Dreamwear & pressure settings

[Dogjudge]

I recently switch from an ESON mask to Dreamwear. Absolutely LOVE the Dreamwear mask because it doesn't move at night. I'm a side sleeper.

A couple of questions.

Since the Dreamwear mask is vented and the ESON isn't, it would seem that you would need to increase the pressures to compensate for that. Or does the machine automatically compensate for the change.

While my machine isn't showing any leaks, it would seem that because of the venting, the machine should show the mask leaking. Comments?

For my own general knowledge, what type of things does the low pressure setting control/change, what type of things does the high pressure setting control/change?

Thanks for the help.

[yaconsult]

All masks are vented - they have to be. The venting may not be obvious, but it's there.

Typically, if the cpap machine has a specific mask type that you are using, select that. Otherwise, there is a "generic" mask setting and you use that.

There isn't a huge difference between the vent rates of various masks. The machine adjusts to deliver air at the proper pressure.

As long as you do no have excessive leaks, you mask and settings are probably fine.

[Pugsy]

For my own general knowledge, what type of things does the low pressure setting control/change, what type of things does the high pressure setting control/change?

Without seeing a report to get a feel for what you are seeing...
I am assuming you are referring to auto/apap mode where the low pressure is the minimum pressure and the high pressure is the maximum.
If that is correct they both control the same thing but the machine auto adjusts as needed just in case something changes to require more pressure to hold the airway open.
Sometimes sleeping position or REM stage sleep causes the airway to collapse more and harder to hold it open so the machine increases the pressure in an effort to keep the airway open and thus prevent airway collapses.

Your machine is a Respironics machine...the main things that drive the pressure up from that minimum pressure (which you can think of as a baseline pressure) are Flow limitations, Snores and OAs and hyponeas that meet certain criteria which points to the airway tissues collapsing.

Clear Airway events are ignored because the airway is already open...and we can't fix CAs with pressure changes on your type of machine. Unless there is a large number of CAs that are problematic...we just have to mentally remove them from pressure evaluations.

[Dogjudge]

Thanks.

[Holden4th]

I'm another Dreamwear mask lover!

[Soosecip]

I'm an enthusiastic DreamWear user as well.
There are 2 vent locations, top of mask at the hose elbow and in front of nasal piece.
I've experimented between the small and medium nasal piece and even though I was measured for the small by my DME, I find I get better flow pressure from the medium.
I have the DreamStation which allows a mask setting of X1 which is identified on the mask package.

[Dogjudge]

I love it about the X1 setting.

I've written instruction manuals. Although their manual is fairly good, when it came to that, they simply said to change it. They didn't tell you where, or how to change it.

I called them yesterday about it. The first person couldn't find where it was for you to change it. She had to talk to their manufacturing department and call me back.

For those who might not know. You've got to go to the second setup screen. On that screen there is a setting for System Resistance. That's where you change it.

[chelle1957]

I'm using the dreamer first time tonight , but I'm not sure what to have my resmed machine set on, do I have it on nasal mask, or pillows

[ger365]

I'm using the dreamer first time tonight , but I'm not sure what to have my resmed machine set on, do I have it on nasal mask, or pillows

I'm set on pillows...

[ger365]

I love my mask ! The medium cushion had better flow to me, but leaked to much...bummer. Also love the vent on top...I can stick my face in the pillow so it doesn't blow in mamason's face. She likes that, too. Great for when I sleep on my stomach, just bury my face in the pillow.

[Dogjudge]

One more question, and I am so grateful for the history here.

I posted on May 17th about the X1 resistance setting.

I have been having a horrible time sleeping. My issue has typically been hypopnea events. AHI has gone from 2.2 and under to near 4.0 most of the time and reaching over 6.0 more than a few times. I've tried adjusting the pressure and went from 6.5/10 to 8.0/11. That seems to have helped, but I noticed that all of these problems have started around the time I changed the resistance setting.

I'm thinking of taking it back to the original setting and see if that helps.

Anyone know what the original setting is?

[SewTired]

Make sure that your system is set for a Nasal mask. That's about all the advice I can give you. I love my Dreamwear mask even though it does leak more than the pillow masks.

[palerider]

One more question, and I am so grateful for the history here.

I posted on May 17th about the X1 resistance setting.

I have been having a horrible time sleeping. My issue has typically been hypopnea events. AHI has gone from 2.2 and under to near 4.0 most of the time and reaching over 6.0 more than a few times. I've tried adjusting the pressure and went from 6.5/10 to 8.0/11. That seems to have helped, but I noticed that all of these problems have started around the time I changed the resistance setting.

I'm thinking of taking it back to the original setting and see if that helps.

Anyone know what the original setting is?

set it properly, or don't set it at all, it only makes a *VERY MINOR* difference in any event.

look elsewhere for your issues.

[Dogjudge]

Ugh. But, thanks.