Respironics Profile Lite Nasal Mask

[Roberto]

I'm just canvassing opinion about this mask. I was given this last year by Papworth. It seems to be their standard issue nasal mask now. But I'm not so sure it's up to the task.

It sure is very comfortable, much more so than the Comfort Classic I had before, but the problem I am finding is that the gel structure breaks down all to easily meaning that after a few months, the mask is prone to poor fitment and leaking.

Papworth have acknowledged this, telling me last time I was in that they normally expect these to last 6 months, but as we all know, masks aren't cheap and Papworth might have got a bit of a false economy going on here.

Respironics advise that dipping the mask in freshly boild water reverts the mask back to it's original form and I have tried this with some success, but it doesn't take long for them to start breaking down again.

I have also noticed an increase in condensation build up in this mask. I have a CPAP Wrap on my main tube which greatly reduces condensation but I am sure that the poor fitment of this mask just makes it worse.

I'd certainly like to know other peoples opinions of this mask. It seems that what it makes up for in comfort, it loses in practicality.

[Joe McManus]

It seems a bit less expensive than the more innovative masks of nowadays so perhaps they bargained on longevity indeed. I do believe all gel cushions can be replaced so Papworth should perhaps give a spare cushion with the mask as standard.

[puffin]

While cleaning my mask the other day, the silicon seal locking ring came off. Result the silicon seal dropped off the mask. Then took me half an hour to put it together again.

So rather than changing the whole mask, it should in theory, be possible to just change the seal at a lower cost to NHS. Whether the manufactures would want this, as more profit from full mask sales. Having worked for a while in the plastic industry, once you have paid for R&D and tooling, a 4 to 5 figure sum, each moulding would only cost a few pennies/pounds to make. So more profit for the company.

[Roberto]

It seems a bit less expensive than the more innovative masks of nowadays so perhaps they bargained on longevity indeed. I do believe all gel cushions can be replaced so Papworth should perhaps give a spare cushion with the mask as standard.

I can't complain too much as Papworth change my "perishables" (mask, chinstrap, hoses, humidifier tanks) every 6 months anyway.

[Joe McManus]

What are you whinging about then Sounds like they've won the NHS postcode lottery jackpot.

[Roberto]

What are you whinging about then Sounds like they've won the NHS postcode lottery jackpot.

I see your point, but it's a pain in the arse I'm off to Papworth in 2 weeks for my annual sleep over and they'll change it then, but my mask has started to fail badly so I'm having to revert to a ResMed Full facer which I detest but at least it maintains a seal.

[puffin]

At least you have a back up mask, I currently only have the one.

My clinic have said that if I get a kit problem ring um up just to make sure they have someone available before I pop down to see them. Clinic is only 4 miles away and as I work for myself I have no problems just poping out for an hour.

Question: With out googleling, do the suppliers do service packs for masks, that a user can purchase?

If you are out and about or its the weekend and the seal goes down, a spare seal kit would be nice.

[puffin]

Came across this Q&A about changing mask bits, Ref. Resmed

http://www.resmed.com/en-uk/products/service_and_support/masks-faqs.html?menu=products#Q1

Looks like you can get spares.

This is my mask http://www.resmed.com/en-uk/products...an-english.pdf

[acebass]

While cleaning my mask the other day, the silicon seal locking ring came off. Result the silicon seal dropped off the mask. Then took me half an hour to put it together again.

And this from a man who can assemble the equipment one-handed!!!

[puffin]

I was using my other hand! Due to an old injury I am not as good with that hand.