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+---- Thread: [Product Review] Caldera Releaf Neck Rest (/Thread-Product-Review-Caldera-Releaf-Neck-Rest)
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Caldera Releaf Neck Rest - drmaestro - 07-19-2020
Hi,
In my quest to find the ideal soft neck collar, I've bought my third collar recently, the Caldera Releaf Neck Rest (the other two were the Eliminator and the Carex Cervical Collar, which I reviewed recently).
The Releaf isn't sold as a medical device (contrary to Carex, which is), but is mostly intended to support your neck during travel or while you are working on a computer. Here's how it looks:
There are 2 versions available, a Regular size and a Large size. The regular is intended for necks measuring 12-15" (30.5 cm to 38.1 cm) and the large is intended for necks measuring 15,25 to 17,25" (38.7 cm to 43.8 cm). They both have a width of 1.25 " (3.2 cm) and a height of 3.5-3.75" (8.9 cm to 9.5 cm) however the design is made so that it gets thinner towards the back side of your neck (it decreases to 1/2 to 1/3 of its frontal thickness). While Carex was 0.83 " (21 mm) thick (so technically thinner), it does feel thicker, because its thickness doesn't change.
The Releaf has an interesting design, as you can see from the pictures. There are 2 creases, the upper one is concave and transverses the whole collar in an horizontal fashion. The lower creases are convex and end up in the middle. The presence of creases means that the collar is going to fold under pressure. Also, the sponge contained inside is significantly softer compared to Carex, so the amount of support provided by this collar is less than Carex. This could be a disadvantage if you have narrow upper airways, as they may collapse despite the presence of the collar. In my case, while I was able to flex my neck a few cms, it still worked nicely and I had my first 0 AHI night since I started CPAP therapy 2 months ago. Now, to be fair, I used it for just 2 nights yet, so the sample size is too small to draw any conclusions if it is working better for me compared to Carex, but it sure is more comfortable, because it is softer and the fabric is much more agrable to hold and touch. An interesting observation, that could or could not help some people, is that if you flip the collar upside down, you'll see that the part where the lower creases meet has nearly zero thickness:
So, if you wear it with this side up, there will be minimal contact area with the soft tissues under your chin, a problem I had when using the Eliminator (too thick, compresses soft tissues and blocks airways). Now, this might not work if your chin slips, but because Releaf is narrower (shorter) compared to Carex, it didin't slip for me. I wore it like this the first night (and to be fair, it was by mistake, I was sleepy and didn't pay attention how I was putting the collar) and my AHI was 0.7, so higher compared to the second night, but some of the events were recorded while I was awake, so my true AHI could be lower. Either way, this is something to try on, in case the regular side is too thick for you.
I'll continue using Releaf for a longer period and see if the results are consistent. Also, I am not sure how durable the product is yet, so that also need to be considered but as there was a request to review cervical collars, I thought it'd be useful to post my early impressions with it.
RE: Caldera Releaf Neck Rest - ragtopcircus - 10-28-2020
One night in with the Releaf. It was the best I've slept in months.
I've struggled with two side-effects of major weight loss: the shape of my face has changed profoundly (and continues to change), and I lost the ability to keep my mouth closed (but also stopped grinding my teeth, I think). Taping has been a struggle. Full-face (F20, Vitera) and hybrid (F30, F30i) masks that cover my mouth work great until I fall asleep, but then my jaw relaxes. To keep my jaw from falling away from the mask and waking me with severe leaks, it (all of them) had to be really tight but very precisely balanced. Even without leaks, down and back is a terrible jaw position for me that induces obstructive apnea events.
I have used an Eliminator and a generic SCC before, but found both uncomfortable and difficult to sleep in.
The new Releaf was "just right". It had just the right amount of support and was reasonably comfortable. I am concerned that it may lose support quickly as it breaks in. It's not too expensive though, so if it lasts a few months (or even a month), I can live with that. It's a small price to pay compared to the terrible sleep I've been getting every night without it.
