Lower AHI and pressures with nasal pillows
I have seen this reported by several members who switched from FFM to nasal pillows and it made me wonder why this would happen. I have come up with a theory and I hope that I am not just repeating something that has come up before. I looked and did not find anything. Tell me what you think.
With a full face mask, especially at higher pressures, one needs to tighten the bottom straps fairly aggressively. This has an additional effect of tending to pull the chin closer to the chest which tends to make the airway somewhat narrower. The narrowing of the airway would make it necessary for more pressure to achieve the same result and possibly higher AHI.
The nasal pillows, having no lower strap fitting on the neck (I think) does not create this effect and hence requires less pressure and possibly reduces AHI.
It's a theory anyway.
Best Regards,
PaytonA
RE: Lower AHI and pressures with nasal pillows
Sounds like one of the reasons.
Also, i seem to get better results with a SMALL pillow and one theory is the reduced air hole.
Sweet Dreams,
HerbM
Sleep study AHI: 49 RDI: 60 -- APAP 10-11 w/AHI: 1.5 avg for 7-days (up due likely to hip replacement recovery)
"We can all breathe together or we will all suffocate alone."
RE: Lower AHI and pressures with nasal pillows
Possible...
10-23-2014, 06:22 PM
(This post was last modified: 10-24-2014, 08:06 AM by readyforsleep.)
RE: Lower AHI and pressures with nasal pillows
(10-23-2014, 02:24 PM)PaytonA Wrote: I have seen this reported by several members who switched from FFM to nasal pillows and it made me wonder why this would happen. I have come up with a theory and I hope that I am not just repeating something that has come up before. I looked and did not find anything. Tell me what you think.
With a full face mask, especially at higher pressures, one needs to tighten the bottom straps fairly aggressively. This has an additional effect of tending to pull the chin closer to the chest which tends to make the airway somewhat narrower. The narrowing of the airway would make it necessary for more pressure to achieve the same result and possibly higher AHI.
The nasal pillows, having no lower strap fitting on the neck (I think) does not create this effect and hence requires less pressure and possibly reduces AHI.
It's a theory anyway.
Best Regards,
PaytonA
That is my theory too. My therapy is completely different with nasal pillows. Last night my ahi was 1.7!
I can also sleep on my back now, no backpack. Amazing. Also, the numbness in my hands has gone away. Was caused by the way my neck was resting on the pillow with the ffm. The ffm and me were not a good match. Glad everone doesn't have these problems with a ffm.
2010 sleep study 63 AHI
RE: Lower AHI and pressures with nasal pillows
Makes sense to me. Maybe the pillows are pulling up on your face causing you to stretch out? (kidding) Love pillows, between sleeping on my side and pillows my AHI has been .3 and lower for a long time. I'm so glad they work because I did not like the FFM, maybe I just didn't try the right one or use it correctly.
Good Luck!
Doc J (despite my nickname I am not a doctor)
Remember to donate to the board if you can, it has helped a lot of people including myself.
RE: Lower AHI and pressures with nasal pillows
Its as good an explanation as any. Same thing happens with me when I go from Fitlife to a pro life lite nasal. But Ive never noticed the Fitlife puttng but a tiny pressure on my chin as it rests mostly against the boney parts of my cheek with any amount of pressure and forehead.
I also notice I get 0 gas with the Fitlife vs I do have some with the nasal. Not enough to bother me but noticeable. Go figure
RE: Lower AHI and pressures with nasal pillows
I think there is some merit to it, but how much of an impact would be a big debate. As we all know, everyone is different. In my case, I get better treatment (lower AHI, less leaks and better rest) with the bigger masks (ffm or my Fitlife), but I get more freedom of positions with a nasal mask or pillows.
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