(05-09-2013, 06:02 PM)Tom and Ginny Wrote: The VPAP machine is a ResMed S9 Series, Model #36057. Apparently, this model is newer than the #36037.
Hi Tom and Ginny,
If you look on the label on the back of the blower unit, I think you will see it is labeled Ref# 36037. This is the current model, manufactured starting November 2012.
Ordering Number 36037 (and Ref# 36037) is the S9 VPAP Adapt, the blower unit itself.
Ordering Number# 36047 is the blower unit
plus the heated humidifier. I think there are several possible Ref# for the humidifier.
Ordering Number# 36057 is same blower unit
plus the same humidifier
plus the ClimateLine heated hose. I think there are two possible Ref# for the ClimateLine, one for the slimline width heated hose and one for the regular (larger width) heated hose.
Sorry to hear of your mask problems. Controlling unintentional leak without over-tightening the mask is the hardest part of the therapy.
It is important to wash all face oil off the mask each morning, and to wash the face just before putting the mask back on again when going to sleep.
It is important that the left and right sides are adjusted equally. The two top straps should be kept equal in length. The two bottom straps should be kept equal in length.
To check for mask leaks, what I do is put the mask on and turn the machine on and let it start up, and then I take several deep breaths (at a normal breathing rate for 15 seconds or so) on the machine, and then I hold my breath (which creates what looks like an obstructive apnea to the machine, so it intermittently increases the pressure up to max, attempting to ventilate me).
Before holding my breath, I will have gotten ready to adjust the straps evenly by having unfastened the top two straps (or bottom two straps), holding one end in each hand, so I am ready to start loosening or tightening the straps as soon as I start holding my breath.
Then I'll do the same thing for the other two traps (bottom straps or top straps).
Before I am done, sometimes I will have stopped several times to take more breaths (for another 15 seconds or so) and then hold my breath again, to continue adjusting the mask.
Then, since it is very easy to end up over-tightening the straps, I may need to repeat the whole thing again, except this time I will be attempting to loosen the straps while holding my breath with the machine at max pressure.
Usually, after a few nights, very little further adjustment is needed, except a little now and then because the headgear does tend to stretch out with use, especially if it is worn when wet. So I wash the mask first thing after I get up and leave it to dry thoroughly during the day, so I won't need to remove the headgear before washing the mask (and mess up adjustment of the straps) or risk getting the headgear wet just before bed time.
I also find it helps to use one size smaller headgear than the mask size, so that the straps do not stretch out and become too long to adjust.
Also, it may help to use a mask liner on the Mirage Quattro FX, especially if you find the mask needs to be too tight because of the high pressures the ASV machine will occasionally need to use. I use RemZzzs (Full Face Mask liners, large size).
Also, I alternate masks, by occasionally using the older style Mirage Quattro (not FX). I am careful to try to adjust the circular mask height adjuster so the mask rests lightly (not tightly) on my nose, but I still find I need to use a ResMed Gecko gel nose pad with it, to seal leaks around the eyes and to protect the bridge of my nose from getting hurt by the mask.
Good luck and take care,
--- Vaughn
The Advisory Member group provides advice and suggestions to Apnea Board administrators and staff on matters concerning Apnea Board operation and administrative policies. Membership in the Advisory Member group should not be understood as in any way implying medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.