip. At the center of the top of your head just pull up the strap until it is short enough to fit well and fold it over, use a velcro strip to hold the fold in place until you are sure its where you want it, then just cut out that center fold w/scissors and velcro the ends back together.

And that velcro holds! I never did get around to cutting out that fold for a good three or four months. And I've been using my original, w/the fold finally cut out of it and the ends velcroed back together, another good three months. My second Simplicity is "fixed" but in my backup CPAP case so I can just grab my carrying case, distilled water and walk out the door when I travel. And when I get home I just climb into bed with my trusty Elite sitting ready and waiting to be used again.

The other "problem" w/the Simplicity is as easily "fixed". The velcro ends of the two bottom straps are the same width as the straps themselves instead of being tapered as most strap ends are. Meaning unless you are quite careful in placing them in position the velcro can really irritate your neck. So ... just use scissors to taper the velcro a shade.

I used the Small CL2 nasal cushion but found I needed the Petite Simplicity.

jomac30 · Post by **jomac30** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 9:58 am

Slinky
Thanks for telling me about the Simplicity. I'm going to my DME next week for a new mask and will give it a try. It's nice to find another Simple Cushion user. For some reason this doesn't seem to be very popular among people here. Most seem to like the nasal seal or direct seal.
I'm wondering if I'm using the wrong size Simple Cushion because it goes almost up to the bridge of my nose and it does leave a red mark on my nose, I'm exited about getting a new mask next week.

grybeard77 · Post by **grybeard77** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 11:06 am

I have used the CL2 /nasal pillows for over a year now and have altered or cut off most of the parts of several of them. I tried the baseball cap idea and think it has lots of merit, but it wasn't for me.
I now have removed the part that sits on top of my head as well as the blue arms that lock the down tube in place in your nares, so that it is free to move. I also removed the 90* ell in the tubing and had to piece 2 different hoses togeather to make a new tube with out any hold down on top of my head. Then I added a head strap from a Cumfort Curve and use an elastic Tender Tape 1" wide from the ComforCurve headband just in front of my ears, down to the removeable part that fits into the nares so that there is a light tension on the device all night. So far, it has worked great, but I am working on another modification and will advise how that worked out in the future.

I am a side sleeper and use a soft malable pillow to help hold the thing in place. Only wake up a few times during the night to adjust for leaks.

It really pays to be daring and alter it if it doesn't fit just right. I loved the breeze and altered it to death until I got the CL 2. Nothing better has come along as far as I am concerned..

betty303 · Post by **betty303** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 11:40 am

GreyBeard - do you have any photos?

Mask	Humidifier

Mask	Humidifier

Mask	Humidifier

Simple Seal Masks

Simple Seal Masks

CL2 alterations or would you believe