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Sealing Problem - LarryRapp - 04-06-2018
I am 77, a bit overweight, and have a beard. I use a ResMed AirCurve 10 ASV machine set to: mode: ASVAuto, EPAP: 9 - 15 cmH2O, IPAP: 13 - 30 cmH2O, PS: 3 - 15 cmH2O. I have oxygen prescribed at 3 l/m. I have tried these masks (mostly FFM) ResMed F20, ResMed P20, ResMed P10, ResMed Quattro, F&P Forma, Amaro, Simplus, and probably a few more but I cannot get any mask to pass the ResMed seal test in my machine. I think it is because of my beard because if I jam the mask into my bed, it will pass. I can get AHI under 1 but, of course, leak rate is above 24.
Can anybody (preferably a man with a beard) give me any help?
RE: Sealing Problem - Gideon - 04-06-2018
my first question is why a FFM? Are you a mouth breather?
The physics of it say that a smaller mask will work better. I see that your SETTINGS include high pressures, thus my initial comment, but I see nothing on the pressures you actually experience. ASV tends to allow lower pressures than you would use on CPAP or BiPAP.
The best mask to use would be nasal pillow masks, though not everyone can. These masks seal on the bottom of the nares (not in the nose) and as such avoid all issues with facial hair.
Two masks come to mind, the first is the ResMed P10, the headgear does stretch over time and needs to be shrunk back (washed) periodically but has a great following and users at both low and high pressures. It also is the smallest, least intrusive, quietest mask on the market. The other being the Philips Respironics equivalent, the Dreamweaver. This has straps that can be tightened.
Read the Mask Primer if you have not. Lots of hints on all things about masks.
I have been able to drop my pressure to about 9-10 over the last 4 months with my VAuto, before that I used 18+ cmw since 2002.
I hope I have enough of a beard for you.
Fred
PS, that is me in my backup mask, an Amara View, a "Hybrid/FFM"
RE: Sealing Problem - LarryRapp - 04-06-2018
Fred,
I have Hay Fever and a bunch of allergies. I have so much congestion that I pretty much have to use a FFM. I tried your two masks (P10 and Amara) and I couldn't get either one to work. That may be me, though. The Amara is a FFM and maybe I could figure out how to use the nose part - that was the thing that screwed me up before.
You have quite a beard! I, frankly, was hoping you'd answer as you are the expert!
RE: Sealing Problem - Gideon - 04-06-2018
Try this, it works for me, 100% of the time.
Using a nasal or pillow mask, use it for 5 minutes, force it. The pressure always clears my passages, it does need a bit of time, and when I start I cannot breath adequately thru my nose. Then it opens up. I used to feel that everyone needed a FFM to handle congestion, now I don't, even for bad congestion. Just need to work thru it for a bit.
Fred
RE: Sealing Problem - LarryRapp - 04-06-2018
I'll give it a try and use the P10 which I have but first I have to get it to fit! It should pass the ResMed test in the machine. If I can get this to work, facial hair doesn't matter.
RE: Sealing Problem - SarcasticDave94 - 04-06-2018
I see the pointers Fred is passing onto you Larry as being quite valuable. I hope it will help the actual leaks you encounter. Just a friendly reminder though that the machine mask test is not a reliable indicator of the leaks that may or may not be occurring during sleep IMO. Personally, I think the mask test loses its value after initial mask adjustment. Trust Sleepyhead info on leak rates.
Happy Friday,
RE: Sealing Problem - LarryRapp - 04-06-2018
Dave,
I'm sorry but I don't understand your post. What do you see in Sleepyhead to let you know if you can trust the rest?
RE: Sealing Problem - SarcasticDave94 - 04-06-2018
I was referring to comparing Sleepyhead to the ASV mask fit. Of the 2, I'll trust Sleepyhead reports on leaks more than the ASV smiley face.
RE: Sealing Problem - LarryRapp - 04-06-2018
Oh, OK. I thought you might be referring to an indicator which I wasn't aware of! Yes, I agree, but I'd feel a lot better if I could get an ADV smiley face! Thanks.
RE: Sealing Problem - Hydrangea - 04-07-2018
(04-06-2018, 12:45 PM)bonjour Wrote: Try this, it works for me, 100% of the time.
Using a nasal or pillow mask, use it for 5 minutes, force it. The pressure always clears my passages, it does need a bit of time, and when I start I cannot breath adequately thru my nose. Then it opens up. I used to feel that everyone needed a FFM to handle congestion, now I don't, even for bad congestion. Just need to work thru it for a bit.
Fred
I didn't believe this until I tried it. But it really works. I've had major blockage, and after about 5 min or so the blockage is gone. P10s are pretty amazing in that way.
No beard here, thankfully, so I'm sorry I cannot help you on that quest. But bonjour's beard seems to be a good resource! LOL