comfortlite 2 nasal prongs exhaust holes

[bsil]

Hi-
Last week I made 2 changes in my care:

1) switched to respironics bipap auto
2) switched to comfortlite 2 nasal prong mask

I'm experiencing a problem where 1-2x's per night, I wake up and feel like I'm not getting enough air. I actually pull off the mask to breathe!
I'm wondering if I'm rebreathing my own carbon monoxide?

Has anyone ever tried to enlarge the exhaust holes on this mask?
Or are there any other thoughts on what might be happening?

Tonight I will switch back to my swift nasal...if it keeps happening then I will know that it has something to do with the machine, and not the mask.
Any thoughts out there?
Bsil

[Bob...]

I had the same problem using the Pillows Cushions. Switched to the Simple Cushion and it works quite well. I tried drilling some larger holes in the Pillows Cushion and managed to only make the exhaust louder. This is just a backup for my regular interface so I will stick with the Simple Cushion and leave well enough alone for now.

Bob

[idahogal]

I had problems too. I was snoring through the CL2. I did not feel like I was getting enough with any of the interfaces. I did not modify mine but it will be going up for sale soon.

[bsil]

Bob- Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, my CL2 set did not come with the simple cushion! I did switch back to my Swift and have slept much better the last 2 nights. I guess my CL2 will start collecting dust from now on!

Snoredog- Which mask do you use the most?

Barb

[bsil]

Sorry Idahogal...the last question was for you.
Barb

[cchase]

Hi bsil- I just started using the CL2 yesterday, so my comments may show my inexperience. I use the nasal pillows with the CL2 and found that if I make vertical adjustments after I turn the xPAP machine on, I get a better fit. I first had the pillows too close to my nose, and the opening tended to collapse under the pressure of the xPAP air. Once the machine was on, I found I could turn the vertical adjustment screw and move the pillows down several turns until it just started to leak and then back it up a turn to get a good seal. The pillows don't 'scrunch' up so close to my nose and stay open, and I feel much more comfortable. Hope this helps.

Chris

[Tn-Ken]

Hi folks - I've been using the CL2 with nasal prongs for about 4 months now and just love it - here are my observations about the air problem.

1) Sometimes I try to get it too tight to my nostrils which actually pinches the cushions and restricts the air-flow.

2) several times after some thrashing the cushions have actually become inverted - that really restricts the flow and causes all sorts of leaking.

I make sure that I've washed the mask - use Tincture of Benzoin for tackiness on the outer rim of the nostril - pull the mask on - tighten it up and breathe in really fast (to get a good seal and get the cushions placed correctly) and then I start backing it off using the length adjuster until I find that sweet spot between lots of air-flow and no leaks.

Also - there is a huge difference in air -flow between the medium and the large. I tried to cut some off of the medium pillows but it just didn't make enough difference.

Hope some of that helps!

Ken

[bsil]

cchase & TnKen- Thanks for the ideas. I did spend quite a few nights trying to perfect the fit. And I finally was comfortable...but not breathing well! It's possible that the prongs were collapsing/becoming inverted.
I will have to keep trying.
Thanks,
Barb

[oldgearhead]

Bsil - I can get a good seal with either the small or medium nasal pillows that came with my CL2. However, with the 'small pillows' I have the same symptoms you mention. They just do not pass enough air for me.

I have used the 'simple cushion' a few times. But its hard for me to keep it from leaking. I have no experience with the 'prongs'. What is the diameter of the air exit holes on them?

cchase made a very good point. You can usually back off the adjustment after starting the xPAP machine...

[bsil]

Oldgearhead- So sorry for the incorrect terminology. THe word "prong" should have been "pillow". Sounds like we have the same sizes: S & M nasal pillows and S & M simple cushion.
I compared my S CL2 nasal pillow with the S nasal pillow from the Swift. They are essentially the same size;however, the Swift nasal pillows are much sturdier than the CL2 nasal pillows. THe CL2 nasal pillows do invert and this may be my problem. But perhaps I will also try the medium size and see if I get more air.
Thanks,
Barb