Masks-Will Changing change anything

[ABC]

I have the UMFF mask and it seals OK and seem to work OK. My AHI is not that good (12-13) and sometimes goes to 20. If I use the HC 431 Full Face mask will anything really change?

Does the mask, if it fits OK, make any real difference in the results?

I do not know if the machine APAP in auto mode is the problem or if the mask might make a difference.

I do not see that it is the mask but what do you think? The hardest part I have is getting more than 4 hours a night sleep with the machine. Too many things seem to be working against me. I hope it gets better.

[Linda3032]

Changing masks isn't going to make THAT much difference in AHIs. It's your AHI's that you need to fix before you feel better.

Please disregard these questions if they've already been addressed in another thread.

What is your machine set at? If the pressures are too wide open, that could be the problem. Have you tried changing the pressures?

You have the M Series Auto, I don't know if it breaks down if your AHIs are HIs or OAs. Does it?

I think you should maybe put your auto in cpap mode to your titrated pressure, then check the data. Then go down one and check the data. If worse, then go up two and check your data.

In other words, each night use a different pressure until you find a sweet spot. It would be far simpler if you purchased the software and card reader.

[blarg]

I'd like to differ a little bit with Linda. If your mask is leaking, then changing it to one that fits better really can make a huge difference. However, that doesn't mean you should start flailing around trying to fix things. I would strongly recommend getting the software and reader so that you can tell what's really happening.

[Linda3032]

True Blarg, but since he said his mask "seals OK and seems to work OK", I concentrated on the AHIs, as opposed to a different mask.

[Alisha]

ABC, when I started using the same equipment you're using, my AHI's were all over the board and like yours...much too high. I do use the software, so I could better see what was going on. I was tweaking the pressures and seeing some AHI improvements, but couldn't understand why nightly AHI's could vary so greatly.

I was using the FlexiFit 432ff and thought it had a good seal, but when I switched to the 431 I could see the AHI's getting lower. Then when I also again increased my max pressure by (1), I started getting excellent AHI's.....some nights I have zero apneas. I believe I found my "sweet spot." I could not swear to it, but I do believe it is both finding best pressure and switching masks.

I do have the UMFF and during this time I tried to use it again, but it somehow puts pressure on the top of my nose and makes it more difficult for me to breathe. Just wanted you to know that I tried to use it with my apap and am not saying it is not a good ff mask. Many on this forum have had very good results with it.

All of the above is merely my experience. What works for one of us will not necessarily work for others.

If it is possible for you to get the software, I think we all agree it is maybe THE most important tool to assist in taking control of your therapy and health.

What do you have your min and max pressures set to? IMHO if it is set at 4-20, it won't give you effective therapy. Let us know what you decide to do next and how it's working for you.

Regards,

Alisha

[PeaceSleeper]

ABC, I would suggest you get a card reader and the encore pro 1.8i software as your first step, as others have suggested earlier in this string. I have the same machine you have, and if I could not see what the thing was doing during the night, it would be a complete mystery, because it does not behave in a completely logical manner.

For example, I can get the same AHI numbers by setting the APAP range at either 8 to 9, or 9 to 10. The machine algorithm behaves a bit strangely in my opinion, as one night I can get an average APAP-derived pressure of around 8.8, and when moving the range up the next night, I will get an average APAP-derived pressure of around 9.6. That may be within the range of what the software in the machine is looking to accomplish, but it is not as reproducible as I thought it would be. Maybe other more knowledgeable folks can comment on this day to day variability with the Respironics box.

As for masks, my experience which is very limited, is that they make a HUGE difference, and you cannot tell what is going on unless you get a card reader and the software. I thought one of my mask trials was going great until I pulled the data and saw enormous leaks during the night. I believe it was Snoredog that pointed out I was exceeding the limits of the machine with my leaks which meant the data was pretty much useless. So I wouldn't get too wrapped up in the mask until you can see what your leak rate is during the night. I finally found a mask that provides a very consistent and low leak rate, and it was one that I tossed initially because I did not have it fitted very well and it initially felt quite uncomfortable.

When you get your reader and software, you should post some of the data if you're still experiencing problems or things don't make sense. There are some really nice, highly experienced folks on the board who are willing to take time to analyze and provide feedback, which I found invaluable!

[Goofproof]

Maybe other more knowledgeable folks can comment on this day to day variability with the Respironics box.

The problem isn't so much the Respironics box, as it is the Human box, it's hooked to. Hour to hour what our bodies do changes, you have to look for changes over a period of time three days or more.

That's why the data is important and you can tell more if you only change one thing at a time and allow the data to build up. Then you can see if you've made a change for the better. The best thing you can do is to control leaks, and without the data you don't know which end is up. Jim

[JohnMudie]

As for masks, my experience which is very limited, is that they make a HUGE difference, and you cannot tell what is going on unless you get a card reader and the software

Indeed. I used a Swift for a long while and didn't realize it was leaking.

Then I saw my Encore Pro results and heard you guys saying over and over

You can't get good results until you get your leak rate down

so I went on leak hunt. I got padacheeks, velcroed my straps, used nasal gel, loosened my straps, tightened my straps, taped my mouth etc etc.

But when I broke in a Comfortfull 2 that it all came together last Saturday.

Leak rate down to 32 liters per minute, AHI down to 1.1

If you have a Respironics machine and want me to read your card so you can see what it going on , send me a private message

John M