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Mask Question
Hi All- So glad to have found this forum. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 5 years ago. Use Res Med "M" series machine (setting 10...I believe). I have used a respironics "comfort gel" mask almost exclusively the entire time...(tried nasal pillows for awhile...but I'm a side sleeper and had issues keeping it in place) anyway, finally got fed up with the not so attractive marks on my face from the head gear, and have recently switched to a "Breeze" w/ dream seal. While I love the fact that I have no more marks....I seem to be having a difficult time adjusting, and keeping a good seal... (again most likely the side sleeping thing????) each night does seem to get a bit better, but my question is this...it seems very LOUD. The air vent seems large, and the amount of air rushing out seems pretty powerful...much more than the comfort gel. Is this normal?? Am I doing something wrong?? Any advise would be welcome... Thanks!
Views: 62
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Melinda Hertel on
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Hi, Jennifer. Yes, the way the air is coming out--noisy and gushing--is normal for that mask. The Breeze is an older style and Puritan Bennett has not changed that part of it. The newer masks now have smaller holes which makes it a lot quieter. Another factor is how the hole is positioned and what shape it is. The ComfortGel is even noisier than some of the most recent masks that have come out lately.
As far as the seal goes, have you tried changing the size of the pillows on either nostril? If your nostrils are not exactly the same size, you may need to use two different size pillows, which is the advantage to using the Breeze over other pillows style masks. If that's not the problem, it may just be the way the interface angles towards your face. I have had some patients that just cannot get that mask to seal because the interface won't angle in appropriately for their face.
I hope that helps. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 877-392-7270.
Melinda Hertel
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Permalink Reply by Daniel on
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While the Breeze with nasal pillows was a wonderfully successful mask in its day (most people tend to go for newer styles in nasal pillow masks), the Breeze with Dreamseal has always been a dud in my book, for all the reasons you cite and more. It is a traditional triangular nasal mask, but there are no straps at the base of the triangle to hold it in place. Sounds like a good idea, but the reality is that it is very difficult to get a good seal.
You might want to look into the Respironics ComfortLite II with Simple Cushion. Very similar design, but more comfortable to wear. I've had better success with it than the Dreamseal.
Daniel
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Hi, again! I am sorry, but I read your information incorrectly regarding the style of Breeze mask you are using. I agree with Daniel regarding the Dreamseal. I haven't had much luck with it either. Without straps at the bottom there isn't enough support to maintain a seal. Have you tried the Breeze with nasal pillows? I have found that for people who have problems keeping other pillow masks on, the Breeze is a good solution, as long as you don't have the problems I mentioned in my first response. You also might want to try the ComfortLite II suggested by Daniel. I have had more luck fitting people with that one. But if you have a small head, maybe not. Hope that helps!
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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Green on
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Thank you very much for your help and advise...I guess I've probably just been lucky that what I have been using has worked for me, as I really have had no real guidance or support as far as various options that are available to me.My sleep Dr. really didn't have much advise or guidance, and I have been fairly unimpressed by either of the two med. supply companies that I have been sent to, who were great at explaining the machines...but showed me little, if any options for masks which is so important. I'm going to go back to the drawing board and see if I can find some better guidance on masks....may have to stick with my old one until I can qualify for another on my insurance...ugh...but appreciate the suggestions . I don't have a small head, but I have had to use a small comfort gell because I do have a relatively small nose in comparison to the rest of me, and anything larger bothers my eyes or hits my upper lip. Sounds like both you and Daniel would recommend The ComfortLite II? Does this particular mask have the straps like my old Comfort Gel? I always got a decent seal, but just have grown to dislike the lines that remain on my face for a good 3-4 hours after waking up! (the old skin isn't quite as resilient as it once was! :) Although it does make for good conversation when another sleep apnea patient recognizes the tell tale marks!
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Here's the ComfortLite 2 with Simple cushion:
No straps. If you have a lot of hair, I find the fit can be a bit tentative and wobbly.
Another option is to go with a traditional triangular nasal mask with straps, but add some padding on the lower straps to reduce marking on your face. One of my patients buys baby socks and cuts off the toes. There's a company called Pad-A-Cheek that makes a product that does the same thing.
Daniel
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Thank you so much...I must admit, I think I have received more valuable information in the last 24 hours from this forum than I have in the last 5 years! I really appreciate it! I'll let you know how it goes!
Jenni
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Permalink Reply by Duane McDade on
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save yourself a lot of trouble and check into a swift L.T. "for Her" The breeze leaks and makes noise. The L.T for her is silent and comfortable. Res Med makes this product.
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silent and comfortable....sounds like a good choice to me! Will check it out...thanks for the advise..
Duane McDade said:save yourself a lot of trouble and check into a swift L.T. "for Her" The breeze leaks and makes noise. The L.T for her is silent and comfortable. Res Med makes this product.
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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on
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I agree with Duane. i have alot of luck with this mask.
Duane McDade said:save yourself a lot of trouble and check into a swift L.T. "for Her" The breeze leaks and makes noise. The L.T for her is silent and comfortable. Res Med makes this product.
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Permalink Reply by Mike on
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my wife likes the LT for Her too, but the extra small nasal pillows that she is using are still a bit too large for her nostrils. if anyone knows of nasal pillows that are even smaller, please let me know.
Rock Hinkle said:I agree with Duane. i have alot of luck with this mask.
Duane McDade said:save yourself a lot of trouble and check into a swift L.T. "for Her" The breeze leaks and makes noise. The L.T for her is silent and comfortable. Res Med makes this product.
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Try the OptiLife. It has size Petite Nasal Pillows that are tiny.
Daniel
Mike said:my wife likes the LT for Her too, but the extra small nasal pillows that she is using are still a bit too large for her nostrils. if anyone knows of nasal pillows that are even smaller, please let me know.
Rock Hinkle said:I agree with Duane. i have alot of luck with this mask.
Duane McDade said:save yourself a lot of trouble and check into a swift L.T. "for Her" The breeze leaks and makes noise. The L.T for her is silent and comfortable. Res Med makes this product.
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nope, haven't yet, but will now that you suggest it.
j n k said:Have you asked Judy about that, Mike?
Mike said:my wife likes the LT for Her too, but the extra small nasal pillows that she is using are still a bit too large for her nostrils. if anyone knows of nasal pillows that are even smaller, please let me know.
Rock Hinkle said:I agree with Duane. i have alot of luck with this mask.
Duane McDade said:save yourself a lot of trouble and check into a swift L.T. "for Her" The breeze leaks and makes noise. The L.T for her is silent and comfortable. Res Med makes this product.
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