When we supplied 50 CPAP users that own Respironics ComfortFull 2 Full Face Masks with PMI Pro Basics Zzz-Mask Full Face Masks we were not sure what to expect. The ComfortFull 2 is the best selling full face mask on CPAP.com and the Zzz-Mask is a new mask from a new supplier. Once again the CPAPtalk.com CPAP users did a marvelous job. They want great products and are doing their part. The detailed responses of the 50 participants are excellent and we strongly encourage you to read them all. They are essential reading for all whose job it is to develop improved CPAP interface products.

The Respironics ComfortFull 2 won with 29 Votes (58%) versus 21 Votes (42%) for the Zzz-Mask Full Face Mask. While the ComfortFull 2 had more votes, a result this close would suggest that anyone considering a full face mask should take a good look at the CPAP user comments for specific details. Please note that while the ComfortFull 2 won in overall votes, the Zzz-Mask won in three categories.

Each product has good points. The ComfortFull 2 received fifteen generally positive comments (30% of the participants) on its seal. The Zzz-Mask full face mask had fourteen generally positive comments (28% of the participants) on the smaller feel it had on the face.

Yet not all is well. Challenge participant’s responses clearly indicate opportunities to improve each of these products with relatively small design modifications. Twenty people (40% of the participants) were generally dissatisfied with the Zzz-Mask headgear latches and seven (14% of the participants) mentioned the lack of a quick hose disconnect. Those simple changes could have put the Zzz in the winner’s circle. Likewise the ComfortFull 2 had thirteen less than complimentary comments (26% of the participants) relating to the headgear clips.
These are very high complaint rates on relatively simple and inexpensive aspects of the overall design. The participants also pointed out a host of problems related to overall design considerations. Serious concerns, ranging from waking bed partners with blasts of air to mask breakages, were reported.

Each product that has undergone the scrutiny of the Product Challenge has been shown to have excellent features and significant drawbacks. CPAP Users expect that the sleep treatment manufacturers will listen to their suggestions and make ever better products.

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