Aura/Breeze with Autopap question

[Snoozie]

First of all, I do not have apap, but am working on that one. But my question is for those of you that do...

I currently have the Aura/Headrest and LOVE it compared to my Swift. However, the problem still exists that I have labored breathing with the Aura. I don't know why, but I still am using it anyway.

This week I thought I would go back to my Swift because sometimes I just can't stand having trouble breathing, and I never have a problem breathing with the Swift, but after using it all week, the breathing is definitely easier, but I can't stand something on my face and it feels so confining, compared to the Aura. Also harder to stomach sleep with it. and for whatever reason, my eyes water when I wake up.

Now...finally for my question. I hope it doesn't sound too stupid. I am considering getting a Breeze to see if I can breathe a bit easier. Has anyone ever tried the Breeze and the Aura both on autopap? If so, did your machine run at a higher number with the Aura? I was just wondering because if this is the case, maybe I should consider the Breeze to see if I can breathe better with it at my current setting of 8. Either that, or having the pressure turned up to a higher setting to accomodate the Aura, but then, I would be at too high a pressure for rotating to another mask. I know...all the more reason to obtain and apap.
I haven't bugged my Dr. for a few weeks, so maybe I should again.

[ozij]

Now...finally for my question. I hope it doesn't sound too stupid. I am considering getting a Breeze to see if I can breathe a bit easier. Has anyone ever tried the Breeze and the Aura both on autopap? If so, did your machine run at a higher number with the Aura?

I use both the Aura and the Breeze, on a Puritan Bennett (maker of the Breeze) autopap.

As a rule the machines runs slightly lower when I use the Aura. It reports less breathing disturbances (including flow limitations) too. Since I feel fine, I don't trouble with "does the Aura convey true info to the machine, or does it not".


O.

[neversleeps]

Has anyone ever tried the Breeze and the Aura both on autopap? If so, did your machine run at a higher number with the Aura?

That's an interesting question. I have the REMstar Auto and I personally find the Breeze easier to breathe with than the Aura. In fact, I finally gave up on the Aura altogether and primarily use the Breeze; occasionally the Swift. I don't pay attention to the pressure differences between masks and just look at the bottom line of keeping my AHI under 5.

[jcarn]

I agree with neversleeps .. it is easier to breathe with the Breeze than the Aura Headgear. The Breeze is also a bit more quiet.
On that note, the comfort and fit of the Aura make it my mask of choice.
At your pressure of 8, the Breeze may be better for you. When I had my APAP set for 8 --> 13 I had trouble with breathing on 8 with the Aura .. I have my current APAP settings at 10 -->15. WIth a starting pressure of 10, the Aura works fine. YMMV

Can't really answer about the numbers and differences between masks .. but it may be my next project once I get my card reader ...

[ozij]

My pressure is between 5.5 and 7.5, and I spend most of the time at the lower part of the range.

O.

[Snoozie-guested]

Thanks a bunch, guys. It sounds like the Breeze is worth giving a try. I definitely do not want to give up the comfort of my Aura, though. My AHI's are running below 5 on either the Aura or Swift, but feel there is still room for improvement based on how I have been feeling. I have determined from reading the posts that my difficulty breathing is from my low pressure, and unless it is turned up, I may have to face the fact that the Aura may just not be the mask for me. Headaches are rarely there now, though, since having pressure turned up from 6 to 8, and AHI runs about the same for both the Swift and Aura. Now, deciding if I should wait another month or so and have insurance cover Breeze or just go ahead and buy it. Decisions, decisions....

[sir_cumference]

I'm in agreement with what's been said in the main, I too found the aura a struggle and felt it was restrictive in breathing. The breeze however is great with my S8 auto with no restrictions. And, as a side sleeper, in the main the only place my breeze touches my head is at the nares ... in short, it basically rests on the pillow and so is by far the least intrusive thing I have tired for a mask.

It works great with the S8 auto and is very responsive. For example, I had a cold recently, my pressure went from 8.8 to 12.2 one night, 11.6 the next, 10.2 the third and 9.6 the next ... so my treatment with the S8 and breeze is really meeting my need. Nuff said!
sir_cumference

[rested gal]

Either that, or having the pressure turned up to a higher setting to accomodate the Aura, but then, I would be at too high a pressure for rotating to another mask.

