Problem transitioning from ResMed S8 to Philips Dreamstation

[schwartzjj]

Hi All,

Newbie to the forum here. After many years of using a ResMed S8, I am transitioning to a Philips DreamStation and I am having challenges.

The S8 settings were a vanilla 8cmH2O, no ramp, no special features even available.
The Dreamstation settings are also a vanilla 8cmH2O, no ramp, no special features, no FLEX, no expiratory release, no inspiratory release.

I'm finding the Dreamstation much more uncomfortable to the point that it's intolerable. The sound of my exhalation is much louder. I feel a bit like I'm suffocating both during inspiration and expiration.

Does anyone have any insights into this? Why would similar settings in two different machines create such a different experience? Any suggestions what settings I might adjust to try to get a more comfortable experience?

Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

Jeff Schwartz

[ChicagoGranny]

Sorry about your experience.

Where and when did you get this Dreamstation?

Are you in the US?

[schwartzjj]

Thank you for responding.

I am in the US. I got the refurbished DreamStation from Philips as part of the Philips recall last year (though thankfully I had never actually used the original DreamStation I had been supplied). It appears to be working well with lots of flow.

JJS

[ChicagoGranny]

You could get a free account at SleepHQ.com, upload the data on your SD card, and post the link in this thread. We could try to analyze the reports.

[schwartzjj]

I couldn’t even tolerate the DreamStation for one night so I went back to the S8. So no data to share. My new sleep doctor is, in fact, waiting for 30 days of data to see how things are going.

Do you (or anyone) think that fiddling with Flex features might help?

JJS

[ChicagoGranny]

Do you (or anyone) think that fiddling with Flex features might help?

I don't know.

This is puzzling:

suffocating ... during inspiration

That's usually an indication that the pressure is too low.

suffocating during ... expiration

That's sometimes an indication that the pressure is too high.

You are using the same mask and hose on each machine?

[schwartzjj]

I am using the same mask for both machines; an AirFit N20.

I understand the paradox of explaining a suffocating feeling both during inspiration and expiration. I will try to use it some more so that I can better clarify the feelings. It's certainly possible I am confusing what it feels like. I can tell the pressure is at least as high as with the S8.

JJS