Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Bret L. · Post by **Bret L.** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:14 pm

Hello, I am new here, but old to CPAP. I've been using a CPAP machine for many years. (It's been so long I can't remember. )I am at a 13 pressure.
I started using the Comfortlite 2 mask over a year ago and always used the Nasal pillows. Before this mask I used the Adam Circuit. I only changed because I wanted to try something new. I noticed that when I used the pillows, I would end up with water in the mask and would wake up drowning in water. With or without having the humidifier connected. If I don't connect the humidifier then I get dried out. I received the M-series CPAP machine at the same time and was trying to use its humidifier but it leaked. So I started using my old humidifier. It will hold plenty of water and during the cold nights, I can turn up the heat and use the Comfortlite 2 direct seal and it works great. I can sleep on my side or on my back with nice warm air. Using the direct seal, I do not get the drowning/water in the mask. Now you have some back ground, LOL, I am wondering if there is a better face mask to use? Sometimes it leaks and I wake up and have to reset it. That makes for a non-restful night. I thought I'd ask here for help. Is there a better mask than the Comfortlite 2?

Thank you,
Bret

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:59 pm

Is there a better mask? I don't know!

I think that there is no one best mask, but rather may be one that you prefer because it works best for you. I do know that very few of the fitting guides give me a good choice or fit, and that trial and error is the best test of a good mask for me. Fortunately, I have been able to try quite a few. Of course, reading about new masks that share some qualities of the masks you have found successful will reveal some to try.

I used the ADAM Circuit for about a week, waiting for my CL 2 to arrive. I liked it. The Breeze is the follower (using the same nasal pillows as the ADAM Circuit) and I LOVED that but...I broke out with contact dermatitis from the silicone.

I used the CL 2 for over a year--my first year on CPAP. I also used the direct seal. I did like the mask, but used several of the fixes to improve it. By fixes, I mean the suggestions for improving the fit and staying power of the mask. They can be found here.

I would suggest that if you like the CL 2, then you may be able to get a few on one of the auction sites. (Just Google "cpap auctions" and you will find a number of them...our host for this forum operates cpapauctions.com ) I do know that some of the professionals think it to be a really unpopular mask, but I could and would use it again, knowing what I know now.

BTW, there were some posts about the leaking humidifier chamber a while back. Supposedly, Respironics had a replacement tank that solved the problem. I use a ResMed, but you may want to ask about a replacement tank from your supplier or Respironics.

Sadly, the images are no longer available, but: Replacement M-Series Humidifier Water Chamber

Water Leaks from M-Series Humidifier

Best wishes in your quest.

Karen,
Who is still looking for the best

mask

Patrick A · Post by **Patrick A** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:44 am

Bret

I used the comfort mask didn't like I now use the Swift Mirage II I like it very much.

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 6:50 am

Just goes to show we're all different!

I started with Swift II and then LT and various others and ended up with the Breeze and Comfortlite 2 as my faves. I did tweak the CL2 a bit and it works well for me. I find that with any mask I seem to have trouble after a week or 2 or 3. I've noticed that if I switch masks at that point, I'm fine with the second mask for awhile. Then I go back to the first. I base it on frustration level

Mindy

Kiralynx · Post by **Kiralynx** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 7:36 am

I like the Comfortlite 2 quite a bit... but then, it's the only one I've used, although I have tried the simple cushion, the pillows, and the direct seal, before settling on the direct seal.

A hose cover helped me with the problem of moisture in the mask. So did having a dachshund sleeping on the hose and heating it up, so maybe an Aussie hose (heated hose) would be helpful. (The Aussie hose being a little less inclined to give problems when you change positions! )

I've seriously considered the Aeiomed Headrest, which is a favorite around here, but haven't yet had a chance.

I like my Comfortlite...

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 7:42 am

Kiralynx wrote:A hose cover helped me with the problem of moisture in the mask. So did having a dachshund sleeping on the hose and heating it up, so maybe an Aussie hose (heated hose) would be helpful. (The Aussie hose being a little less inclined to give problems when you change positions! )

I like the dachshund

Mindy

lance1713 · Post by **lance1713** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:34 pm

I'm a newbie too, and have what might be a dumb question: I read in these threads about people trying lots of different masks to find the right one. From researching them, I see that they are somewhat expensive. Are people really buying different masks to see which one is best, and if so, are people's insurance covering them? My company said they would send me a different one, but it's never really clear if it will be covered by insurance and I can't afford $100+ each time to find the right one.

