Welllll, my one-night stand with the Comfort Curve proved to be a big failure. When I first tried it on, I thought hey, these cheek pads are nice and soft and comfy cushy. However, after only a short while, it feels as if your face is in a vice. It seems that the pads could not be positioned to avoid pressure on cheekbones without losing seal. I started with the medium size but with the slightest movement, seal was lost. I tried the small and still had leak problems with any moving at all. Again, felt as if head was in a vice and I dared not move. Not relaxing! I tried to stick it out all night but sometime in the wee hours I pulled it off in desperation and yes, pain, and gave up. By then the headgear was out of place anyway. One of the cheek pads came off its holder in the process as it had "stuck" itself to my (clean) face. I experimented the next day with taking the cheek pads off and sticking panty liner strips to the plastic frame. That didn't work as leaks were even worse. I spent an hour or more reading posts here on the forum, looking for tips, but saw a majority of folks having as much trouble as I. The outlook appeared bleak, so since I had an opportunity to exchange it, I did so. The CC is now becoming a distant lousy memory for me. Another one bites the dust. A night's sleep pretty much wrecked.
By the way, even though the cheek pad stuck to my face, I didn't wake up with red irritation marks on my face. No reaction to the material. That's a plus
Actually, I didn't mind the lightweight hose that comes with it, and I thought this interface was relatively quiet. It looks like a great design. I had high hopes. Too bad it didn't work for me. Back to my beloved Swift and sometimes Activa. I will always be looking for the next favorite though!
Oh2Breathe, your suggestion to try makeup sponge wedges in the cheek area sounds good though. Glad you have found it to be comfy for you!!
lynn
Comfort curve
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Lynn, I know the vise-like feeling the cheek slabs caused. Awful.
Recently I've had an opportunity to try yet another Comfort Curve, this time with the new headgear. I've tried all the tips (pantyliner thins, makeup sponges) as well as a few other unmentionables. LOL!
Even my beloved pantyhose tights leg across the front couldn't keep the nasal thingie in place below my nose well enough to prevent leaks when I turned over.
I guess that's a interface that's just much more dependent on the shape/size of one's face and the size and placement of the cheekbones than are most masks. Leaky disaster for me, no matter what I tried.
Was most aggravating, too, not to be able to route the hose(s) upward to an overhead scrunchie, as I like to do. A very poor design, imho, but I'm glad it works for some.
Recently I've had an opportunity to try yet another Comfort Curve, this time with the new headgear. I've tried all the tips (pantyliner thins, makeup sponges) as well as a few other unmentionables. LOL!
Even my beloved pantyhose tights leg across the front couldn't keep the nasal thingie in place below my nose well enough to prevent leaks when I turned over.
I guess that's a interface that's just much more dependent on the shape/size of one's face and the size and placement of the cheekbones than are most masks. Leaky disaster for me, no matter what I tried.
Was most aggravating, too, not to be able to route the hose(s) upward to an overhead scrunchie, as I like to do. A very poor design, imho, but I'm glad it works for some.
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Guest
My heart really goes out to you, because I know how frustrating it is to be desperate for sleep yet unable to sleep because your mask is extremely uncomfortable. Five of the six masks I've tried were like that, and some of them would make good torture devices (especially when administered with the sleep deprivation!!!)
Although I've found the Comfort Curve with my make-up wedge adaptation to be the best fit for me so far, it isn't perfect. I find that when I toss and turn I do get more leaks, but they seem more slight compared to the leaks I had with other masks. I also like it because it doesn't irritate by sensitive Irish skin or leave huge red welts on my nose that last all day (my manager noted my red nose one morning and when I told him it was from my CPAP mask he joked that he wondered if I'd suddenly taken up drinking...) Anyway, I've come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as a comfortable mask, only varying degrees of lesser discomfort.
Luckily I have a great supplier, Ottawa Oxygen Therapy in Ottawa, Ontario. The staff person there has been very supportive and patient with me as I've worked my way through the 6 masks, and has never had any problem with all the returns. She has allowed me to try everything on a 30 day trial basis before finalizing the sale and running it through my insurance. If you don't have a supplier who is that flexible, find one. Don't settle for less.
It's important to keep trying until you find the best mask for your unique face shape. You spend a third of your life asleep, and everything else you do with your life depends on the quality of that sleep. In terms of the overall effect on your quality of life, the mask you choose is even more important than what kind of car you drive, so give yourself the best.
