O₂ptimask^TM kits from LifeGas are now available through the CH.com store!

A limited number of the "standard" O₂ptimask^TM kits are currently available and an expanded line of products and individual parts will be added to the store soon.

Follow the link to the CH.com store on the left menu to order!

[smiley=headbanger.gif]

Those kits look pretty sweet.  I may have to get one pretty soon.  Why on earth would they put such a small bag on it, though?  

In the meantime, I think I'll have to pick up a mug or 2.  Those are just the size Daddy likes.

8-)
B$

A reliable, reputable, honest, knowing and familiar source for a product so many use is hard to beat DJ.

Kudos.

BMoneeTheMoneeMan wrote on Feb 9^th, 2009 at 1:31am:

Why on earth would they put such a small bag on it, though?

B,

The bag may look small, but I think it's quite efficient.  The 3 liter bag works pretty well from what I'm hearing from the experts like Chuck.  Chuck, or anyone who's used the 3 liter bag, care to chime in?

DJ

BTW, I only have 3 more kits on hand as of right now.  Not sure when my "re-supply" truck will be here.  If you are thinking about getting one, might want to do it sooner rather than later.

DJ wrote on Feb 9^th, 2009 at 8:09pm:

BMoneeTheMoneeMan wrote on Feb 9th, 2009 at 1:31am: Why on earth would they put such a small bag on it, though? B, The bag may look small, but I think it's quite efficient.  The 3 liter bag works pretty well from what I'm hearing from the experts like Chuck.  Chuck, or anyone who's used the 3 liter bag, care to chime in?

Sorry for the delay in answering this post.  I missed it.

In talking with our resident oxygen guru, Batch, he and I collaborated with the following answer:

The reason that the 3 liter bag works so well is that your lungs can usually only take in around 3 liters of air during a maximum inhale.  Yes, your lungs hold more than 3 liters, the average adult lung capacity is about 5 liters.  

In your normal abort method, (using one of those cheap disposable masks at only 15 LPM) you will only be pulling in around 1 liters of oxygen, per inhale.  That is only 20% of your normal lung capacity.  So with the 3 liter bag, you are up to 60% with a maximum inhale, which gives you a much greater ventilation of the lung.

The goal of this therapy is to cast off CO₂ faster than your body is producing it.  This is the main idea behind hyperventilating, with the higher flow rate and 3 liter bag.

When you are just sitting there, watching TV, or surfing the net, you are only taking in about 1/2 to 3/4 a liter of air, at a time.

I hope this answers your question.

BTW, Deej now has his resupply of masks, so those that were waiting, he has them on hand now.

Chuck

I recently got one of these masks, along with a 0-25 regulator, and must say it's great! Plenty of O2.

My Grandpa just let me order mine!

So Deej, if you see a rather girly email name, with a man's name...that's why. >_>

I'm so excited!

I just received my O2ptimask kit with the Ambu face mask and have already had occasion to use it today. Awesome non-rebreathing mask!  :)  :)  :)

Now I am getting 100% oxygen instead of whatever I was getting from the POS masks I was getting from the O2 company.

Thanks for sending it out so quickly. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Mine arrived yesterday along with my 25 LPM regulator.
Awesome mask, thanks everyone. 8-)

I got an Optimask a few days ago, works beautifully :D

Just a quick question do you send to the UK?

Yes Sir...

:)

Hey, DJ. It’s been a long time since I've hung out here. Jonny just drove me nuts, so I exited. Where is the link to the store. I don’t see a left menu and can’t locate it. I'd be interested in one of these masks, as my oxygen supplier (Apria) can’t get it (or anything) right.

Link to store: START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Thanks. Just ordered the deluxe version.

I ordered two last week and love them. Ive never had anything shipped so quickly! Thanks guys!

Smknsmly wrote on Sep 28^th, 2009 at 8:31am:

I ordered two last week and love them. Ive never had anything shipped so quickly! Thanks guys!

I'll let you in on a little secret ... Deej doesn't do a thing ... He just sits back, in his boxers, with a beer, scratching his nuts, belching, farting, watching his tv, and yells at our Darling, Miss Stephanie, to go check to see if SHE has any orders to ship out.

