Compact flurescent bulbs fail faster pointing up?

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I wonder if anyone else has noticed this, or could confirm similar experiences.

We use a energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs in most of our light fixtures. These bulbs are now the predominant bulb on sale, and regular filament bulbs are being phased out.

Some of our light fittings suspend the bulb under the fitting, whereas others point the bulb upwards (wall uplights, table lamps and chandeliers). The bulbs appear to need replacing far more frequently in the uplights than the downlights.

Is there some design fault causing premature failure in upward-facing CF bulbs?

StuartN,
I have 5 uplighters with the compact low energy bulbs fitted and have had no problems with them. I even have one in an outdoor light which is activated when someone passes the front door.
Are your ones attached to timer switches ? I understand they don`t operate too well with those.

Some bulbs are not designed to be used base-up. Look for bulbs that specifically state on the packaging that they can be used this way.

Too bad they couldn't make CFL's as simple as Incandescents...

There is no statement on the packaging I have, but they are budget-price bulbs with very little text. But as you say, some bulbs are sensitive to orientation.