~ OTB
Although I've found the Comfort Curve with my make-up wedge adaptation to be the best fit for me so far, it isn't perfect. I find that when I toss and turn I do get more leaks, but they seem more slight compared to the leaks I had with other masks. I also like it because it doesn't irritate by sensitive Irish skin or leave huge red welts on my nose that last all day (my manager noted my red nose one morning and when I told him it was from my CPAP mask he joked that he wondered if I'd suddenly taken up drinking...) Anyway, I've come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as a comfortable mask, only varying degrees of lesser discomfort.
Luckily I have a great supplier, Ottawa Oxygen Therapy in Ottawa, Ontario. The staff person there has been very supportive and patient with me as I've worked my way through the 6 masks, and has never had any problem with all the returns. She has allowed me to try everything on a 30 day trial basis before finalizing the sale and running it through my insurance. If you don't have a supplier who is that flexible, find one. Don't settle for less.
It's important to keep trying until you find the best mask for your unique face shape. You spend a third of your life asleep, and everything else you do with your life depends on the quality of that sleep. In terms of the overall effect on your quality of life, the mask you choose is even more important than what kind of car you drive, so give yourself the best.
~ OTB
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Oh 2 breathe
- Posts: 59
- Joined: Sun Sep 18, 2005 5:04 pm
- Location: Ottawa, Ontario
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OldSeaRock
- Posts: 116
- Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2005 4:48 pm
- Location: Earth
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
OSR,
Sorry to hear the CC was such a bust. I read RG's account of her attempt at it, too, and it wasn't too encouraging. You know what I'm going to say, right? If you have a DME who lets you try out a mask, see if you can try the Aura for a night. If you're anything like me, you'll try it one night and get the results I got and want to keep it. And the success has lasted so far almost two weeks this Monday. Yes, I've had a few leaks here and there, but never anything that couldn't be fixed once and that's it for the night.
Rock & Roll was supposed to get his at the end of last week, but with Rita I'm sure it's delayed. Also Beth (Professor Sleep) ordered one yesterday and will be posting her opinion of it, too. Keep your eyes open for their writeups on it. But all I can say is, you need to try something different that you haven't used before and I'd say either Aura or Swift. And if I REALLY had to say, you know where I'd go...Aura all the way.
Sorry to hear the CC was such a bust. I read RG's account of her attempt at it, too, and it wasn't too encouraging. You know what I'm going to say, right? If you have a DME who lets you try out a mask, see if you can try the Aura for a night. If you're anything like me, you'll try it one night and get the results I got and want to keep it. And the success has lasted so far almost two weeks this Monday. Yes, I've had a few leaks here and there, but never anything that couldn't be fixed once and that's it for the night.
Rock & Roll was supposed to get his at the end of last week, but with Rita I'm sure it's delayed. Also Beth (Professor Sleep) ordered one yesterday and will be posting her opinion of it, too. Keep your eyes open for their writeups on it. But all I can say is, you need to try something different that you haven't used before and I'd say either Aura or Swift. And if I REALLY had to say, you know where I'd go...Aura all the way.
L o R i
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MissAmethyst2U
- Posts: 156
- Joined: Mon May 23, 2005 3:26 pm
- Location: Virginia
- Contact:
WOW I am sorry nobody has much luck with the comfortcurve I for one LOVE IT!!!! COuldnt live without it...I flip from side to side and sleep on my back and occasionally I do have some leaks but for the most part its fine. As far as a whistling sound I found it wasnt from the exaust but from the elbows leaking I solved the problem by taking tiny clear plastic rubber bands (the tiny ones like they use in Barbie doll's hair you can get a pack of them in the hair clip section) and put two overlapping in each little groove thing (Makes like a little gasket or something, I think someone suggested something with Saran wrap once before too)when you pop off the elbow (not sure that is making sense to yall lol) it worked for me anyhow, and I found I need to wash the nose piece and cheek pads everyday to get a good seal. I have a round chubby face which usually doesnt work for ppl but I guess I am just a lucky one. Another problem I know somme have is dealing with the extra hose cause I have the PB 420 so I have to have the sensor line and then connect the CC to that hose my doc said this is not a prob and the machine will still read. I have been on cpap since May and well I feel 10 times better and my episodes were down to like 0.7 a night so doc is very pleased...I wish you all could have the same luck with the CC:( my problem now is I am worried to death they will stop making it lol...
