Time for a New Mask?
Question:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Be sure your dishwashing liquid doesn’t contain lanoline (a lot of > dishwashing liquids for washing dished by hands does). > My understanding is that lanoline degrades the silicone that mask seals (and > nasal pillows) are made of. > Also, nix the tightenting. That will make lot’s of problems (including > pressure sores). > If at all possible, I’d suggest loosening the straps, and then positioning > the mask by hand. Can you get a seal that way? If so, then adjust things > slowly to preserve the geometry you got by hand. If you can’t prevent > leaking at all, then I’m not sure what I’d suggest. The guess would be that > the mask just doesn’t fit the contours of your face. Normally I’d suggest > trying a different mask. If that’s impossible, I don’t know. Anyone else > have any ideas? > Paul R
The positioning by hand sounds like a good way to go. I am wearing the mask very low, over my top lip, so I think the whole thing is probably out of kilter. The problem has been sort of solved in the meantime however. I had a sleep study last night (came out very well – can lower my CPAP pressure from 8 to 6) and used a Resmed Mirage Swift for the study. It was fantastic, just slipped it on and there was no adjustment required – no leaks at all. And it doesn’t go anywhere near my forehead to cause the headaches. I rushed out and bought one today, so I am looking forward to a good night’s sleep tonight. Janet
Response:
<j_j_mage…@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1115516234.242242.116390@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com… >I am fairly sure it is clean, but might try using a dishwashing > detergent instead of baby shampoo, just to make sure. > I have adjusted the straps, but when I get to the point where the mask > no longer leaks, the bits that rest on my forehead are tight enough to > make me wait with a headache (I have a very sensitive head, > unfortunately). > Janet
Be sure your dishwashing liquid doesn’t contain lanoline (a lot of dishwashing liquids for washing dished by hands does). My understanding is that lanoline degrades the silicone that mask seals (and nasal pillows) are made of. Also, nix the tightenting. That will make lot’s of problems (including pressure sores). If at all possible, I’d suggest loosening the straps, and then positioning the mask by hand. Can you get a seal that way? If so, then adjust things slowly to preserve the geometry you got by hand. If you can’t prevent leaking at all, then I’m not sure what I’d suggest. The guess would be that the mask just doesn’t fit the contours of your face. Normally I’d suggest trying a different mask. If that’s impossible, I don’t know. Anyone else have any ideas? Paul R
Response:
Save your insurance company some money and go on a diet. On Sat, 7 May 2005 20:13:34 -0500, in alt.support.sleep-disorder "h.sanders" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<h.sand…@comcast.net> wrote: ><j_j_mage…@hotmail.com> wrote in message >news:1115433328.357278.128150@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com… >> I have been using my Respironics Comfort Lite nasal mask for about 10 >> months now. It all seems to be in good condition, and I clean it daily, >> however it seems to be leaking now more often than it used to. >> Is this an indication that the silicon seal needs replacing? I can’t >> seen anything wrong with it, and it is still very flexible. How long >> do the seals usually last? >> Janet >> ————————————- >At 10 months, your mask is nearing (or past) the end of its useful life. >Most insurance companies (in the U.S. anyway) will replace a mask every six >months or less. I get a new one every six months whether I need it or not. >That way I always have a spare around. And as an added bonus, it gives me a >chance to check out new mask designs. I’m eligible for a new one now, so I’m >going to give the Respironics Comfort Curve a try. >Hal S.
Response:
Thanks to you all for replying. It certainly sounds as if I need a new mask. Unfortunately in Australia, our private health cover doesn’t cover masks - get one CPAP machine every two years (max AU$1200) but no masks or accessories. Masks are AU$250+ each. Never mind – I have been thinking about trying something different – just have to do some research, so that I get best value for money. Janet
Response:
I am fairly sure it is clean, but might try using a dishwashing detergent instead of baby shampoo, just to make sure. I have adjusted the straps, but when I get to the point where the mask no longer leaks, the bits that rest on my forehead are tight enough to make me wait with a headache (I have a very sensitive head, unfortunately). Janet
Response:
<j_j_mage…@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1115433328.357278.128150@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com… > I have been using my Respironics Comfort Lite nasal mask for about 10 > months now. It all seems to be in good condition, and I clean it daily, > however it seems to be leaking now more often than it used to. > Is this an indication that the silicon seal needs replacing? I can’t > seen anything wrong with it, and it is still very flexible. How long > do the seals usually last? > Janet > ————————————-
At 10 months, your mask is nearing (or past) the end of its useful life. Most insurance companies (in the U.S. anyway) will replace a mask every six months or less. I get a new one every six months whether I need it or not. That way I always have a spare around. And as an added bonus, it gives me a chance to check out new mask designs. I’m eligible for a new one now, so I’m going to give the Respironics Comfort Curve a try. Hal S.
Response:
In article <1115433328.357278.128…@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com>, j_j_mage…@hotmail.com wrote: > I have been using my Respironics Comfort Lite nasal mask for about 10 > months now. It all seems to be in good condition, and I clean it daily, > however it seems to be leaking now more often than it used to. > Is this an indication that the silicon seal needs replacing? I can’t > seen anything wrong with it, and it is still very flexible. How long > do the seals usually last? > Janet
All of the manufacturers’ reps who have attended our AWAKE group meetings have all recommend mask replacement in 6 months or sooner. I don’t know whether planned obsolescence is built in as a profit making tool by design or a necessity due to the nature of the best materials, but in my readings of this group indicate there is definitely a high correlation between time of use and degradation. Get a new mask. Most insurance companies allow replacement after 6 months (and some after 3). harlan — To respond, obviously drop the "nospan"?
Response:
j_j_mage…@hotmail.com wrote: > I have been using my Respironics Comfort Lite nasal mask for about 10 > months now. It all seems to be in good condition, and I clean it daily, > however it seems to be leaking now more often than it used to. > Is this an indication that the silicon seal needs replacing? I can’t > seen anything wrong with it, and it is still very flexible. How long > do the seals usually last? > Janet
Hi Janet Is it possible that your straps have stretched? Have you tightened them at all during the 10 months? If you can a new one via insurance, do it. Otherwise, try tightening the straps JUST A LITTLE. Also, are you keeping it free of skin oils or dry skin flakes?
Response:
I have been using my Respironics Comfort Lite nasal mask for about 10 months now. It all seems to be in good condition, and I clean it daily, however it seems to be leaking now more often than it used to. Is this an indication that the silicon seal needs replacing? I can’t seen anything wrong with it, and it is still very flexible. How long do the seals usually last? Janet
