I am trying to help my wife out.  She has a new cpap but the mask is leaking.  Sleep apnea runs in her family and her bro uses comfort lite 2 and swears by it.  I am thinking since they are genetically similar people that the comofrot lite 2 would be a good fit (am I smoking crack here?   )  

Ok based on that what mask would you all recommend?  I know its a tough question as I am sure masks are like shoes in the fact that shoes fit different peoples feet in different ways.  All opinions appreciated.

You are ever so right about xPAP interfaces (masks) being just like shoes. One size, style does NOT fit all.

I had pretty good luck with the ComfortLite II. It comes w/2 size nasal pillows and 2 sizes simple nasal cushion making it almost like getting 2 masks in one. It has several areas for adjustment, one important one for me is being able to adjust the angle between forehead and bridge of nose to help avoid the bruised bridge of nose feeling so many of us experience after several nights of use. One can also adjust the length between bridge of nose and bottom of nose. And adjust the width of the pillows between the nostrils. If one finds the pressure directly into the nose too drying and uncomfortable after a few nights despite use of a heated humidifier one can switch to using the simple nasal cushion instead of the pillows.

I had my best luck w/the CL2 - UNTIL - I tried the Respironics Simplicity. The Simplicity is one of Respironics oldest masks. It is a simple nasal cushion, i.e. there is no padded inner cushion w/thin outer cushion cover, there is just the nasal cushion itself. It is one of the lightest weight interfaces on the market.

It did need a couple of "fixes" for me. The center strap is WAY TOO LONG for most people. I resorted to adjusting the forehead section for me then pulling that center strap up in the middle until the headgear and mask fit properly then using velcro to hold it in place for several nights until I was sure I had the length right at which time I took the scissors to that center strap. I cut out about 1 1/2"-2" then just used velcro to put the ends back together.

The other "fix" was the velcro ends on the bottom straps. For some unknown reason Respironics in their infinite wisdom chose NOT to taper the velcro ends but rather left them the same width as the straps themselves. That can make for a raw neck if one isn't very carefully precise in placing the velcro. The "fix" was simple enough, I just used scissors to taper the velcro ends so they weren't as wide as the straps. (Duh, Respironics!!!).

One thing you wife needs to keep in mind is that w/the nasal cushion type interface, that pressurized air from the xPAP is needed to fill the cushion and prevent or reduce leaks. Most of us, as newbies, tend to tighten the headgear straps too tight.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

I use the ComfortLite 2 but only with the nasal pillows, I have not tried the nasal cushion.  I primarily use the Respironics Simplicity and CrohnieToo is right, it is very lightweight and about as non-intrusive as a mask can get as far as I can determine.  I had the same problems with the straps and had to make some surgical adjustments as well.  The Simplicity seals well for me.  I am side and tummy sleeper and have no problems with the Simplicity and my regular pillow.

The Simplicity's hose swivels 360 and I use it overhead same as the ComfortLite 2.  I have tried other hose positions and just can't do anything but an overhead hose.  Unfortunately with the hose overhead the Simplicity makes a sore spot on the bridge of my nose (I am working on a solution for that...).  So I use the ComfortLite 2 nasal pillows when I have to give my nose a break and let it heal.  The CL2 is a good mask and is not heavy, but I really like the Simplicity a lot better (nose issue aside).

Your wife may like either or both the pillows and the nasal cushion on the CL2.  I think it is worth a try.  She can always check out the Simplicity later on if she wants something lighter than the CL2.

Hope this helps, Blessings,
--pseudonym

Thanks guys!  This is the exact sort of info I was seeking.  Anybody else have a favorite?

There is one that RestedGal likes best of all: but remembering the name of it since the name has been changed several times ... the Aura, the Twilight .... it was made by AeroMed?? but then purchased by Invacare?? or vice versa. See if you can find a post by RestedGal and send her a PM. She is one savvy xPAP and mask lady!!! She's also VERY INNOVATIVE at coming up w/successful "fixes" and "deconstructions" of various masks and headgear.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

I have only tried 2 other masks but am still sticking with my Mirage Nasal Swift.  Many people here use it...it appears to be among the top prefered ones.  

Since it works so well for me and I do nto want the expense of purchasing another I am sticking to it.  It is light weight, has 3 sized nasal pillows to get the best fit.  The head gear has only 2 straps..one for the back of the head and one for the top.  The head gear is one size fits most.  I do not have a large head so I find that to be my biggest problem with it...I have done some fabrication and retro fitting to make it mine.  My leak rate is minimal to none once I get settled in.  I always have to give it a little tweak on the pillows once I settle into the pillow.  The pollow rotate within a "drum" to make adjusting easier....you can also snap off the hose easily to get up in the night without having to remove the entire headgear.  I do not remove the hose...I keep it set up and buckled even during the day.  I can easily slip the whole thing over my head, do a qucik tweak of the straps and pillows (5 seconds) and off to la la land.

The small hose can be placed on either side of the pillows.  It can hang loose or it can be brought up either the left or the right  side and attached to the top head strap.  I have read on this forum that one person didn't like it because of the head laying on the small hose.  That could ??  have been due to attaching the hose to the side of the head gear verses on top of it. ??   My head does not lay on the hose...instead the hose has some give to it an it rests seperately on my pillow, not getting into my way.

It is not for a mouth breather though...unless you use a chin strap with it.

Best of luck, Hopefully this is one of the solutions for her.  Unfortunately a new mask does not always do the entire trick.


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CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a

BiPAP Auto M 13/8 Mirage Nasal Swift. 20 years+ undx'd. RLS/PLMD, Hypersomnia & more.

The mask I use is listed bellow in my signature.  I LOVE IT!  My only issues thus far is that sometimes my mouth opens and I make funny noises and wake up with dry mouth (which I am sure a chin strap would help with) and sometimes my nose is stuffy from allergies and the ever constant changing weather here in the 'burgh.  One day it is 80 out and the next it is 54 out.  I am 4'10" and petite, the mask is a good fit and lightweight.  

Let me know if you want anymore info?


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Beth
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Started CPAP 10/17/2007
PRE CPAP AHI 32.7
REMstar Pro M Series w/C-Flex & Humidifier
11.0 cmH20
FlexiFit 407 Nasal Mask
Aussie Heated Hose

The Fisher & Paykel HC 406 FlexFit nasal mask is the same mask as the FlexFit 407 except a smaller size.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

The smallest mask I've ever seen is the "simplicity" by Respironics.

Do you know if you are trying to inhale thru your mouth? Or just exhale? Or is it just a matter of air building up in your mouth and gently escaping thru your lips (the "lip flutters"). If it is the latter a chin strap won't help.

However, you can make your own chin strap to see if it helps. Just cut the leg off a pair of panty hose, the opaque slightly less stretchy ones work best but either will do for this experiment. Use that leg to go around your chin and tie at the top of your head.

If that doesn't work then it is most likely "the lip flutters" and a thin layer of PoliGrip dental gel from corner to corner of your lips or PoliGrip dental strips can seal your lips quite nicely. Its made to help loose dentures adhere so it is safe and gentle for mouth tissues. AND you can easily open your mouth w/no discomfort if you need to and just need to moisten your lips w/your tongue to reseal your lips.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.