Wellness & Beauty

Top of the line pump and accessories Respironics REMStar M Series AUTO w A FLEX, SmartCard, Heated Humidifier and OptiLife Mask Brand: Respironics Because my sleep study...

CPR Rescue Mask Ambu Cpr Pocket Rescue Mask with O2 Inlet Health Aid Type: First Aid Supplies First Aid Type: Face Masks Details: ...

Health Aid Type:
Over-the-Counter Medicine

Brand:
Respironics

Details:
The Respironics OptiLife Nasal Interface System is the answer to patients who are comfortable with nasal treatment but find support options to be unmanageable. The OptiLife features a unobtrusive headgear system that relies mostly on the chin, whereas m

When I had a sleep study to determine my breathing pattern and proper CPAP pressure, I was fitted with a normal nasal mask, with two elastic straps that wrapped around my head. The mask was so uncomfortable and prone to leak, and I slept so poorly with it, that I decided to do some research in hopes of finding a more comfortable mask.

I looked at various internet sites that sell CPAP equipment. In reading the reviews I found that many people had switched from the customary nasal mask to a nasal pillow interface. After my pulmonologist prescribed the setup I’d need, the durable medical equipment supplier contacted me for a fitting. I told the tech in our meeting that I was more interested in a nasal pillow interface, and she introduced me to the Respironics OptiLife.

I’ve been using the OptiLife for almost five months now and find it to be much more comfortable than the standard mask. I rarely wake up during the night, and the “pillow” exerts such slight pressure that I sometimes have to feel my nose when I wake up to make sure the device is still there. The “mask” comes with four different sizes of nasal pillows, to allow for proper fit to a range of nose widths. The pillows attach to the hard plastic base and can rotate backward and forward for adjustment. There are also two nasal “cradles,” which have one large wide opening instead of the two nostril inserts of the pillow attachment. I’ve tried the cradle and it’s very comfortable, but over the long haul I found it to be more prone to leaking. If the headgear is properly adjusted there’s no leakage with the pillow interface.

The headgear consists of soft flexible straps that are adjustable, and which are anchored to two side arms on the OptiLife base. This type of headgear is much more comfortable than the heavier elastic straps used on some masks.
The headgear and strap attachment allow me to sleep on my side, unlike many masks which require one to sleep on his back. A tubing tailpiece that’s part of thie OptiLife connects to the longer tubing that connects to the pump. There’s a clothing clip on this tailpiece, which allows me to fasten the tailpiece to my shirt or my pillow, keeping the tubing from wandering around or binding.

No CPAP mask or nasal pillow is perfect. I find that when I wake up in the morning the headgear is sometimes shifted forward on my head, which can then cause the interface to leak, as the piece doesn’t properly line up with the nose if the headgear isn’t set right. So far though I’ve only experienced this as I’m waking up, so it’s generally only a momentary experience.

Like all masks, this one functions better when cleaned regularly. I clean mine in foamy soapy water daily. It takes about ten minutes.

I highly recommend the OptiLife.

CPR Face Shield ADC Adsafe Plus Cpr Face Shield with Keychain Case Let me first say that no one should preform CPR unless you are trained and...

Brazened Honey Mask? Made me brazen, honey! Lush Brazened Honey Fresh Face Mask 42383821 I received a sample of Lush Bra...

Good design for CPAP humidifier water Respironics M Series Humidifier Replacement Water Chamber Brand: Respironics Details: Replacement water chamber for the M Series type humid...

The PERFECT sleep mask Dreamtime Sweet Dreams Sleep Mask Brand: Dreamtime Care Type: Skin Care Details: The DREAMTIME SWEET DREAM...

LUSH Cupcake: Bio Fresh Mask For Oily Skin (And Butt Boils)! Lush Fresh Cupcake Face Mask If someone were to describe my skin, probably the last word ever chosen wou...

A cool refreshing mask for hot summer days Alba Hawaiian Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask Care Type: Skin Care 42381386 Details: Our collection of natural Hawaii...

A good, refreshing exfoliating facial mask for some Freeman Facial Enzyme Mask Pineapple 6 oz

In Case of Emergency..Turn to Clinique Clinique Deep Cleansing Emergency Mask

Tags: , Health Aids, Respironics OptiLife Mask with Headgear, Wellness & Beauty