Breaking mask clips

Savagemutt · Post by **Savagemutt** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 4:15 pm

Howdy folks,

I looked around to see if this topic had been posted before but didn't find anything, so 'scuse me if it has.

I've been on CPAP for about 2 years now and noticed immediate improvement with it. My only complaint is that I keep breaking the clip holders for the lower stap on my mask(s) (Respironics Comfort Gel - Nose only). They only last for about 2-3 months before I snap one or the other holders off. I don't think I'm being too rough with the things, but experience may indicate otherwise. Right now I'm just wrapping the lower the lower straps around my head and over the front of the mask where I use the velcro to attach them together. It works pretty good, but I'd still like a fully functioning mask that I don't feel I have to treat like a wounded hummingbird. Any advice?

Thanks in advance.

Savagemutt

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 4:22 pm

yeah common problem with that mask. They used to include a extra set in the bag but I don't think they do that anymore. Respironics has moved towards disposable masks.

You should try the Soyala nasal mask, bit more money but it is quieter, has better hooks and headgear and seals better, also has a better elbow system and is more comfortable.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 4:33 pm

You are over tightening it. The clips they include don't break, it's the mask parts that give up. Save the plastic that flies off, clean the broken edges in AHL 90% no additives. then reinstall them with crazy glue, and after it sets up use epoxy to make it bulletproof. I even took the ball part and installed it then cut a plastic piece and epoxied it over the front of the ball socket.

If you do that you have to be careful to keep the ball from getting stuck down, and you have to unstrap the headgear. (The ball in the socket is there for life) I have a ComfortFull with 1300 hours on it. Jim

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cpaprookie · Post by **cpaprookie** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 5:09 pm

i had two of the cheap plastic tabs break on my masks...
the firstone that broke, i replaced, but i crazy gleud it together
and threw it in mothballs for when the "new" one broke...
eventually it did... some may remember my rant here...

i carried my rage down to the local DuME and he explained
to me that the new comfort gel was better... and if you
are not sitting down, please do.....

he then GAVE me a new version comfort gel to try out...

the new version is alot sturdier feeling, and is still serving well
after 3 months, it just doesnt feel like it would break like the
last two.....
i'm not a big fan of the wider head gear though....

all said, NEW VERSION = BETTER

Savagemutt · Post by **Savagemutt** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 6:58 pm

Thanks for the advice from all of you. I'll give a newer version or the Soyala a shot, and if that doesn't work, I'll try the Krazy glue suggestion.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 8:22 pm

Savagemutt wrote:Thanks for the advice from all of you. I'll give a newer version or the Soyala a shot, and if that doesn't work, I'll try the Krazy glue suggestion.

The Crazy Glue is just the first part of the project, it's the epoxy that adds the needed reinforcement. Jim

cpaprookie · Post by **cpaprookie** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 9:04 pm

Savagemutt wrote:Thanks for the advice from all of you. I'll give a newer version or the Soyala a shot, and if that doesn't work, I'll try the Krazy glue suggestion.

no probs...
all said and done, if i can keep this one from breaking all too
soon, i wont mind tying up with nylons again until
i can get a new mask.

that being said, most insurance allows a purchase
every six months or "two a year" .. my insurance
allows as needed...
just because my insurance allows as needed doesnt mean i
should get the cheap masks so i can buy one every two months.

i'm not one to get pawned off by the DuME....