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): hose, CPAP, seal
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): hose, CPAP, seal
Comfort Curve
It seems that that many people have tried to conquer the many difficulties with the Comfort Curve's design. My chief complaint is that there is no "adjustment" in the dimension of the "curve". It seems that this device was designed to the concept of "One size fits one". If one has a larger/wider face, you would need some steel cable and a turnbuckle to get the thing tight enough to your face for it to work. Of course I tried the method of removing the soft cushy cheek pads and substituted a thin pantyliner. The best part of this attempted repair was the look on the woman's face in the pharmacy that I go to when I asked her which panty liner did she think would feel best on my face overnight. What ended up being the better resolution was to put the Comfort Curve under my mattress during the day, causing the "curve" to be flattened out somewhat.
Reversing the headgear didn't help, as that causes the headgear to overlap my ears. Of course the additional pain from my ears did make me forget the pressure on my cheeks!
My resolution for the whistling leaks from the swivels is to wrap a turn or two of teflon tape around the inner section before snapping them together. Works like a charm and doesn't interfere with cleaning. Jut throw out the old tape and rewrap with new. Cheap and easy.
Overall, I like the concept but not the implementation. I will continue to try to get the Comfort Curve to work for me, but when I do not feel like experimenting, I will just use my ResMed Activa.
Eric
Reversing the headgear didn't help, as that causes the headgear to overlap my ears. Of course the additional pain from my ears did make me forget the pressure on my cheeks!
My resolution for the whistling leaks from the swivels is to wrap a turn or two of teflon tape around the inner section before snapping them together. Works like a charm and doesn't interfere with cleaning. Jut throw out the old tape and rewrap with new. Cheap and easy.
Overall, I like the concept but not the implementation. I will continue to try to get the Comfort Curve to work for me, but when I do not feel like experimenting, I will just use my ResMed Activa.
Eric
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OldSeaRock
- Posts: 116
- Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2005 4:48 pm
- Location: Earth
I tried the CC again last night - no whistles!
All I can figure is that I cleaned the interface very well the night before I first tried it and some water was in the mask, somewhere, causing it to whistle like mad.
The CC was great last night until I turned over onto my side.. and it leaked like a sieve.
I'm going to try it again tonight and if it does the same thing then I'm going to offer it here to someone.
If I was a back sleeper then I do believe that the CC would be an excellent interface!!
Once I sell my Breeze - and if the CC doesn't work - then I'll buy an Aura. If the Aura doesn't work then I'm going to stick with my Mirage Activa and be happy. The Mirage Activa and I are getting along pretty well these days... comparitively speaking .
All I can figure is that I cleaned the interface very well the night before I first tried it and some water was in the mask, somewhere, causing it to whistle like mad.
The CC was great last night until I turned over onto my side.. and it leaked like a sieve.
I'm going to try it again tonight and if it does the same thing then I'm going to offer it here to someone.
If I was a back sleeper then I do believe that the CC would be an excellent interface!!
Once I sell my Breeze - and if the CC doesn't work - then I'll buy an Aura. If the Aura doesn't work then I'm going to stick with my Mirage Activa and be happy. The Mirage Activa and I are getting along pretty well these days... comparitively speaking .
People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
OSR,
Before you order your Aura, please check out for any feedback from current users regarding using it with higher pressures. Please read the thread I posted today viewtopic.php?t=4787.
Glad to hear you had a "better" night with the CC. Sometimes it takes a little tweaking here and there and a little usage to get it right with a new mask. Maybe, with a little help from above and this site, that will be the case this time for you. Wish I could offer you a suggestion, but never used it before. Maybe if you try the little wedge sponges that Ms. Amethyst talked about, that would help angle it so you get a better fit? I am just going by what I've read. Let us know how you do tonight. I will keep some positive vibes out for your success.
Before you order your Aura, please check out for any feedback from current users regarding using it with higher pressures. Please read the thread I posted today viewtopic.php?t=4787.
Glad to hear you had a "better" night with the CC. Sometimes it takes a little tweaking here and there and a little usage to get it right with a new mask. Maybe, with a little help from above and this site, that will be the case this time for you. Wish I could offer you a suggestion, but never used it before. Maybe if you try the little wedge sponges that Ms. Amethyst talked about, that would help angle it so you get a better fit? I am just going by what I've read. Let us know how you do tonight. I will keep some positive vibes out for your success.
