Comfort Gel

Average Category Ratings

Seal
3.1
 Average
Comfort
3.5
 Above Average
Quietness
3.7
 Above Average
Ease of Use
3.2
 Average
Ease of Cleaning
3.6
 Above Average
Durability
3.6
 Above Average
Headgear
3.3
 Average


Comfort Gel
Number of participants who choose to switch to this mask:
13 (26%)

Ultra Mirage II Nasal Mask

Average Category Ratings

Seal
4
 Above Average
Comfort
4.1
 Above Average
Quietness
3.7
 Above Average
Ease of Use
4.2
 Above Average
Ease of Cleaning
3.6
 Above Average
Durability
3.7
 Above Average
Headgear
3.9
 Above Average


Ultra Mirage II Nasal Mask

Number of participants who choose to stay with this mask:
37 (74%)

User Reviews      Read All Reviews

Comfort Gel Reviews   Ultra Mirage II Nasal Mask Reviews
  By David P.

Provided and Rated Size: Large

Comfort of the Comfort Gel is slightly better for me than UM II, partly because it is wider and I am a 'side-sleeper' which can put extra pressure on the bridge & side of the nose if the mask is too narrow or too small. Forehead pad adjustment could be more postive. Both masks were 'large' size. I haven't yet gone thru the optional molding/adjustment as mentioned in the manual, but it is a plus to have this capability. Air flow from the mask release valve was quieter than on the UM II. Headgear quick release design made this mask easier to use (put on and take off) than UM II. Durability judgement is based on the use of what appears to be cheap plastic parts like the UM I & II had/have. The 'velcro' of the headgear did not have as strong of a grip as the UM II, which may adversly affect durability.

     By David P.

Provided and Rated Size: Large

The UM II's comfort is not as good as my old UM I or the Comfort Gel. While both the Comfort Gel and UM II masks are labeled 'large', the Comfort Gel is significantly wider, which I think makes the UM II not as comfortable for me. As a side note, this smaller, less comfortable mask was not the case on my older 'large' UM I mask. I rate the ease of use average, but I have added an old 'quick release' strap connector to keep from having to adjust the headgear each time. I think the forehead adjuster works better than the Comfort Gel's, but the UM II's forehead pad is not as comfortable. I have the same concerns about the durability and quality of plastic used for the adjustments, but durability of those parts is still an unknown. My opinion is that the 'grippy' velcro of the UM II will do its job longer than that on the Comfort Gel.


Our Comments

After three successfully sponsored Product Challenges, CPAPtalk.com initiated a contest between the top CPAP mask manufacturers. In this Product Challenge, CPAP users chose between the Ultra Mirage II Nasal Mask and the ComfortGel Nasal Mask. Selected enrollees were asked to trial a ComfortGel for two weeks. The results of the post evaluation from each participant have been compiled. Participants chose the Ultra Mirage II as the winner by a vote of 37 to 13.

ResMed's win is a culmination of product design, outstanding materials, and sizing that allows almost any user to receive effective therapy throughout the night. Even though ResMed won, there was very little negative feedback regarding the ComfortGel Nasal Mask. The Ultra Mirage II won votes away from the ComfortGel in basic areas such as sizing, headgear fasteners, and sealing. Participants found the Respironics' mask difficult to initially adjust, but were pleased to have an instructional DVD that helped when fitting was an issue. Many users felt that the ComfortGel was wider than the Ultra Mirage II, which led to fitting problems and an overall frustration with mask leaks. The wider frame of the ComfortGel did not work well with narrow faces and users of the Standard Size Ultra Mirage II generally opted for a size Small ComfortGel when given the choice. When fitted properly, most reviews noted Respironics as being the quieter mask, but the remarks were overshadowed by the majority dislike for the ComfortGel headgear clips that use a ball-and-socket configuration. The hose quick disconnect for the ComfortGel was also a key problem when removing the mask. CPAP users did not like the plastic-on-plastic design and the clear plastic made the connector difficult to see and use. Ultimately, CPAPtalk.com CPAP users want a mask that is easy to take off and seals every time.

Respironics and ResMed have worked hard over many years to create two very successful CPAP masks. The overall win for ResMed, a 4 to 1 win ratio, has Respironics losing by a much smaller margin when looking at the contest's category ratings and star rating. In the seven categories used to evaluate each mask, participants reward ResMed higher marks in areas of the mask seal, ease of use, and headgear. All three together became the deciding factor when voting for ResMed over Respironics. Had participants all used the DVD Fitting Guide that came with every ComfortGel, size would not have played such a significant role and the Comfort category as well as Seal category might have received a higher score.

The ComfortGel Nasal Mask is able to break brand loyalty. Since we selected 50 ResMed users, our results show that 1 out of every 4 Ultra Mirage II users would switch to the Respironics ComfortGel. For those new to the CPAP community, this Product Challenge and every review within can help decide which mask is best for them.

Until the next Product Challenge,
John Goodman, President, CPAPtalk.com


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