Mend Leaking ComfortGel Cushion?

max6166 · Post by **max6166** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 7:22 pm

Hi,

A spot on the cushion of my ComfortGel has started leaking goop.

I'd like to temporarily patch the broken area as it will be at least a week before I can get a replacement part.

Has anyone else tried to mend an oozing ComfortGel?

Any ideas or input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Max

bap40 · Post by **bap40** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 8:17 am

I personally would be afraid of what that gel cushion is made of and stay away from it.

Duct tape fixes anything!!!!!

Just joking of course.

max6166 · Post by **max6166** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 5:11 pm

Don't laugh; I actually considered duct tape.

I wound up covering the area with some of the 3M Micropore tape I use for taping my mouth.

It held up for the night. The gel did soak into the tape, but the outer surface was still dry to the touch.

A strange thing is that another leak appeared on the opposite edge of the cushion. A separate leak on each side within 24 hours.

I have no idea what the gel is, but I don't think Respironics would use something hazardous. There is too high a risk of people coming into direct contact with it. I still wouldn't drink it though...

Actually, the first leak happened while I was sleeping and I woke up with the gel stuck to my face. It was sticky, but didn't irritate my skin.

Anyway, I will likely try to tough it out with the 3M Micropore tape for the next few nights. I actually think duct tape might work better though, or perhaps some waterproof tape.

- Max

bap40 · Post by **bap40** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:18 am

How old is this mask? Warrenty????

max6166 · Post by **max6166** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:43 pm

I have had that ComfortGel mask for almost 1 year.

It was my first mask. My DME said that it was slightly used, so it is likely a few months older.

The gel started to change to a green colour after about 4 months, and started to leak after 11 months.

I am not sure how long they are supposed to last. I thought I had read somewhere that they usually started to break down after about 6 months...?

I am not sure if I did the right thing, but I just ordered a replacement cushion through cpap.com.

I am in Ontario, Canada and don't know whether OHIP would cover a replacement. From what I read here, it seemed that I was likely better off just ordering the part myself though...

Thanks,
Max

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:18 pm

max6166 wrote: I am in Ontario, Canada and don't know whether OHIP would cover a replacement. From what I read here, it seemed that I was likely better off just ordering the part myself though...

Thanks,
Max

It would pay to see what your rights are and costs, then make a informed decision about your treatment, you should be getting more supplies than you are. Jim

max6166 · Post by **max6166** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:55 pm

My understanding is that Ontario's program pays a maximum of $750 in assistance towards a CPAP set up every 5 years.

I used the program to get my original machine and mask last year, so I won't be eligible again for another 4 years.

I am actually not even sure if masks are covered at all. The document I read actually sounded like it was only referring to the machines.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 11:21 pm

Maybe we are better off in the U.s. than we think, without national health care. At least here we can claim to speak no english, as get our needs meant. Jim