That mean ole Deej just abuses her, and works her to a frazzle ...

But, for the quick shipping and response, no one beats our Miss Brooks Stephanie !!!

Chuck

(Deej is gonna KICK MY BUTT, next time he sees me, for letting his closely guarded secret out!

Trying to understand the difference between the two masks so I can order the proper one and have it delivered up here in the Great White North.  Can anyone please define the benefits between the two please?

Thanks

Gary

Jeremys Dad wrote on Oct 21^st, 2009 at 5:00pm:

Trying to understand the difference between the two masks so I can order the proper one and have it delivered up here in the Great White North.  Can anyone please define the benefits between the two please? Thanks Gary

I'd also like to know if the Ambu mask is worth the extra cash.

While the standard mask is good, and does it's job, I have been told the Ambu mask is the "Cadillac" of masks.  It is softer (or cushier, if that's a word) and has a thicker band of rubber that goes around your face.

While it is more expensive, many people recommend that mask option over the standard. 

I hope this helps. 

:)

Ben's "clustermasx" was the best thing that ever happened in my cluster career for this knothead clusterhead...so way much better than any regular mask it didn't belong in the same category....it is sad it is no longer available

Never tried but suspect, by appearance, that the regular optimask is similar and would work as well....I decided on the "cadillac" version...looked more comfy and the face plate is removable for easy cleaning, and the extra cost is a wash since replacement time will be at least double.....aint no leaks during use...and they can have it back when they "pry it out of my cold dead hands" :D

That both are available RIGHT HERE....is just another of the countless blessings provided for this family by the first family of clusterville...DJ and Steph!

I was also an early adopter of Ben's mask and I will tell you that the modern versions are far, far better built and more durable.

The mouthpiece is my preference, but good check valves are critical!

Marc

Just ordered the deluxe kit.  I'm assuming the Ambu mask is one size fits all?

for those who tested both masks, is the huge price difference really that much more worth it?

Just ordered a standard OptiMask for hubby. If it works well, we'll consider ordering the "cadillac" mask. I've noticed some other items have been out of stock for awhile. Is there another supplier available?

Went to the CH store today to order a larger mask and the item is out of stock, please advise when an order is available.  thanks

Do you use these with oxygen?

Yes, you hook up the mask and hose to the 02 tank. 

Ordered mine today!

BigCoffinHunter wrote on Dec 23^rd, 2010 at 6:42pm:

Ordered mine today!

A great move as it works just great!

Mask arrived!
Now I hope I never need to use it! ;D

So what's the proper method, to let the bag fill first, then inhale?  Do I exhale into the mask?

Yes and yes! The reservoir bag fills up with 02, you take a big old hit, when you exhale. The valves let the exhaled air out. If you are emptying the bag faster then it can refill, increase the oxygen flow rate.

Joe

A tip: If you lift the mask away from your mouth and nose as you exhale, you won't be exhaling all the moisture from your mouth and lungs into the mask and valves. Your mask will stay much cleaner for much longer.

I have a couple of questions if anyone can help.  I am not only considering an optimask for personal use for CH but also as a possibility for a scuba club which has oxygen units to provide O2 to divers with the bends (the highest possible O2 percentage is highly desirable for divers).

- theoretically I would presume this mask would supply much higher percentage O2 than a standard non-rebreather. Has any actual testing been done on percentage O2 supplied at various flow rates in comparison with standard non-rebreather masks?

- does it have any 'approval' as a medical device (I have no personal concern about this, but my dive club may want to know if it is an 'authorised' piece of equipment)

- the oxygen regulators that the dive club own unfortunately have a max flow rate of 15 lpm. If the breathing rate of an individual using it exceeds the flow rate is that problematic? (eg if there is not enough O2 in the reservoir bag will air be available without lifting the mask off?)

- do they ship internationally?

Gratefull for anyone's help with these questions. I must say they look like a terrific idea and I guess it illustrates the inventiveness of those in the CH community!

Not sure about the other questions but they certainly do ship internationally as I've got some here in NZ.

Thanks Mike.