Archive for December, 2006
Review - Respironics ComfortGel Mask
I was at first turned off by this mask because it seemed heavier than other similary sized masked. The mask is heavier because the gel is dense (compared to a light weight form or other comfortable material). I quickly got over this - it was very comfortable to wear throughout the night. It was definately a nice mask to wear after my previous mask pinched me in areas around my nose and upper lip.
This mask is also more customizeable than some other masks. There are two places that you can adjust the mask so that it better forms to your face. The gel also coforms to the your face, so it is easy to become attached to this mask.
If you are looking for a mask that is simple, comfortable, and will last you a long time, I definately reccomend the ComfortGel CPAP mask.
Review - Respironics ComfortClassic Nasal Mask
The Respironics ComfortClassic was my first CPAP mask I used after I had been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. I had picked this mask because:
- It was a very light mask. Since I was not used to wearing a CPAP mask, most of the other masks felt heavy on my face. The ComfortClassic felt significantly lighter than other masks. I had thought that if I had something heavy on my face, I would be discouraged from using my CPAP, and would have bad habits from the start. I was glad I could easily transition to using my new equipment with this new mask.
- The mask was very, very simple. There are not a lot of adjustments you can make on this mask. I did not want something that I would need to fiddle with to get it right - I just wanted to put my mask on and sleep.
- The mask did not leave marks on my face. I was self conscious about this when I first was told that I had sleep apnea.
Other good reasons to get this mask are:
- It has been around for a while. There are a lot of neat, new masks being sold, but this one has been popular for several years.
- Since the mask is so simple, it relatively cheaper than other masks.
- It is a quite mask. It does not whistle while you breathe out, like some other masks.
I eventually changed to a different mask, since the recommendation is to change them every 6 months. (Your insurance might cover this).
Some reasons I stopped using this masked on a daily basis:
- After testing several other masks, and having experience with wearing the mask nightly, I had found that I wanted something more customizeable.
- The forehead gel pads on the top of the mask had ripped. Luckily, these can be replaced.
However, I was very glad to use the ComfortClassic. I still wear this mask when I travel, because I am not worried about losing any small parts for it (since it is constructed so simpily). I would definately reccomend this mask