Snoozie, I'm not a doctor and I may be giving you bad information when I say this, but.... my opinion is that for people who are using a low to moderate pressure anyway, I really don't think there's any problem in using a pressure all the time that is one or two cm's higher than you were prescribed.

If you like your Aura at a pressure of 8, but you've found you could use other masks at a notch lower, and don't want to have to constantly move the pressure one cm up and one cm down to accomodate whichever mask you're wearing, why bother to switch the pressure when you switch masks? I'd just leave the pressure on 8 all the time if it were me -- even when switching to a "lesser pressure" mask. Won't hurt a bit, imho. But I'm not a doctor!!

[Snoozie-guested]

Rested gal,
The problem I am having is not being able to breathe with it set on 8, and wanting to be able to because I love the interface so much. I HATE to keep bugging my Dr. to keep readjusting my pressure, since the DME has to come out every time I want to reset it. Maybe I will ask him if I can play with it and turn it up myself. I don't know how the DME will feel about that, though. However, if I have Dr's orders, I don't think there is anything they can do about it. I still think I will give the Breeze a try though and see if it is similar to the Aura as far as comfort goes. I just want something that will let me sleep on my stomach and turn from side to side. I am getting to where I can't stand the Swift for some reason. Too much junk on my face, I guess.

[Guest]

It's your machine. It's your health. You can change it yourself and don't need anyone's permission to do it.

[Kemosabe]

It's your machine. It's your health. You can change it yourself and don't need anyone's permission to do it.

Well said. If you were lowering your settings, I'd think about giving the doctor a call to discuss it. Since you're thinking of a small increase in pressure, I'd just do it and tell the doctor on your next visit. I'd try bumping the pressure 1cm and see what happens.

Last month I did this and my AHI dropped from 2.5 to 1.1, and I'm feeling even better than I had before. In fact, last night my wife and her best friend were commenting on how much better I seemed. They were amazed at the improvement in my energy level.

[th]

I can use a start pressure with the swift at 4 or 5. With The Aura (my favorite ) I HAVE to use a start pressure of 7. If I do not start with 7, then I feel like I am starving for air.
th

[Guest]

Snoozie, rather than continuing to wonder about it, just adjust your pressure and see what the results are. It's a no-brainer.

[BP]

It frequently takes time to fully adjust to a new interface. I have used the Breeze, Activa, and Aura and they all are different with regard to air flow. At first I felt the Aura was a bit limiting, but now I breath just fine. Make sure the wires aren't bent enough to cause the cannula to collapse. This will restrict airflow.

If you are a stomach sleeper, as I am, you will probably not be as happy with the Breeze. It's not nearly as comfortable as the Aure imo.

Make sure the cannula is unobstructed. Maybe bump you pressure up a bit until you are comfortable. And put a elastic support around the cannula and behind your head, and the Aura will work great. My ahi has been less than 1 for over 3 months and I feel great.

One more thing. If your face is buried in the pillow when you sleep, make sure the exhaust holes are not obstructed. That will definitely cause air flow problems. Good Luck.

-BP

[Snooozie-guested]

BP, Believe me, I have tried everything. I have checked my wires, in fact I have 2 cannula's and have tried both with the same results. Also, I am not a total stomach sleeper, I am partial stomach/side sleeper and have my head on the edge of my papillow, therefore I am not restricting my airflow at all. Actually, it fits quite nicely with little adjustment and has a great seal.

As far as adjusting my pressure on my own, I have never considered it. My Dr. recently had DME adjust it at my insistance from 6 to 8, which helped tremedously.

It's your machine. It's your health. You can change it yourself and don't need anyone's permission to do it.

The problem is that it is not yet my machine. I recently found out that with my insurance, it is a rent to own deal. (Aetna health maintenance plan). I have visions of my DME taking it back and saying I am non-compliant if I tamper with the settings. (Can he really do that)? Also, I see my Dr.'s at work on a daily basis (hospital) which is why I have been hesitant to change anything myself without their input.

Last month I did this and my AHI dropped from 2.5 to 1.1, and I'm feeling even better than I had before.

OK, now you've convinced me to do this on my own. Can someone tell me how to adjust my own pressure? I can then take my printout to my Dr. and just tell him that I didn't want to keep bugging him for something so trivial when he is so busy. All in all, I would be telling him the truth.