Newbie Questions: Models & Masks

snufflepgs · Post by **snufflepgs** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 3:57 pm

First, I want to thank this community for all the responses to my previous post. I've never experienced such a helpful group online.

Now, I've decided to go ahead and get a machine, and I have two questions. These may be questions for my doctor, but you all seem pretty knowledgable, and you don't charge me $50 every time I need a little guidance.

1. What is the difference between the REMStar Auto w/C-Flex and the REMStar M Series Auto w/C-Flex?

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a nose-only mask vs. a full face mask? Is it a comfort/preference matter, or are they medically indicated for different symptoms/conditions?

Thanks a lot.

CRMW · Post by **CRMW** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 4:10 pm

1) Size & Shape, I think the M series may display some more information on the built in display.
2) The full face mask's are required if you have trouble breathing through your nose or if you are a mouth breather (while sleeping) that doesn't like chinstraps. Generally they are prone to more leaks around the seal, and are a tad more claustrophobic.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 4:16 pm

Oh yeah. I have a full beard. I wondered if that would make one type of mask or the other better for me (seals, leaks, etc.). Thanks

greyhound · Post by **greyhound** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 4:35 pm

I've got a short beard and mustache, and have been unable to control large leaks with two full face masks - the Ultra Mirage and the Hybrid. By contrast, I've had good experiences with the Swift nasal pillows and, more recently, with the ComfortCurve nasal pillow.

capt · Post by **capt** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 4:43 pm

CRMW has pretty well summed things up. The m series is the newest model, and is smaller than their old one. Many people at this forum have the old model and its software. It was the most popular machine by the users of this forum. Its users seemed to be very satisfied customers with just a couple of exceptions. It is a quiet machine and the ease of breathing out is what I think made it so popular. I have always considered myself lucky in that I do not need to use a full face mask due to all the leaking seal problems some people have and ask for assistance in how to stop them. Sometimes when I have a really bad headcold I think having a full faced mask around might be a nice option to have. So far I have been able to cope by turning my humidifier up to keep my air passages open. I like the ResMed Activa, as it does not leak and seals the easiest/best. It is a large and heavy mask compared to many masks, and it did take a few nights for me to get used to compared the the Ultra Mirage I had been using for several years before I switched to the Activa.

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 5:02 pm

Just to confuse you a little, snufflepgs, consider the Puritan Bennet Goodknight 420E, an autopap which has the option of the Silverlining software package. The 420E is light and portable, comes with a humidifier in the bundle that cpap.com sells at a very reasonable price and the carrying case carries it all easily. The Silverlining software requires that your APAP be hooked to your computer directly.....you have to carry it over to the computer rather than just carry the memory chip. But, you don't need to buy a software reader, card, etc. Software installation is an easy load from a CD. And, no, I do not work for PB nor have I received any compensation for this endorsement! LOL Just a very pleased user.

Kajun

This therapy WORKS!!!

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 5:22 pm

Just a comment on the last post on the 420. Correct me if I am wrong but the 420 has no exhale relief. This feature becomes more valuable as your pressure goes higher. I am at 13 and I like having CFLEX.

Difference in the M and older Auto that respironics makes is size and some data is available on the LED screen ont he M whereas none is on the older one. But I have heard some say that it is a bit more difficult to load the humidifier tank into the M machine than the old one. I don't have the M so this is just what I have read.

On the mask issue. Can't say I have ever had a beard (or at least I hope not) but I like the Swift pillows just fine. (I hear the Comfort Lite 2 is nice too, but I haven't gone there yet. I would think that just with my general knowldege of facial hair, that pillows might be a good option if you can deal with a nasal interface.

Someone above mentioned chinstrap. That is well and good but taping is necessary for a lot of us. Might be a little harder to tape with a beard, but if you get the tape the correct width I think it could be done. I thought I was a major mouth breather when I started (got a ff mask) but found with that nice stream of air blowing up my nose I could indeed breath though my nose. I actually use an ace bandage as a chin strap in addition to taping. Yes, I look like a mummy but everything works just right.

Full face for me at least has more points where irritation and leakage can occur and I get the blowfish in my cheeks as well as leak when I move my mouth or swallow. I have one for colds, but I am much happier with the pillows.

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 5:27 pm

snoregirl, you're absolutely right about the 420E not having exhale relief. But I was titrated at 16 cm and after about 18 months of tweaking, now have my 420E set at 9-14. It has the ramp, which I have set at 8 cm to start for 30 minutes. By then, I'm asleep and let the machine autotitrate for the rest of the night. On the rare times when it hits the upper limit and wakes me (mostly I see about 11 cm as my 90% pressure), I just reach over and hit the ramp button, then back to sleep. I noticed very quickly into my therapy that once I was asleep, exhaling wasn't even noticible up to 16 cm and in the mornings, it was not a problem when I woke up. It was just like breathing normally.

K?

Kajun

This therapy WORKS!!!

Mask