Problem with my P30i nasal pillow mask

Problem with my resmed P30i nasal pillow mask. I bought this mask about 3 weeks ago and I believed it would be better for me then other masks Ive used in the past, which were claustrophobic, covering either my full face or partial. The mask itself was less invasive for me. But I found my AHI had worsened drastically to the low 20’s and I felt ill the next day ( as you could imagine). In discussion with my husband, he believed the mask was the cause of my greatly increased AHI’s. And after he looked at it (and after viewing a u tube video about the mask, in particular the pillows exhilation vent) he found that the vent was not working. I tried it again and found out that was the case. So for the past few weeks I have not been able to properly exhale, no doubt exacerbating my AHI’s. I will be taking this mask back and telling them of this serious fault. Just wanted to put this out there for anyone who is using this type of nasal pillow mask and who may be suffering exacerbated breathing difficulties with it in there cpap therapy.

Vallihemp12 wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 26, 2020 6:43 am

And after he looked at it (and after viewing a u tube video about the mask, in particular the pillows exhilation vent) he found that the vent was not working. I tried it again and found out that was the case.

if the vent isn't working, how are you alive to tell the tale?

The p30i has two sets of vents, a very prominent set on the top-mounted elbow, that can easily be felt. And a very heavily diffused mesh vent on the pillows.

The pillow venting is so diffused it is very difficult to feel.

I really doubt it's blocked.

Have you been using it for the 3 weeks you've had it? Your AHI worsened to 20 from what? What kind of mask are you coming from? Is the AHI comprised of mostly CAs, OAs or Hs? Can you post some comparative charts? If you got a fit-pack, have you tried changing it with one of the other ones (the mesh-vents are removable) ?

Are you an experienced CPAP user?

Is your husband an experienced CPAP user?

The reason Im still alive, is that I would take it off after about an hour of use , whilst fighting to breathe. But continued persevering each nite for as long as I could stand. My ahi prior was about 10 or less. And i assumed initially that it was a problem with me. But since my husband pointed out the fact that the exhalation vent was not working ( he tried it as well) and he couldn’t breathe out with the mask. And you tube confirmed that this mask’s exhalation vent. I then put on the mask and realised no air was being exhaled through this vent. Just warning folks that this could be contributing to any problem they may be suffering while using it. Ive now changed to another mask ( nasal and mouth) and my AHI has again come back down to 10

.

As to dogslobber response. In this instance place the mask on your face seal off the inlet, pressurise by breathing out into the mask. The exhaled air has no where to go as it remains sealed within the mask. So you are mistaken. Note : the so called perferations which we think you are referring to , are in reality not perforations at all, as the air which exits is so minute as to be completely ineffective.

Yes Julie, the word is exhalation. Expiration was a typo

Vallihemp12 wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 27, 2020 4:21 am

As to dogslobber response. In this instance place the mask on your face seal off the inlet, pressurise by breathing out into the mask. The exhaled air has no where to go as it remains sealed within the mask. So you are mistaken. Note : the so called perferations which we think you are referring to , are in reality not perforations at all, as the air which exits is so minute as to be completely ineffective.

I have done what you are referring to, and I understand why you believe there isn't any venting. It feels like considerable force is required, but that's the reason why there are two sets of vents.

The pillow vent pops out, which is why I suggested you switch just the vent portion with one of the other pillows you may have received. There are no "perforations", on the inside of the vent there are some holes, not obvious from the outside, on the outside is a raised solid plate, under the plate is a fine mesh that diffuses. Along the edges of the raised plate are small gaps where the venting occurs.



I don't know what you think I'm mistaken about.

If you're uncomfortable with the mask and don't like the feel or fit, that's a perfectly valid reason to use a different one. But your explanation of inadequate venting from a design flaw, is simply not true.

I am concerned that you AHI is about 20 on the P30i and 10 using other masks.

The mantra is an AHI under 5, and around here most would be unsatisfied with it, if it's not under 2. There can be other explanations for your poor AHI and breathing effort problem, which is why I asked if how experienced you were?

But the fact of the matter is; the P30i and venting is a good design, it's a well used, popular mask, tested considerably and yours is the only post I've seen complaining of a design flaw.

If you want to warn others of your perceived design flaw, fine. Consider this post an alternative opinion, so that anyone who might stumble upon this topic has a much more complete picture.

The mask works perfectly.
Some brains do not.
It is what it is.

Vallihemp12 wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 26, 2020 6:43 am

And after he looked at it (and after viewing a u tube video about the mask, in particular the pillows exhilation vent) he found that the vent was not working.

Put the mask on, machine is running. Notice that air escapes from the mask's top vent. Now close the vent on the pillow with your fingers. You will notice that the amount of air escaping at the top vent increases significantly. If not, your mask is defective.

Mike

Dogslobber and Chunkyfrog. As I said the mask is defective and thats that. My husband who doesn’t have sleep apnoea tried it on and he also found the vent not working. For you both to knock my concern about a defective mask with you starting basically that Im a liar makes me wonder about your motives. What Ive stated is correct and Im complaining to resmed about this mask. Not every mask can be guaranteed free from flaws and the one I bought is not. This nasal/ face mask that I am now using and getting used to has given me a nights rest as it’s exhalation flap works. Yes my first nite was AHI of 10, ( as I needed to get used to it) but last night it was 5. Which I believe is quite acceptable. So I suggest you both stop your nasty innuendos. Again I state what Ive said is correct and I posted it to advise people who use not just this mask but any mask to check that the mask allows for proper exhalation.

Vallihemp12 wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 5:15 am

My husband who doesn’t have sleep apnoea tried it on and he also found the vent not working.

I suggested how you could determine, if in fact there was a defect, by switching the vent from the pillows you're using, to one of the others in the fit-pack. You ignored it.

Vallihemp12 wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 5:15 am

For you both to knock my concern about a defective mask with you starting basically that Im a liar

I suggested you may be incorrect, not that you were a liar. In fact, I acknowledged that you were feeling possibly had other explanations.

Vallihemp12 wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 5:15 am

So I suggest you both stop your nasty innuendos

Not one of my posts had anything that a reasonable person could interpret as nasty innuendo.

Stating as much, does in fact make you a liar.