FULL REVIEW: CPAP Seal (v3)

This is a review of CPAP Seal version 3 from http://www.cpapseal.com. I had previously reviewed CPAP Seal version 2 (or was it 1?) and that review is here. Both this review and the link below are for the full face version used with a large size Comfortgel Full.

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As yew can see, it was a bit less than stellar. So imagine my surprise when out of the blue, I get a message on this very site from the CPAP Seal people offering me a free upgrade. Whether or not they know how to make a product (answered below), they certainly do know how to do business! Yew must admire a company with values like that.

The message stated that they had addressed some of my concerns from the link above (please read to understand this review) and I have found this to be true. Others they did NOT address, and the ones they missed may be enough to keep people from it. Read on.

First, the eye problem is solved. No longer does this device get into your eyes. Also, the seal is not as thick. I noticed many people who tried it said it was too thick (and that includes me) so they thinned it out quite a bit. To demonstrate, ask yourself how think a seal like this should be. That's how thick it is. Looks to be just about right from my own reckoning.

The color is a lot nicer. It is clear color. I could see my cat through it.

The message said the inner hole was bigger. I made the comment that it got into your mouth on the prior review. The hole that is in the new one does not function all that different from the old one. At least for me.

Here is my big problem with it. STILL NO CONTAINER. Uh...HULLO? CPAP Seal dudes? What's up with THAT? This thing is super dee duper sticky and will pick up anything it touches. Would yew mind telling us where we are supposed to keep this thing during the day? Please INCLUDE a container with the seal. I would rather pay a bit more and have the container than to pay less and not have it. Yew can make it a separate option, but please also include in the original purchase.

Now that I have had my rant, it is time to answer the big question: DOES IT WORK?

Yes.

Last night I had seen my numbers the night before at 5.72 - Not bad numbers but they could sure be better. So here is what I did. I turned off the A-Flex (which was set to 1), and I boosted the high end of the auto .5 higher. Then I went to sleep . Or tried to.

The doggone mask did not like the lack of A-Flex and it kept leaking! My kitty was staring at me wondering where those oddball noises were coming from. Now I had tried this new version 3 the night I had gotten it and I had to take it off cuz I didn't like it and it wasn't working. Or maybe I was just upset that I was unable at all to breathe through my mouth, though I had the thought that many of yew here would see that as a benefit.

With the leak last night, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to try it again. So I put it on. This time it was set better and I was able to breathe through my mouth and it was more comfortable. The leaks were gone and my AHI went from 5.72 down to a new low for me - 0.81 - overnight.

Further, the auto never made it up to the higher setting I had given it and the leaks were right where they should have been the whole night according to the diagram in the mask directions.

Keep in mind that by its very nature, this seal is incredibly awkward. The ongoing lack of a container makes that even more so. Due to this, I can't really recommend it unless yew have tried everything else and just can't seem to stop leaks from happening. If that is the case, yew MIGHT want to give this a try. The mask I am currently using is pretty old. I'll get a new one and I doubt I will need the seal at that point. But I will also be keeping it handy for those nights when for whatever reason the leaks are not in my favor.

To me, this device is to be a rarely used, last ditch effort. But I am sure there will be nights, like last night, when I am thankful it is there.

Your mileage may vary.