Oracle Oral Mask Issues
I want to share with you some experience of using Oracle oral mask HC452 and would appreciate comments. I have been using ResMed Swift FX nasal pillow until recently when I started to have sinus problems. I then switched to Oracle oral mask and found the following issues:
1) With the same pressure setting as Swift FX, the Oracle gives ridiculously high AHI readings. At 12 cmH2O, I had less than 2 for Swift FX but the reading shoots up to over 50 for Oracle oral. I had a hard time figuring out but suspect the "non rebreathing valve" fitted to the end of the Oracle flexitube may be doing it. Last night, I tried the Oracle without the valve ( pressure = 7 cmH2O ) but the AHI problem persists. Tonight I will try 12 cm and see what happens.
2) The Oracle also gives me a very dry mouth in the morning. I know this is a common problem and have set humidity to maximum, but is there some kind of relief by medication?
Thanks!
RE: Oracle Oral Mask Issues
Biotene gel and XyliMelts lozenges can help alleviate dry mouth. They are found on the toothpaste aisle.
RE: Oracle Oral Mask Issues
Now I have proof that either the Oracle Mask or the DreamStation gives fake AHI information. Today I lied down on bed for an hour staying awake all the time making sure I breathed normally all the time. The SleepyHead chart however shows that I had 34 OAs and one H which means that I stopped breathing for about 18% of the time. This appears to be a big problem for Oracle Oral Mask users. I wonder why there are no comments from them!
RE: Oracle Oral Mask Issues
I don't think we have many Oracle Mask users here, but I could be wrong.
Post a screenshot from SleepyHead, include the following graphs: Events, Flow Rate, Pressure, Mask Pressure, Leak Rate.
RE: Oracle Oral Mask Issues
Screenshot (46) is a SleepyHead chart for ResMed FX Nasal Pillow. Screenshot (47) is for Oracle Oral Mask.
RE: Oracle Oral Mask Issues
My sleep doctor doesn't have a clue about what's happening! My best guess is that Oracle Oral is not designed for data collection. If that is the case, what should I base on to set the parameters (pressure etc ) for optimal results?
RE: Oracle Oral Mask Issues
I'd go back to your old mask and check the results again just to make sure it's the mask. If it is I'd throw it away.
RE: Oracle Oral Mask Issues
The pressure graph reflecting the high AHI with the Oracle mask shows that you were using a Flex Setting, while the graph with the lower AHI using the nasal pillow mask shows no Flex setting.
Have you tried the Oracle without a Flex setting?
I doubt that would account for such a big difference though, but you never know. Other than that, I can’t explain.
RE: Oracle Oral Mask Issues
Last night I used the Oracle for 3 1/2 hours at 10 cm with no CFlex. The AHI results are a little better than previous nights but not good by any standard. You will notice that under the OA clusters, there is always a small EPAP spike which means that the exhaling pressure is a little higher than the set pressure ( 10 cm in this case ) in that area. I don't know what this means. It is worth mentioning that there is a non rebreathing valve connected to the end of the mask flexitube. It acts as a vent for the air breathing out so the CO2 cannot be inhaled back. The exhaust vent ( close to the mouth piece ) for this mask is small. I put my palm over this vent and can hardly feel any air coming out during operation.
Inspite of the mysterious AHI reading problem, the Oracle does serve me well. I feel refresh in the morning and it is a great relief for my sinus problem. My nose is getting a much needed break so I am not in a hurry to throw away the mask.I thought about replacing it with a full face mask. But after reading some complaints from this forum, I realize that it is a new can of worms ( air leaks, red marks on face etc ).
My sleep doctor advised me to sleep without CPAP for 2 weeks and then go back to the old nasal pillow when the nose gets better. I really don't know what to do at this time.
RE: Oracle Oral Mask Issues
If you feel good in the morning keep using it. It's better than not using the machine.