Hello Guest, Welcome to Apnea Board !
As a guest, you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use.
To post a message, you must create a free account using a valid email address.

or Create an Account


New Posts   Today's Posts

Pressure not increasing much due to the air vent holes being large
#1
Pressure not increasing much due to the air vent holes being large
Hi folks,

Recently noticed an issue with my Wisp mask.  I notice that even if I increase pressure, I'm not getting increased air flow to me.  What I notice happens is that the vent just lets out more air!  So, the point of increasing the pressure isn't so effective.  

What I noticed is that with the Respironics Wisp mask, the hose attachment with the vent doesn't have consistent vent sizing.  I notice a difference between two hose attachment vent sizes.  One was larger than the other.  The larger one vents more air out and thus it reduces the pressure when breathing in.  This is indeed a terrible design. And QC issues of the vent size inconsistencies just makes me wonder if they actually care about us getting quality therapy.  

I also question if there is any real scientific intent regarding vent sizing if they cannot keep vent sizing consistent!

One question I have is, what is the repercussions of blocking off half the vent holes?  This way I can get higher pressure, but still would vent out my exhale properly, correct?  Would my CA go up?  Or should I just test to see what happens?  Thanks!
Post Reply Post Reply
#2
RE: Pressure not increasing much due to the air vent holes being large
Of course more air is coming out. Because there's more pressure being applied. This is normal.

Do NOT tape up the holes. They are there for a reason.

You may not notice an increase in air to yourself because you have become accustomed to it already.
PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




Post Reply Post Reply
#3
RE: Pressure not increasing much due to the air vent holes being large
I see what you mean Paula. I wasn't intending to cover all the vent holes, but partial to reduce venting. My question would be, how much vent is adequate. If the vent hole sizing is not consistent, this causes arbitriness. I wonder if there is any way to know the proper vent value, and measure the vent output to match this value?

Also, after using the hose attachment with smaller vent output, my flow limitation has reduced by half. The thing about these machines is that flow limitation is calculated with the shape of the breathing wave? That's probably not highly precise.
Post Reply Post Reply
#4
RE: Pressure not increasing much due to the air vent holes being large
The F&P Evora Full Face Mask has its vents holes in an annoying location.  To diffuse the exhaust air, I use pieces of an A10 filter draped over the holes.  This reduces the noise and diffuses the air stream.  Even though the filter material is just hanging in front of the vents, it also seems to add some back pressure to the mask.  You may wish to explore this concept on your mask.

- Red
Crimson Nape
Apnea Board Moderator
www.ApneaBoard.com
___________________________________
Useful Links -or- When All Else Fails:
The Guide to Understanding OSCAR
OSCAR Chart Organization
Attaching Images and Files on Apnea Board
Apnea Helpful Tips

INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
Post Reply Post Reply
#5
RE: Pressure not increasing much due to the air vent holes being large
vent holes are there for a reason. It allows your CO2 to escape when you exhale. The machine includes this "intentional leak" in its calculations.

Covering them with tape is a bad idea.
PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




Post Reply Post Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  [Equipment] Headgear for very large heads NogginOff 1 39 5 hours ago
Last Post: Phaleronic
  Fixed mask leak, but flow limit seems to be increasing AHI emile.leplattenier 3 145 03-19-2024, 11:00 AM
Last Post: staceyburke
  Large leak panic sleepingbetterinFl 3 155 03-19-2024, 07:48 AM
Last Post: sleepingbetterinFl
  What can I do to stay on my front (positional apnea due to large tongue)? aplacelikethis 1 499 03-18-2024, 10:39 AM
Last Post: G. Szabo
  Concerned about large leaks sleepingbetterinFl 5 162 03-14-2024, 05:56 PM
Last Post: Deborah K.
  Large Increase in AHI with F20 Mask David milt 3 157 03-13-2024, 07:15 PM
Last Post: HalfAsleep
  Why does my clear airway events keep increasing? deirdrepen 3 273 03-12-2024, 02:37 AM
Last Post: stevew168


New Posts   Today's Posts


About Apnea Board

Apnea Board is an educational web site designed to empower Sleep Apnea patients.