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Befuddled new user
#21
RE: Befuddled new user
So if I breathe through my mouth, the ResMed S9 will interpret that as a mask leak?
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#22
RE: Befuddled new user
(01-20-2013, 10:35 AM)cyborg Wrote: So if I breathe through my mouth, the ResMed S9 will interpret that as a mask leak?

Not while using a full face or total face mask because they cover your mouth and keep the air pressure from escaping through the mouth, but when using nasal pillows or a nasal mask you have to find a way to make sure your mouth stays shut and pressure does not escape through it. If using nasal pillows or nasal mask and pressure escapes through mouth the S9 will interpret that as a leak because it is one and can compromise therapy. Mouth breathing is the reason people like me use a full face mask - I just can't seem to keep it shut, so I use a full face mask and can mouth breath all I want. Most people who don't mouth breath or can keep it from happening with a chin strap opt for nasal pillows or nasal mask because they are less bulky and generally more comfortable and easier to keep a good seal to your airway with.

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#23
RE: Befuddled new user
Not to try to speak for Paula, but when she asked if you had tried a chin strap I think she was seeing if you had tried to use a chin strap to get nasal pillows or a nasal mask to work for you because of your beard. I can't really think of any good reason to use a chin strap with a full face mask.
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#24
RE: Befuddled new user
I used a nasal mask for my titration (at the Sleep Center) and it worked well. When I tried one at home, I kept breathing through my mouth. My allergies are worse at home due to the feline that lives with me. My nose is stuffed up often enough that I don't think a nasal mask would be successful for me.
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#25
RE: Befuddled new user
Being a feline supporter, I would suggest that you use the hypoallergenic filters for your ResMed machine to see if that helps. We have four cats and I think that may help although we have only 52 days of use so far.

(01-20-2013, 12:27 PM)cyborg Wrote: I used a nasal mask for my titration (at the Sleep Center) and it worked well. When I tried one at home, I kept breathing through my mouth. My allergies are worse at home due to the feline that lives with me. My nose is stuffed up often enough that I don't think a nasal mask would be successful for me.

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#26
RE: Befuddled new user
(01-20-2013, 02:53 PM)SPOUSE Wrote: Being a feline supporter, I would suggest that you use the hypoallergenic filters for your ResMed machine to see if that helps. We have four cats and I think that may help although we have only 52 days of use so far.

Ill give that a try, thanks for the suggestion.
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#27
RE: Befuddled new user


I find the mask fit to be an exercise in futility. My machine is about 6" lower than my bed. To see the Mask Fit display I have to lean over, which means my mask is now hanging from my face, instead of resting on my face with gravity doing some of the work.



If your mask hangs off your face when you lean over it is not on tight enough. Try adjusting the straps more snug so that the mask does not hang off your face and tight enough to control your leaks. Over tighting can cause leaks also. CPAP does not work when you breath thru your mouth with a nasal mask but it is ok with a full face mask.
GeneS
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#28
RE: Befuddled new user
(01-20-2013, 11:13 AM)jgjones1972 Wrote: Not to try to speak for Paula, but when she asked if you had tried a chin strap I think she was seeing if you had tried to use a chin strap to get nasal pillows or a nasal mask to work for you because of your beard. I can't really think of any good reason to use a chin strap with a full face mask.

Yes, that is what I meant.

As for the person with allergies, the CPAP and mask should help keep the airway clear as you sleep as long as the stoppage is due to phlegm and not just swelling alone. During allergy season, I love to sleep! I wake feeling rested and clear. Until about a minute later when everything closes back up again. As an alternative, check out some of the hybrid masks which use nasal pillows vs nasal mask for the fit over the noise then come down and cover the mouth as well.

PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




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#29
RE: Befuddled new user
Ok, last night I used a nasal mask for the first time. When I did a leak test, it was great. I also used a chin strap for the first time. I felt like I slept better than I have for several nights. I also have a HEPA filter on my hose. After all of this, my charts look the same as they have in the past. My leaks are just as bad as the first chart that I posted. Now I'm discouraged along with being befuddled.
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#30
RE: Befuddled new user
Make sure you have the setting on the machine for the type of mask you are using.

Put on the mask and turn on the machine. Listen for any kind of hiss (air escaping). Run your hand lightly over the entire hose, feeling for leaks. Check the hose on the mask, too. Check all connections.

If none are found, lay down in bed. Lay like you usually do with the hose where it always is. Now roll over. Roll over again. Don't mess with anything, just move around like you would if you were asleep. What you are looking for are ways the mask is moving off. Do this for quite some time (half hour or so).

Now, turn off the machine and look at the data. If you did not find any leaks but the machine is still reporting them, then something is up. In ResScan, there's a red line down the graph for leaks. You want it to stay below that line. (I think I said this already? I got the memory of a goldfish)
PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




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