Problems with Comfort Gel mask

So I now know that I am not getting proper therapy most nights.

I am wondering how much of a factor the mask is.

I have frequently noticed lately that I awake with the Respironics Comfort Gel nasal mask having slipped down my face. Sometimes it is just over my mouth.

I feel there is a bit of a design weakness in the mask but it's what I am used to. The bit of plastic that bridges the nasal triangular section and the horizontal forehead pad, or whatever it's called, soon works loose. The velcro loosens over time.

Two questions I am wondering about are:

- How often would you need a new mask?

- Am I right in thinking that is going to mess up my therapy in itself? It seems I have been living in a fool's paradise for some time, being reassured by my annual appointment with the consultant that everything is working OK.

The above would explain why I could achieve an AHI <5 of one night last week but between 13 and 22 all other nights. It cannot be because the machine settings changed as they are locked.

It is bizarre that I had a significantly higher leak rate on the one good night. How does that make sense?

One thing I am going to ask at the appointment is to be shown the basics again - how tight to fit the mask. I know it sounds strange but it doesn't feel right unles there is a bit of air escaping out of the sides. Otherwise, I feel a bit suffocated. Trouble is that can mean the mask slips.

I have a lot of success with this mask, but that doesn't mean it's a good mask for everybody (or even necessarily most). Also, my chronic compliant about the replacement scheduled is that those pieces with Velcro should be replaced more frequently, even if other parts are replaced a little less frequently.

I don't believe that you said how long it's been since you replaced the mask.

Your one night with less than 5 AHI...may have been a fluke for some reason. I don't know that it was because of the higher leaks and the machine simply not being able to sense things well or not.
I wish that the below 5 nights were the usual and your mid teen (and higher) AHI nights were the rare but they aren't.

When I have time later today I will take a peek back into the data in Encore Pro for you...as it was all I really looked at was the past 7 days and it was so ugly I didn't feel the need to look back further.

I don't think that mask fit is your problem.

But one question...what position do you usually sleep in or do you end up being in all positions over the night?
How much time on your back?

I use the same mask, no HH also. Same problem! The "T" Bar stalk is too short. the headgear is poor and scoots around letting the mask slide down too low. But not a deal breaker.

My solution: Wash face before bed in hot water using Lava Soap. Remove hair from face where mask rides. Clean the mask contact areas and "T" Bar Pad with Rubbing Alcohol on paper towel to remove oil. When leaks get too bad change insert, for me about monthly, one failed because Gel got too soft and allowed the plastic of the mask to ride against my face.

I also keep the bedroom at 67 degrees year around. (I like cold) I move from back to right side many times a nite due to pain. I wake up every 40 minutes usually to turn over, get a sip of water, ect. I pull my mask where I want it, and go back to sleep, most times I don't even open my eyes. Not ideal but works. Sleep on Rt edge of firm pillow. I roll the headgear under it's self to make the top and bottom closer together, seems to help. I don't think XPAP mask manufactures have ever seen a human head, not sure what animal they use for a model.

I still like the Comfort Gel nasal, and use the Comfort Gel FF mask too. Nothing is ever going to be 100% right! Jim

If your mask is slipping position, then there is a problem with the mask. I use an Ultra Mirage Full Face. I discovered that I needed a larger mask. Most of the problem has been eliminated. But strangely enough, I find that I have a better fit with third party headgear. A thinner headgear seems to be more stable. Also, I have to sleep on my side. If I sleep on my back I mouth breathe.

Thanks for all the replies. Interesting reading.

D.H. - I think it's about five months since I replaced it. I agree about the velcro btw. Philips Respironics and the hospital are pretty good about replacing them though. I keep a stock of spare parts (and even have a spare machine) just in case.

Pugsy - I go to sleep on my left side but often awake on my back.
I am going to work out how to install Encore Pro asap. But I agree a longer view would be good.

One problen with this mask for me is that if I were to use a new face cushion directly out of the box, I would get an allergic rash. The solution is to soak the face cushion in 50% vinegar solution for two hours before the first use.

Good tip. The smell when brand new is not good.

Do something (stuffed backpk, wedge pillow, whatever) to keep from flipping on your back overnight - you get a lot more apneas that way.

Chalkie wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 07, 2018 1:13 pm

Good tip. The smell when brand new is not good.

I didn't bring, that up because I was scared what else it would bring up, day old dinner. As bad as it is, it was much stronger when they first brought it out. Making that Gel is a job for Robots or the nose deaf.

Open the package let it set in open air, (some you don't want to breath at all) the smell will weaken in a couple of days. Good News, as bad as it smells, it probably kills Germs. Vinegar Smell wouldn't be much better for me! Now, I just install the new parts, in a couple of minutes use, I can live with. I'd rather use the stinky produce as go back to the No Gel version, it's that much better! Jim

Julie wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 07, 2018 1:16 pm

Do something (stuffed backpk, wedge pillow, whatever) to keep from flipping on your back overnight - you get a lot more apneas that way.

You are correct, back sleeping raises AHI, but I'm like Rover I'm all over. 70% Back 30% Rt Side, due to pain. My AHI is still treated well at under AHI 2, I may be using a higher pressure that I could get by with staying on my side and using a APAP in a tight control range (3 CM).

It's important to check your data, to maintain your treatment. Jim

Do not forget the value of aromatherapy.
Cpap.com sells some--or you can find essential oils in a hobby store.
Covering up the plastic funk can make a huge difference.
Note: only put the oil on something absorbent and MOVABLE.
NEVER on or in the cpap or equipment.

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 07, 2018 1:42 pm

Do not forget the value of aromatherapy.
Cpap.com sells some--or you can find essential oils in a hobby store.
Covering up the plastic funk can make a huge difference.

Does it come in "Ode De Skunk" Extra Strong, that's what it would take. Maybe soaking the gel in Tomato Juice or V8..... Jim

We used to have a Lilac Arbor outside my bedroom as a kid, with the exhaust fan pulling it in all night. Good Sleep!

For nasty mask syndrome, I put the frame and cushion in a big zipper bag,
With a cotton ball or 2 saturated with Ozium --NOT TOUCHING.
An hour later--aroma gone.

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 07, 2018 2:02 pm

For nasty mask syndrome, I put the frame and cushion in a big zipper bag,
With a cotton ball or 2 saturated with Ozium --NOT TOUCHING.
An hour later--aroma gone.

A product I've never seen, I needed that when a 2 lb pack of hamburger went unnoticed in my car for 2 weeks, never did get that smell out. Jim