(06-16-2019, 11:26 AM)R Dillinger Wrote: Also, I have an important question for you.
I am still having trouble upon exhaling resistance. I have my Phillips DreamStation on FLEX 3 which is the least resistance.
I have heard that there are masks with a built in "VALVE" that opens when you exhale to make it easier to exhale without fighting resistance. I have some heart issues and the resistance I get on my machine causes my heart rate to increase and I do not need this routine as I already am prone to some Tachycardia (rapid heart beats).
Do you know of any of these "VALVE" masks that I can purchase or the machine that may accommodate them. My son in law says he has one of these "VALVE" masks and I will see him today. He has a different make and model of CPAP machine. Otherwise, I may have to give up this CPAP experiment although it would probably help me if I had the right equipment.
thanks
R Dillinger
This might help. I'm a self administered cpap user. I have the dreamstation and their nasal mask (dreamwear). My settings are 9.5 and 13, as I have it in apap mode. I've tried different settings but these work best for me. But... If I move the 9.5 pressure up to as little as 10. I wake up in the night feeling as though I've fought the machine. My lungs even ache. Just dropping it down to 9.5 solves the issue. My settings don't necessarily match yours but it might be a little indication that yours might provide a little to much resistance to your comfort level. I too use the flex setting. It does help as it lowers the pressure as you exhale and increases it as you inhale. It 'assists' but that's all. It doesn't solve a pressure setting that may be a tad too high for your personal comfort.
That being said.... I'm far from an expert, just a self administering user, out of a doctors control, and with about 3 yrs use under my belt... er pillow.