Mirage SoftGel users--Mask cushion rippling?

I've been using this mask for 3 weeks now, and really like the comfort of the SoftGel cushion and how it seals with almost no leaks. It is a little heavy on my face, and does get hot, but I'm getting used to that.

I ordered a new cushion for a back up, and compared the 2 cushions. My old one is rippling on the sides.

Has anyone else noticed this? Is this normal wear, or a defect? I'm concerned that this will get worse and start to affect the seal. I bought it from cpap.com, and will call them tomorrow, but wanted to see if anyone else has noticed this problem. Thanks.

So no one has had this problem? I'll call cpap.com tomorrow, and report back.

not easy to see from photo but probably the soft plastic part is pulling away from the hard transparent plastic part and simply needs to be pushed back into place, its only a push in connection
soaking in warm water can cause this

Ive used this mask for years and with the resizing done there is a good fit usually with no leaks

however they are infamous for the plastic breaking where the black ball joints clip in and respironics keeps promising to fix it but doesnt, mine all eventually break but I drill a hole and attack ball joint with wire and keep on using it
the resizing hot/cold procedure can be done several times, but only for the nose only version

harry33 wrote:not easy to see from photo but probably the soft plastic part is pulling away from the hard transparent plastic part and simply needs to be pushed back into place, its only a push in connection
soaking in warm water can cause this

Ive used this mask for years and with the resizing done there is a good fit usually with no leaks

however they are infamous for the plastic breaking where the black ball joints clip in and respironics keeps promising to fix it but doesnt, mine all eventually break but I drill a hole and attack ball joint with wire and keep on using it
the resizing hot/cold procedure can be done several times, but only for the nose only version

I appreciate your reply, but we are talking about 2 different masks I think. Mine is the Resmed Mirage SoftGel, it was released in Nov. Yours is by Respironice, and I think is the Comfort Gel. Why do they all sound alike?

Unless the rippling is affecting your leak rate, it probably doesn't matter. When you have the mask on, it is bulging out from the straps being tight and pushing the mask into your face? If so, maybe try loosening your straps and see if you can still maintain a good seal. I think this might cause the rippling you see.

Have you tried the Activa LT cushion that is also compatible with that mask frame? I tried both and found that I like the Activa LT better... it maintains a better seal with the straps much looser... I had to tighten the SoftGel to the point where it bulged out a little (which is why I mentioned it). The Activa LT, on the other hand, does not need the strap tight at all... just enough to keep it on your face. The SoftGel felt heavier and warmer... more reasons I favor the Activa LT cushion.

jmelby wrote:Unless the rippling is affecting your leak rate, it probably doesn't matter. When you have the mask on, it is bulging out from the straps being tight and pushing the mask into your face? If so, maybe try loosening your straps and see if you can still maintain a good seal. I think this might cause the rippling you see.

Have you tried the Activa LT cushion that is also compatible with that mask frame? I tried both and found that I like the Activa LT better... it maintains a better seal with the straps much looser... I had to tighten the SoftGel to the point where it bulged out a little (which is why I mentioned it). The Activa LT, on the other hand, does not need the strap tight at all... just enough to keep it on your face. The SoftGel felt heavier and warmer... more reasons I favor the Activa LT cushion.

Jmelby, yes it does bulge out a little if the straps are too tight. I'm wondering if that, combined with the heat from the humidifier and my breath, made it ripple permanently. Thanks for the suggestion.

Yes, I bought the Activa LT on cpapauction, and it should be here any day now.

Hi Katie,

Mine's doing the same thing. I don't think it's a problem. I think that's the cushion forming to your face.

mdintx wrote:Hi Katie,

Mine's doing the same thing. I don't think it's a problem. I think that's the cushion forming to your face.

Thanks for your reply.

the soft cushion part is a press in fit to the hard transparent plastic part and can be removed for cleaning
as mentioned you simply need to push it back into place to stop the leak

you could get help from any CPAP supplier who would be able to fix it