Hi everyone, I got a new Nasal Mask on the 19th of January and absolutely love, love, love it! Here is the specific info on my new mask in case anyone else wants to try it:

RESPIRONICS COMFORTGEL W/HEADGEAR PLUS GEL/SILICONE CUSHIONS - Size Small
Part # 1036000

And ComfortGel Cushions and Silicone Flap - Small - Part #1031392

I was using the Mirage Swift II Nasal Pillows, but they were giving me a problem in drying out my nose and causing sores to form inside the nasal passages.

The new mask is fabulous and I do NOT feel claustrophobic, like I was afraid I would. It is not actually a full face mask, and is considered a nasal mask.

The only problem I have encountered is the fact that it is causing some pimples to come up on my face just where the gel sits all night long - mainly at the cheek area. I have never had a problem with acne or pimples in my entire life, so I have to assume that this is being caused somehow by the new mask.

Has anyone else used this mask and run into a problem with it causing pimples on their face? If so, please let me know, and also let me know what you did about it.

I have been meaning to post about this new mask for a few weeks, but have been quite ill with problems arising from my systemic lupus - not related to my central sleep apnea.

Anyway - just wanted to share this info with you all in case anyone else would like to try this mask. I did help my friend, Sue Ward, to obtain the same mask from her DME. At first the DME wasn't being cooperative with Sue, so she gave the man my name and phone number and had him contact me. After speaking with me, he asked if I was a doctor or in the medical field. I answered no and he then proceeded to ask how I was so well informed about the equipment, and I simply told the man that I was a highly knowledgeable patient and thought that all patients should be as informed as possible. After all was said and done, he went back out front and politely gave Sue the same exact mask, headgear and everything she needed - just like mine. She later told me that at first when she arrived he was quite rude to her, but after speaking with me - he was overly nice to her. I laughed and told her that I simply and matter of fact told the man that he was to give her everything she needed with no further problems or else I would get his name, store name and turn him in. I then said "Do you understand?" To which he said "Yes ma'am." Too funny. But it just goes to show that sometimes, we as patients need to be as informed as possible, as some DME's are not as helpful as they should be and are passing off used equipment as new, and telling patients that the old equipment is the newest available, which was what was happening to Sue with her DME.

I hope this has been helpful to someone. Also, we should all keep in mind - It is up to us as patients to be as informed as possible because not all DME's are as helpful as they should be and take advantage of us because they know we are not as informed as we should be. So get out there and check out everything you can about your equipment and your care!

Thanks!
Melodie (Mel)