S8 Autoset and Respironics Nasal ComfortGel

[drjeff2267]

I am a family physician and a new CPAP user. After a lab sleep study (AHI=20) and a home CPAP titration study I started with an S8 Autoset 2 last week. The S8 was recommended by several respiratory therapists I know. (a colleague wrote the prescription in case you're wondering). I got the S8 and a Quattro mask from my local Apria Healthcare. I did well the first week (AHI=7.9) but wondered if I had the most comfortable mask.

I was on vacation this week so I thought it would be a good week to experiment. (thanks to CPAP.com's insurance). First I tried the Resmed Liberty which didn't go well. I had problems with leaks I couldn't stop and the noise I made trying to inhale through my nose was as bad as my snoring. I sent it back. Last night was the first night with the Respironics ComfortGel. It went well. AHI=5 and reasonably comfortable. Also my pressure's with the Quattro were around 9-11. Last night with the ComfortGel it was 8. One minor side effect, I seem to have swallowed more air last night.

I set the mask setting to "standard" on the S8. Is this correct or should I use one of the Resmed nasal masks as the set mask? What exactly happens when you change the mask on the S8 anyway? What does the S8 do differently when a certain mask is set? If it's important should a Resmed mask be used or does it matter? If I had success with the Respironics is there any point or advantage in trying the Resmed Mirage II or Activa?

Finally I'm not sure how someone could mouth breathe with a nasal mask. This seems to be an issue for promoting the full face masks. I tried to see what would happen when I opened my mouth and I could barely talk or breathe. The air pressure was simply too much. When I talked I sounded like Darth Vader with emphysema. Breathing through my mouth wasn't easy with the air pushing through. My question is this: if my nose blocked up during the night using a nasal mask, would I be able to successfully mouth breathe (breathing=not dying).

[TheDreamer]

Welcome.

Not familiar with the ResMed machines, but I thought the mask setting was so that it adjusts for the exhaust venting in determining your leakage rates.

I don't know about mouth breathing with a nasal mask...it isn't something I generally did (consciously) before CPAP (though I would think it happened due to the Apneas) Since CPAP, I have on occasion woken up to find my mouth open. Usually the reason is that I'm not getting enough air by nose. And, so far they been issues that I've been able to resolve once I'm up. Though I'm worried about when I have nasal congestion so bad that using a nasal decongestant and allowing things to drain down the back of my throat for a while isn't enough to allow me to resume. Keep talking of getting a full face mask...but not sure the point of a hybrid style in this case, and kind of leary of full face masks at the moment.

Not sure about technical reasons, like machine failure or power outage....hopefully, I won't have to find out.

I've mentioned before that I would like to try the ComfortGel nasal mask, since I originally had the ProfileLite nasal mask...but got nose sore, which got infected with MRSA...and now use a nasal pillow mask. But, other than the nose sore, I had good sleep with the ProfileLite. And, finding when it gets warm, the headgear of the ComfortLite II is kind of uncomfortable....can hardly wait for when it gets really warm

In fact, I don't think I've slept as well with the ComfortLite 2 as I did with the ProfileLite.....so it might be something I ask about when my 6 month mask replacement time comes around (if I don't break down and just buy one on my own).

The Dreamer

[drjeff2267]

Thanks. I spoke to CPAP.com and they said to use the Ultra Mirage II setting as it is a nasal mask similar to the Respironics. I still would like to know what the mask setting actually does. If anyone knows I'd appreciate it.