Looks like I also have to break out the Saran Wrap!

SleepyTime · Post by **SleepyTime** » Wed May 18, 2005 10:54 am

Hi everyone! Even though I'm only about two weeks into cpap treatment, I've already switched to another mask and last night was my first with the ComfortCurve (switched from a ComfortClassic mask -- in a nutshell, the forehead thingy made the mask claustrophobic for me where I was actually pulling it off in my sleep). Personally, what a HUGE difference it was for me. I was able to maintain the seal around my nose pretty much the entire night -- even while sleeping on my side. And it didn't take me long to adjust to the feeling of the cheek pads. But I was occasionally waking up due to the air leaking at the sides where the tubes connect, as mentioned by others in the forum. I would fiddle 'n diddle with the tubing, and it would quiet down for a while, until I changed positions of course. So tonight, it's a Saran Wrap gasket for me!

Also, anyone figure out a use for the velcro and clip?

And thanks all for providing such a wealth of advice and info in such a friendly place!

AllShookUp · Post by **AllShookUp** » Wed May 18, 2005 7:17 pm

SleepyTime
It looks like everyone using the new CC mask will eventually have to try the Saran Wrap trick (Thanks Mikesus-luckily most of us already have this item in our kitchen). I tried an O-Ring but could not get it to snap back together. Also tried a small hair rubberband but it was just a little too large and did not seal properly. Mikesus' idea of the orthodonics rubberband might just work, but I don't have any. I have emailed Respironics several times to see if they would provide a fix, they have yet to answer.

That velcro clip that they give you works out great attached to the side of my fitted sheet and allows the hose to move freely during movement. I used to have to pull on my old hose everytime I rolled, but with this clip and the lightweight hose I don't have to.

Good Luck with the CC cheek pads, I am still having problems keeping a seal while sleeping on my side. I have to tighten it so much that it is uncomfortable. Today I have taken them off and made my own strap to attach to the bridge. Hoping this will work for me. I do prefer the feel of this mask over my old FF mask.

SleepyTime · Post by **SleepyTime** » Thu May 19, 2005 9:48 am

Thanks for the info about the clip, AllShookUp. And boy does that little piece of Saran Wrap make a difference. Have you actually tried the opposite with the cheekpads and tried loosening them? I did last night, then tried 2listless 'fit trick':

One hint I do have is, fit the interface and headgear for comfort, turn on the machine, then pull the nosepiece away from your nose for a second and then turn it loose - that baby will seal under your nose like a suction cup - repeat, under your nose, not over the tip!!!!!!

Way more comfortable and pretty much held the seal for the night -- even when I switched to my side.

Niteair · Post by **Niteair** » Thu May 19, 2005 10:30 am

I haven't purchased the comfort curve yet, but after reading so many mentioning the leaks, I sent Respironics an EMail questioning what and when they intend to do about the problem. The answer I got was that they have a very good quality control dept., and the number of number of problems reported is very minimal. I think they need to hear from EVERYONE that has one of their masks, and has this defect.

SleepyTime · Post by **SleepyTime** » Thu May 19, 2005 11:21 am

I agree Niteair! But I called Respironics/Product Support and according to the kind gentleman that I spoke with, this was the first time he had heard of this issue (HA! and I practically spewed a mouthful of water all over my computer screen when he said that!) He then explained that it could be a possible defect in my unit (I'm was still managing to keep a straight face here!) -- specifically in the cross tube. But since I purchased mine online, I have to return the entire mask to get it replaced. So I thinkin' am I really willing to give up what otherwise has been a real decent product for me for 1-2 nights for a swap in the chance that I still may end up with yet another defective unit and still have to make this minor (at least to me) adjustment? Has anyone either purchased a completely non-defective mask or swapped theirs out and rec'd one that no longer leaked at the elbows. I thought Mikesus did, but it still was leaking ...

BTW, kudos to Mikesus for the GREAT Saran Wrap solution !!

th · Post by th » Fri May 20, 2005 12:36 pm

Niteair wrote:I haven't purchased the comfort curve yet, but after reading so many mentioning the leaks, I sent Respironics an EMail questioning what and when they intend to do about the problem. The answer I got was that they have a very good quality control dept., and the number of number of problems reported is very minimal. I think they need to hear from EVERYONE that has one of their masks, and has this defect.

Before I ordered mine I called them also because I was seeing posts on message boards about the leaks. I was told that whoever post on sleep message board only post negative things never positive. I told him I posted on message boards. He said nothing except if I order a CC and if it leaked and was defective that I could send it back to be fixed or replaced in the next 90 days

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Fri May 20, 2005 12:54 pm

th wrote:Before I ordered mine I called them (Respironics) also because I was seeing posts on message boards about the leaks. I was told that whoever post on sleep message board only post negative things never positive.

That's a laugh!

I'll have to forward a copy of all the posts in which I've been accused of being "too positive" about their REMstar Auto w/C-flex or the AEIOMed aura interface. The forums are filled with many positive posts about good equipment

th · Post by th » Fri May 20, 2005 1:42 pm

I told him the same thing about their auto. I do not know how many times I have told people to forget about their anti APAP sleep doctor and their DME and take their sleep study to their primary doctor and get them to write a prescription for a RemStar auto with C flex and then go on online and order one

wading thru the muck! wrote:
th wrote:Before I ordered mine I called them (Respironics) also because I was seeing posts on message boards about the leaks. I was told that whoever post on sleep message board only post negative things never positive.

That's a laugh!

I'll have to forward a copy of all the posts in which I've been accused of being "too positive" about their REMstar Auto w/C-flex or the AEIOMed aura interface. The forums are filled with many positive posts about good equipment

Niteair · Post by **Niteair** » Fri May 20, 2005 3:00 pm

The Respironics person must be selectively reading these posts. As long as I have been reading them, it appears that people are giving their honest opinions of how they have found the various products perform, both good and bad. I am very happy with my Remstar Auto W/CFlex, as I was with my Remstar Plus , even with it's limitations (DME would not sell me an Auto), purchased the Auto out of pocket along with the Encore Pro which I find to be extremely valuable to me, like flying blind without it. My wife also has Respironics equipment and is also very happy with. Without qualified feedback how do they expect to improve their product lines?

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Fri May 20, 2005 3:06 pm

th,

Glad to hear you are another REMstar Auto w/C-flex user.

Now if I can convince you to "LOVE" the aura interface my work will be done. Maybe AEIOMed will be the company that will listen to all your (and others) communication with them regarding the aura and improve the already good interface so that it will work for more people.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri May 20, 2005 3:23 pm

heheh, Wader! You and me, and our Auras! Still my favorite mask. I have three of them now! All three cut down the way I like 'em. I'm getting real good with a sharp little pair of nippers instead of my serrated knife. Much easier to cut the lockbox off now. (Thanks, glassgal, for mentioning what you used to attack yours!)

Heaven forbid the fledgling little company not make it, but, just in case.... I have my stash of deconstructed Auras, so I'm a happy camper. Such nice soft nasal pillows.

Niteair · Post by **Niteair** » Fri May 20, 2005 3:56 pm

Wader, The Aura is most definitely my favorite mask, I'm not sure I would go so far as to say that I "LOVE" the thing, but after all the improvements that I have made to it, it is miles ahead of any other mask that I have. I just received my Activa this afternoon, ordered before my final pillow cuts to the Aura when I was sure I would need to change off to relieve some of the nose soreness, although after that last modification, the Avtiva may not get all that much use.