Cleaning your OptiLife mask regularly is a very important part
of mask maintenance. The pillows cushions, nasal interface and tubing
should be cleaned daily. The headgear and chin support band should
be cleaned weekly. It is not necessary to disconnect the headgear
and support band for daily use and cleaning.
To keep your OptiLife clean, follow these three easy steps.
1. Hand wash the mask in warm water with a mild soap or dishwashing
detergent. Do not use soap with moisturizers or conditioners. Do
not use bleach, alcohol, or cleaning solutions containing alcohol.
2. Rinse the mask thoroughly. Pat with a paper towel and air dry
completely before use.
3. Inspect all parts for damage or wear. Replace the mask if the
cushion becomes hardened or if any parts become damaged.
As an informed healthcare consumer, you should be aware of the
mask replacement benefits under your healthcare plan. Mask replacement
is based on medical need as determined by your insurance provider.
OptiLife Frequently Asked Questions
General | Attaching/Removing The Cushion | Adjusting The Interface
Chin Support Band | Headgear | Tubing Management | Cleaning
General
What is the OptiLife?
The OptiLife is a nasal interface that is used to deliver Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It is an alternative to traditional nasal masks that provides a less invasive, more complete and lifestyle-oriented form of airway delivery. Each OptiLife Nasal Interface offers two cushion options - traditional pillows cushions that insert into the nostrils and the CradeCushion, which sits under the nose.
How does it work?
The cushion seal of OptiLife is supported by the chin support band, and, to a lesser extent, the nose. By using the chin to support the mask seal, the OptiLife reduces the pressure on the upper lip and nasal area, providing a comfortable yet stable cushion support.
How does the OptiLife compare to other pillows or prongs products?
Unlike most pillows or prongs-style products that solely use the nose to support the seal, the OptiLife relies on a chin support band that provides a soft foundation for the seal and further eliminates unnecessary nasal irritation, pressure or pulling. Can OptiLife be used with multiple therapy devices?
Yes, the OptiLife can be used with all Respironics devices, including REMstar Systems with C-Flex, BiPAP® Pro Systems with Bi-Flex, and REMstar Auto-CPAP systems.
How should the OptiLife be worn?
The OptiLife pillows cushion should be inserted slightly into the nostrils so that it fills the nostrils comfortably without any gaps between the cushion and the nostril walls. The CradleCushion rests under the nose, providing excellent seal and comfort, while literally cradling the nose. For the headgear, the back strap should be positioned on the back of the head, the adjustable top strap should be positioned on the top of the head, and the side straps should be positioned above the ears. The chin support band should rest snugly against the chin. The black side of the headgear and chin support band should rest against the skin, with the blue side facing out.
What information comes with the OptiLife?
The OptiLife nasal interface includes a pictorial quick fitting guide and an instruction manual. Inserted in the instruction manual are a registration card, a replacement reminder card and a reminder sticker that can help track and manage supply replacement needs.
Is it possible to read or watch TV while wearing the OptiLife?
Yes, the low-profile design of the OptiLife makes it perfect for reading or watching television before going to sleep.
Is the OptiLife quiet?
The exhalation port located on the front of the interface makes the OptiLife exceptionally quiet. The port is specifically designed to disperse air for a quiet flow of exhalation. Our trial participants were very impressed by the low level of noise created by the diffusion port, particularly when compared to similar competitive products.
What did patients in your trials say about the OptiLife?
Patients in our trials were most impressed by the comfort and simplicity of the OptiLife interface. They were pleased that the interface worked extremely well for side sleeping and did not restrict the positions in which they could sleep. The patients also had positive feedback on the interface's quiet exhalation and lightweight design.
Will any plastic come in contact with my face when I wear the OptiLife interface?
No. The headgear and chin support band provide a buffer between the face and the plastic.
What are the numbers on the back of the OptiLife interface?
The numbers represent the Part Number of the OptiLife and the Lot Number that indicates the date of manufacture (YYMMDD). These numbers are used to track the product and allow for detailed user registration.
Attaching/Removing The Cushion
How do I attach the cushion to the OptiLife?
