by Cox Tan-Ngo, RRT, Clinical Sleep Solutions
Pros: Easy to fit; large selection of inner seal sizes; soft materials used for the seal and forehead spacer
Cons: May be difficult to put back together after cleaning for some users; no quick release for the headgear; some whistling noise from the exhalation port at higher CPAP pressures.
Overall: Despite the unique design concept, the technologies are effective in improving the user experience and comfort.
The EasyLife mask from Philips Respironics (click to see product) has been around for a number of months here in Canada and recently I was able to test it out for one week. According to Philips Respironics, this mask was intended to make fitting a mask “automatic” through their Auto Seal Technology and should fit a large population group who uses a standard nasal mask for their CPAP therapy.
Design
At first glance, this mask almost looks like the Comfort Classic from the front in its overall size and shape (for those familiar with the older masks from Respironics). When you flip the mask over, the new technologies are revealed with new materials, shape, and the dual-cushion design of the mask. Visually, the dual-cushions look unorthodox because it can be confusing to distinguish which part of the mask is actually making the seal to the nose. When I first saw a picture of this mask, I actually thought that both seals are doing a similar function but this is actually not the case. The inner seal creates the seal to maintain the pressure from the CPAP and the outer seal maintains stability of the mask.
The inner seal comes in Small, Medium, Medium-Wide, and Large. The way this mask is fitted is not the conventional manner which is typically measured from the top of the bridge of the nose to a point below the base of the nose. Instead the reference point is slightly below the bridge of the nose similar to another of their earlier masks called the Simplicity or even the simple cushion of the Comfort-Lite mask. The outer seal only comes in one size but this part of the mask gives a visual perception that the mask seal is bigger than it actually is. Once you put it on, however, it does not feel as large on the face because the materials used for the seals are soft and lightweight. In fact the mask itself as a whole is relatively light which is a bonus for any standard nasal mask design.
Performance
The main performance feature for this product is the Auto Seal Technology that is intended to make fitting the mask easier and eliminate over-tightening of the mask headgear. Though I was skeptical at first, this features does work well; the dual seal system improved the seal even on side-to side movement in bed where your cheeks may compress on the pillow. The outer seal does add to the overall balance of the mask at a different point of the face instead of depending on a single seal to try to do all the work to conform to the contours of the face.
For the first time that I can recall in any mask, the materials used for the for the forehead spacer is the same as the one used for the seal around the nose. This to me was one of the primary benefits of the outer seal; it was just more comfortable than the rigid silicone material typically used in other masks of this style. The soft materials used on both the inner and outer seal are also an advantage to reduce pressure points on the nose and I found it to be very comfortable to the face even after using it for an average of 6.5 hours continuously for a number of days. The mask is quiet at low pressure but the new exhalation port design tended to emit a slight “whistle” on CPAP pressures of 15 cmH2O and above which can be a problem for some people.
Durability and Cleaning
Although we don’t have ability to predict the longevity of the mask, the quality of the materials used appear to be durable. Unless the seal or frame is mishandled, I do not think that there are any obvious parts that are prone to breakage or tearing (unlike the earlier versions of the comfort gel with the frame easily breaking at the ball-and-socket joint). The mask is easy to pull apart but if you have dexterity problems, it may not be as easy to put the mask back together; I can see some people having problems aligning the inner seal and outer seal properly after cleaning.
Conclusion
This may finally be the mask that can replace the Comfort Classic which continues to be used by long-time CPAP users because of some its simple but unique fitting characteristics. The EasiLife is a simple mask to use despite the unique visual design concept. The technologies that Philips Respironics has put into this mask is not only “for show”, but it actually enhances the user experience. If you are having problems with irritations to the bridge of the nose or if you need a wider base opening to accommodate you nose shape, this mask should be one of the ones to consider. If I had one wish for this mask, however, it would be to have a quick release system for the headgear like 99% of the standard nasal masks in the market have nowadays.
_______________________________________________________
To purchase this Philips Respironics Easylife Mask, go to www.clinicalsleep.com
Philips Respironics Easylife Mask: $99.95
Call 1-877-304-1441 to order or shop online at www.clinicalsleep.com
Filed under: CPAP masks, Sleep Apnea Tagged: | CPAP mask cushion, CPAP mask review, CPAP mask seal, CPAP nasal mask, Philips Respironics Easylife mask review