L o R i
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catchin_zzzs
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2005 9:47 pm
Hi, I just bought the Comfort Curve (my first mask) and have used it for 3 nights. So far, I like it a lot - WAY less intrusive and claustrophobic than the mask they put on me at the sleep lab. Also - very, very quiet. My husband said he had to look over at the night stand to make sure all the lights were lit up on my CPAP to make sure it was working.
One question, which I hope some of you Comfort Curve users can help with: I'm a side-sleeper by choice, and so far, I have a bit of leakage when sleeping on my side. Actually the mask shifts slightly because of the contact with my pillow.When sleeping on my back, all is good, but I always end up on my side and that's when I have to fool around with the mask.
Do I need a different shape/type of pillow? (mine *is* pretty squishy). Or are there other tips or suggestions you experienced folks can offer?
I will say that after 3 nights of more "real sleep" than I've probably had in months, I'm feeling very optimistic about CPAP therapy. Thanks in advance
for your help!
One question, which I hope some of you Comfort Curve users can help with: I'm a side-sleeper by choice, and so far, I have a bit of leakage when sleeping on my side. Actually the mask shifts slightly because of the contact with my pillow.When sleeping on my back, all is good, but I always end up on my side and that's when I have to fool around with the mask.
Do I need a different shape/type of pillow? (mine *is* pretty squishy). Or are there other tips or suggestions you experienced folks can offer?
I will say that after 3 nights of more "real sleep" than I've probably had in months, I'm feeling very optimistic about CPAP therapy. Thanks in advance
for your help!
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OldSeaRock
- Posts: 116
- Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2005 4:48 pm
- Location: Earth
Howdy czzz's.
You're doing great with the CC - and I've given up. As a side sleeper I have problems with the mask leaking as soon as I roll over onto my side. Not the occasional baby leak - but the geyser type that simply won't go away once they start.
I've learned that there is no such thing as a universal mask that works for everyone. I'm learning that no mask, regardless of how it works for us on a consistent basis, is perfect all of the time.
The more I read and learn - the happier I am with my Mirage Activa. Vs all of the masks I've tried, the Activa is the most suitable for me - thus far .
If you're getting good performance out of the CC then by jove, you've got it ! A person could go seriously into debt trying all of these masks looking for the perfect mask, only to find out that your first mask with a fig newton cookie tucked under the top strap works like a charm.. ..
You're doing great with the CC - and I've given up. As a side sleeper I have problems with the mask leaking as soon as I roll over onto my side. Not the occasional baby leak - but the geyser type that simply won't go away once they start.
I've learned that there is no such thing as a universal mask that works for everyone. I'm learning that no mask, regardless of how it works for us on a consistent basis, is perfect all of the time.
The more I read and learn - the happier I am with my Mirage Activa. Vs all of the masks I've tried, the Activa is the most suitable for me - thus far .
If you're getting good performance out of the CC then by jove, you've got it ! A person could go seriously into debt trying all of these masks looking for the perfect mask, only to find out that your first mask with a fig newton cookie tucked under the top strap works like a charm.. ..
People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
Now there's something I haven't tried yet...probably wake up in the middle of the night and eat my strap supportOldSeaRock wrote:A person could go seriously into debt trying all of these masks looking for the perfect mask, only to find out that your first mask with a fig newton cookie tucked under the top strap works like a charm.. ..
..
L o R i
catchin_zzzs wrote:Hi, I just bought the Comfort Curve (my first mask) and have used it for 3 nights. So far, I like it a lot - WAY less intrusive and claustrophobic than the mask they put on me at the sleep lab. Also - very, very quiet. My husband said he had to look over at the night stand to make sure all the lights were lit up on my CPAP to make sure it was working.
One question, which I hope some of you Comfort Curve users can help with: I'm a side-sleeper by choice, and so far, I have a bit of leakage when sleeping on my side. Actually the mask shifts slightly because of the contact with my pillow.When sleeping on my back, all is good, but I always end up on my side and that's when I have to fool around with the mask.
Do I need a different shape/type of pillow? (mine *is* pretty squishy). Or are there other tips or suggestions you experienced folks can offer?
I will say that after 3 nights of more "real sleep" than I've probably had in months, I'm feeling very optimistic about CPAP therapy. Thanks in advance
for your help!
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Try getting a new pillow. I use memory foam pillow and I too am happy with my comfort curve, but I do admit that it took me several adjustments to make it work for me. The panty liner thing works best for me.
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, Comfort Curve
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