There are a few other collars I ordered at the same time as the Releaf, but haven't arrived yet. Is there something better? I don;t know yet.
RE: Caldera Releaf Neck Rest - ragtopcircus - 11-02-2020
I just discovered that there is an ALT version of the Releaf collar that provides more support. It is actually an older design, but it is apparently still available direct from Caldera. It looks taller, and per the description it is also stiffer.
So far, I’m still pleased with the current version, and have not tried the ALT version.
RE: Caldera Releaf Neck Rest - Knitman - 02-02-2021
How is the Caldera Relief doing now?
RE: Caldera Releaf Neck Rest - nightgagger - 02-02-2021
I want to chime in here, maybe this will help those trying to decide what to go for. My neck diameter is 15 1/2 - 16, I have bought both the Corflex and the Caldera. The Corflex is the 3 1/2 length, and today I received the 2 1/2" length.
The Corflex is stiff, but cool and comfortable as far as heat retention....the problem I have is that it feels like the nape of my neck is being pulled up, this is why I wanted to try the 2 1/2. I measured before ordering so I'm right on the money with 3 1/2" , but still it initially feels uncomfortable. Another thing I don't like on that is the pressure against my clavicle bones. Just an annoying feeling...but I will say, once asleep no problem.
The Caldera is warm around the neck. It's great when the room dips into the low 60 or mid 50s degree F. Keeps the neck warm. Not sure how it will behave when it gets warmer. It is not as stiff as the Corflex, but will still retain it's shape and hold the neck up. The pressure against the Clavicles feels a lot less.
Both work against positional apnea clusters...so keep that in mind. I think if you're a warm sleeper, the Corflex will win out. Just my thoughts.
RE: Caldera Releaf Neck Rest - drmaestro - 02-02-2021
I am still using it daily. It didn't lose its shape so the amount of support provided is still the same. Quite comfortable too (of course sleeping without a collar is always more comfortable for me so I am comparing it to other collars I've used).
RE: Caldera Releaf Neck Rest - Knitman - 02-02-2021
Thank you both for the info.
Would you believe that on
[Commercial Link Removed] Amazon US the Releaf is $19.99 and on [Commercial Link Removed] Amazon in UK it is just under £100!!!!
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RE: Caldera Releaf Neck Rest - ragtopcircus - 02-02-2021
The Releaf can also be purchased directly from Caldera.
I am still using mine daily also. I wish it was a little taller, but it is very comfortable.
Since it is inexpensive (at least in the US), and comfortable, I think it is worth a try for anyone as a first collar. Even if you decide you need a taller or stiffer collar, the Releaf will help you adjust to sleeping in one, and it may be all you need.
Personally, I don’t find it as hot as other collars.
RE: Caldera Releaf Neck Rest - YipeekiOH - 08-21-2021
Been on CPAP since mid-March and on Wednesday I received the Caldera Neck Rest, size Regular. I have never in my life used any type of cervical collar and was impressed by the reviews here. Using AirFit P10 which I love and wanted to get away from mouth taping. First night I still taped and found the collar very comfortable and not too hot. The next day I took a 50 minute nap, wore the collar and did not tape. Did not snore either. 2nd & 3rd night with the collar, no tape and had a great sleep both nights. I believe I may have worn it a bit too tight the first night and have worn it a bit loser since then.
My numbers look good (although I still need to import them to OSCAR).
The collar also went through a cold water wash and low tumble dry today and looks like it did when purchased. Ordered a second one today since having spares of everything CPAP related is my thing.
RE: Caldera Releaf Neck Rest - zzzZorro - 08-22-2021
Caldera was my go-to collar for the last couple years. Best I could come up with. Downside is it is very soft and has to be worn tight (on me) to keep my mouth mostly closed. Being soft and snug it is HOT in the summer. I abandoned it for both this reason and the fact my obstructive apneas began to increase. Maybe it was because I had to loosen the Caldera so it could get some air behind it and it just would no longer keep my jaw closed any more ?
For some people Caldera could be a good choice. Different strokes for different folks as they say... (ESPECIALLY with Apnea!)