Breeze Mask Modification

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
sronsen
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Breeze Mask Modification

Post by sronsen » Fri Nov 20, 2009 3:19 pm

You can't find a review of the Breeze mask without a well deserved negative comment about the straight-out exhaust port.

Here's my solution, assuming I've attached the image properly:

Image

It doesn't seem to affect the mask's normal sound. By eliminating the air hitting the pillow and sheets, the result for me is much quieter. I've been using it for a month with no problems. It's non-destructive. Simply remove the tube to restore the mask's original condition.

If anyone is interested, I'll provide instructions for duplicating my effort.

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sronsen
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Re: Breeze Mask Modification

Post by sronsen » Fri Nov 20, 2009 3:21 pm

Well, the image posting didn't work. Here's the link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/10302024117 ... 0821728834

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desert rider
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Re: Breeze Mask Modification

Post by desert rider » Fri Nov 20, 2009 3:29 pm

Here's your photo:

Image

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tomjax
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Re: Breeze Mask Modification

Post by tomjax » Fri Nov 20, 2009 4:46 pm

I cannot tell by the photo if the opening is changed.
IIRC, the hole is 9/64 inch and it must not be altered or it will affect the pressure.
I am not sure how much the AUTO can compensate for the opening if it is altered.

I have been using the Breeze for 12+ years and never considered the exhaust to be a problem, nor has my spouse.

sronsen
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Re: Breeze Mask Modification

Post by sronsen » Fri Nov 20, 2009 5:00 pm

The I.D. of the tube is 4mm, which is larger than 9/64". The effective air resistance, because of the tube length, is subjectively the same. My auto seems to be compensating without any problem.

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DreamStalker
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Re: Breeze Mask Modification

Post by DreamStalker » Fri Nov 20, 2009 8:39 pm

Nice job with the airflow routing. My experience with Breeze long ago was that vent orifice size was indeed very sensitive to mask leak rate. However machine was able to compensate adequately as you mention.

I have some spare parts if you need some more to experiment with ... PM me an address to send to and I'll drop off at USPS. I tried to give away a while back and no one wanted 'em ... hate to throw away.

one (new/never used) nasal pillow shell + exhaust vent:
Image

three (new/never used) extra exhaust vents:
Image

two (new/never used) hose guides:
Image

two (used) pair of extra large pillows (clean but you wash and disinfect anyway):
Image
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SaltLakeJan
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Re: Breeze Mask Modification

Post by SaltLakeJan » Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:06 pm

Howja do dat?

Jan

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sronsen
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Re: Breeze Mask Modification

Post by sronsen » Sat Nov 21, 2009 9:15 am

by SaltLakeJan on Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:06 pm
Howja do dat?
I purchased a couple of 12" lengths of 4mm ID x 5mm OD styrene tubing at the local hobby store. Even found a transparent blue which matches the Breeze shell. Cost ~ $2.50. Cut 1 piece to approx 6" length. Stuffed the tubing with piece of wire to prevent collapse when bending. Wire was from dead USB charger. Important thing is that the stuffing be tight. Heated middle of tube length with heat gun and let gravity provide the necessary bending force. Trimmed tube to look like this:

Image

Applied soap and water and forced tube into exhaust port :

Image

It's easier to do this with the exhaust port installed in the plenum shell. Another view of the result:

Image

I also tried this with a 5mm ID x 6mm OD tube, but didn't find any appreciable reduction in air resistance when plugging plenum the inlet and breathing through the mask, and it took a great deal of force to insert the larger tube. Before anyone screams about plugging the exhaust port, please note that the hole in the stock rubber port is stepped, the diameter of the port is larger on the inside than the outside, and the tube stretches the outside portion while fitting comfortably within the much larger inside portion. In any event, I've been using this for a month at 8 - 12 pressure with no signs of CO2 poisoning.

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SaltLakeJan
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Re: Breeze Mask Modification

Post by SaltLakeJan » Sat Nov 21, 2009 11:48 am

sronsen,
thanks for the clear instructions. I am considering the Breeze mask,and I really dislike the exhaust hitting me. I copied your info and tucked it in my mask file.

again thanks much

Jan

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rested gal
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Re: Breeze Mask Modification

Post by rested gal » Sat Dec 26, 2009 9:07 pm

sronsen, good work. Here's your "Lab Rat" trophy!

Image

Sorry about the delay adding your creative fix. It's been added now to the Breeze section at this page:

LINKS to LAB RAT AWARD Winners
viewtopic.php?p=127492
ResMed S9 VPAP Auto (ASV)
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435

sronsen
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Re: Breeze Mask Modification

Post by sronsen » Sun Dec 27, 2009 7:44 am

rested gal,

I am honored. However, my minor contribution pales in comparison to p2pjunkie's truly brilliant lizard hose heater! I fear you will subject yourself to the indignities recently faced by the Nobel Peace Prize committee. Nevertheless, I'm not ready to relinquish the prize and will defend your decision against all criticism, but perhaps not with my life.

You inspire me to higher levels of lab-ratting.

Steve

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rested gal
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Re: Breeze Mask Modification

Post by rested gal » Sun Dec 27, 2009 8:13 am

sronsen wrote:Nevertheless, I'm not ready to relinquish the prize and will defend your decision against all criticism, but perhaps not with my life.


Gotta love a knight in tarnished armor!
ResMed S9 VPAP Auto (ASV)
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435