To ensure correct placement of the cushion, match the arrow on the cushion with the arrow on the interface. The arrow on the cushion and the arrow on the interface should be on the same side, but they do not need to be aligned perfectly. Attach the cushion to the cushion attachment hub one side at a time. Place a hole on the side of the cushion over the corresponding post located on the hub. Then, stretch the cushion over the hub to attach the other side.
How do I remove the cushion from the OptiLife?
The best way to remove the cushion is to hold the side of the cushion below the hole and pull it out and over the interface hub.
Adjusting The Interface
How do I adjust the OptiLife?
First, adjust the side straps to move the cushion snugly and comfortably into place. Then, adjust the chin support band so that it rests snugly on the chin. Do not over tighten the straps. Finally, rotate the cushion on the hub for a comfortable fit. If the side straps are resting on the ears, tighten the top strap to move the side straps off the ears, then readjust the side straps, chin support band and cushion. This web site provides several tools to help you adjust to the OptiLife mask.
Choose from:
Chin Support Band
Will the OptiLife chin support band prevent mouth breathing and eliminate the need for a chin strap?
No, the chin support band supports the cushion seal and it is not designed to replace a chin strap. C
an the OptiLife be used with a chin strap?
Yes. For best results, put on the chin strap first and then put the OptiLife on over top of it.
Can I wear the OptiLife without the chin support band?
No. The chin support band is critical in supporting the cushion seal.
Headgear
How do I know if the OptiLife headgear is on correctly, particularly in the dark?
There are two easy ways to identify if the headgear is on correctly. First, feel the top strap. If the headgear is on properly, the attachment tab can be felt on the right side of the top strap. Second, feel the center of the back strap. If the headgear is on properly, the Respironics and OptiLife logos can be felt on the outside of the back strap.
What is the purpose of the two colors on the OptiLife headgear and chin support band?
The black and blue colors are designed to help correctly attach the headgear and support band and to quickly determine if they are assembled correctly. In addition, the different colors help identify if any of the straps are twisted. When worn properly, the black fabric rests against the skin and the blue fabric is visible on the outside.
Why are there two sets of headgear slots on the OptiLife interface?
Moving the headgear from one slot to the other will change the angle at which the headgear holds the interface, and, therefore, may change the feel and seal of the interface. Our trial results showed that the majority of patients liked having the headgear attached to the back slots; some patients, however, preferred the comfort and seal of the interface when the headgear was attached to the front slots. We recommend trying both arrangements and selecting the one that gives the best results.
Tubing Management
Can I use standard CPAP tubing with the OptiLife?
Yes, the interface is designed to work with standard 6-foot CPAP tubing. However, for best results with a lighter weight system, use the Respironics Performance Tubing. Traditional tubing can sometimes pull on the interface, especially if the tubing falls off of the bed and the weight of the tubing pulls on the interface. The Performance Tubing is 20% lighter than traditional tubing and is many times more flexible.It provides a more forgiving connection to the device since it is less likely to apply pull or torque to the interface and disrupt the seal.
Can I direct the tubing over my head?
Yes. The 6-foot tubing on the OptiLife interface is flexible enough to allow it to be positioned in whatever manner best fits sleeping preferences. The tube can be directed straight down, to the side or over the head.
How should the tube management clip be used?
As with any PAP interface, tubing management is important. The tube management clip that comes with the interface is an optional accessory that may improve the patient's experience. The metal clip can be used to secure the interface tube or PAP tubing to clothing, the pillow or bedding. The metal clip also can be removed and only the Velcro® strap used to secure the tubing in a manner that fits unique sleeping patterns. When securing the tubing, leave enough slack to accommodate movement while sleeping. For additional suggestions, see the quick fitting tips that were included with the OptiLife interface.
Cleaning
How often should I clean the OptiLife?
For best results, the pillows cushion, nasal interface and tubing must be cleaned daily. The headgear and chin support band must be cleaned weekly.
How should I clean the OptiLife?
The user's manual included with the OptiLife contains detailed cleaning instructions. Be sure to thoroughly clean the interface and cushion using a mild dishwashing detergent (avoid using bleach, alcohol, strong household cleaners and products using conditioners or moisturizers). The headgear can be machine or hand washed with a standard laundry detergent.