Any suggestions on finding the right mask are appreciated (btw, the one I have now (Comfort Gel) blows in my eyes at night and dries them out). Thanks!

Gerald · Post by **Gerald** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:51 pm

Bret....

My second mask was the CL2....and it did pretty well for me....until I moved on to the Headrest.

I have not had any rainout since September of last year....and here's what I've done to prevent it:

I use a snugglehose cover to insulate the hose. That pretty well prevents condensation within the hose.

The hose is suspended brom a bracket above my head.....and since water doesn't run uphill very easily, most of the hose condensation (if there is any) runs back into my humidifier.

I have (2) pieces of cotton string inside the nose-piece of my mask......and that takes care of the condensation formed by exhaled breath. The string wick catches the BIG drops before they can roll into my nose.

The humidifier is set on "1" , the room stays at about 67F while sleeping, and the relative humidity runs around 40%.

I do everything possible to limit my leaks....and that prevents a large volume of moisture-laden air running through my hose. Air velocity and volume through the hose is limited to essentially just the amount required for me to breathe.

I dry my mask and hose between each use.

Hope this helps!

Gerald

Bret L. · Post by **Bret L.** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 1:46 pm

Thank you for the replys. I like the CL2 mask but I have tried the small and large direct seals and have noticed that they both leak somewhere eventually. I think my pressure is high enough that it forces it off my face when I exhale I either have air blowing into my eyes or out the side. I just don't seem to get the direct air into my nose like the nasal pillows do. Of course it's probably just me. LOL!!
I have rainout only on the nasal pillows. It doesn't matter if I have the humidifier on or off. I don't have rainout on the direct seal. I think it's just condensation from me breathing.
Has anyone had trouble with rainout with the nasal pillows?
I like how the CL2 has the hose above my head instead of down my chest. I'm afraid I'll catch the hose and pull my humidifier off into the floor during the night. I do sleep on my back but I have started noticing that when I wake up in the mornings, I'm on my right side. (Can't sleep on my left because of shoulder issue.)
Any ideas?

TheDreamer · Post by **TheDreamer** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 4:31 pm

I have noticed the condensation inside of my nasal pillows. But, the hose seems okay...so its not the same rainout, I've experienced before....I had backed off the humidifier, but that didn't seem to help. (can't remember paying attention on the nights that I used my repti-cord, but lately its been bordering on too warm at night...and I have trouble sleep when its too warm.) I'll probably switch humidifier back tonight (since its drying me out, at last no uncontrollable nose bleeds yet).

This seems to be the best mask that I've tried so far....though other than masks that were the wrong size, and the nasal mask that ate my nose....I've only been trying nasal pillow masks. And, the clear side and soft back certain helps with how my head goes left or right (as well as stay straight up) when I'm sleeping on my back. Plus it is less of a hassle when I try side sleeping or stomach sleeping for part of the night. Just small issues with hose entanglement and bed pillow adjustments.

I also like that its clear below the mask....since I look to pull my covers up to my mouth....

Part of is curious again about trying direct seals (anyways). Even though it had been suggested that they might not work too well in my case. Nasal pillows isn't perfect either....apparently they are close enough to being the same size or maybe my nose is crooked. Seems it seals good on the left, but leaks on the right..and tightening things until the right is good, results in sore nares on the left. Though I guess I'm wondering if direct seals would result in less pressure to achieve seal. RT doesn't think they would seal as well in my case.

Strange how suddenly I'm paying so much extra attention to my nose than before....I also find myself noticing other people's noses more....

The Dreamer.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 5:15 pm

I'm just like you. I have the same issues. I realy like the CL2 but if there is something better, then I'd like to change to it, I think. LOL!!

Bret L. · Post by **Bret L.** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 5:56 pm

The last post was mine, I didn't realize I wasn't logged in.

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Tue Feb 24, 2009 6:17 pm

Bret L. wrote:Thank you for the replys. I like the CL2 mask but I have tried the small and large direct seals and have noticed that they both leak somewhere eventually. I think my pressure is high enough that it forces it off my face when I exhale I either have air blowing into my eyes or out the side. I just don't seem to get the direct air into my nose like the nasal pillows do. Of course it's probably just me. LOL!!
<snip>
Any ideas?

Well, I do have a question: are we talking about the CL2 Direct Seal or the CL2 Nasal Pillows? Maybe the sizes in between the large and the small would help; As a rule, with nasal pillows/direct seal cushions, it is better to go with a size larger than measured for most people and most masks.

The ComfortLite 2 Direct Seal comes in 6 sizes (1,2,3,4,5,& 6) and may be sold separately or as a package of the 3 smallest (1,2,3) OR the 3 largest (4,5,6). I was measured for a 3 and found much greater success with a 4. This is because the DME was out of size 3 when I first got my mask, and so I went home with a 4. Then, my next one was a 3 which leaked like a sieve for me. So, it was back to my trusty 4!

That experience alone makes me a bit leery of the measurements for masks now. I have had similar experiences with other masks, too. I tend to have fairly small and slotted nostrils. I often feel that air is leaking from the tips [tops? distal ends?] of my nares, so that may be the problem.

The measurement suggestions of cpap.com have never worked for me, either. Some of my favorite masks are considered not appropriate for my features and measurements according to that system.

Back to our consideration of the CL 2--I have made links to pictures of each type of cushion if you will click on the blue text name:

The ComfortLite 2 Nasal Pillows come in sizes Petite, Small, Medium, and Large.

Because two cushions for the CL 2 have been mentioned, let us be sure to remember the third available: The ComfortLite 2 Simple Cushion comes in sizes Petite, Small, Medium, and Large. PLEASE NOTE: An additional Simple Cushion Elbow is required to use the Simple Cushion (of any size) with the CL 2.

So, Bret, are you SURE that you have tried the large and small Direct Seal?

Next: When I used the CL 2, I tied the leg of an ACTUAL PAIR of PANTYHOSE around the twist tube and then behind my head. It stayed on the mask until I wanted to wash everything and then, since it had only been done with a flat knot, was easily removed. It provided a great deal more stability for me, as a side sleeper.

(BTW, sleeping on the side is better than sleeping on the back for preventing apneas. Pressure needs can increase a great deal on the back. Sleeping in the prone position may or may not be bad--I don't know about that.)

I also used twist ties to keep the metal shaping strips in place and the cushion connected to the hard plastic with medical tape. I also coated the direct seal ever so lightly with lanolin each night to help seal "micro-leaks".

Those fixes can be found on the previously mentioned Lab Rat Awards.

Best wishes!

Karen,
Who may have posted some of this earlier

Kiralynx · Post by **Kiralynx** » Tue Feb 24, 2009 7:32 pm

mindy wrote:I like the dachshund

Mindy,

I like the dachshund, too. But I have a strong suspicion that neither the TSA nor the airline would believe me if I said he was my hose warmer and necessary medical equipment when I'm flying....

Bret L. · Post by **Bret L.** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 11:18 am

Ok my mistake, I have the Nasal pillow and the simple cushion. I was calling them wrong and appologize. I have the large and medium of both of these, they are all that were offered at the time my DME sent me a new mask. I have large nasal openings. I like the Nasal Pillows the best but the rainout is most annoying. Waking up in the middle of the night with water running into your nose isn't pleasant at all.
If they'd make one that didn't have a condensation issue, I'd use it.
The simple cushion I just can't get to stay sealed. If I lightly have it set, then when I exhale it leaks, not a bad thing, but then it doesn't set back on my face to seal again. If I have it tight on my face, then it still ends up leaking whenever I move at night and I'm not getting enough air.
I did see a post about placing a cotton string in the pillow area to take care of the rainout but isn't that wrong to have to do this to make it work?
Why can't the manufacturers make a product that works? Maybe even a small hole in that area where it condensates to keep the water out. Maybe it wouldn't pool so you wouldn't have to worry about water getting on you or your sheets. Has anyone tried that?

Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Re: Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Re: Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Re: Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Re: Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Re: Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Re: Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Re: Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Re: Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Re: Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Re: Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Re: Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Re: Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Re: Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

Re: Newbie question, I use the Comfortlite 2 mask.

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