ASV users- what mask works best?

[stevealive]

I am scheduled for a sleep study with an ASV machine this Wednesday. In my last thread, viewtopic/t56271/Success-ASV-study-next ... s-too.html, JohnBFisher wrote about the high pressures that these machines can generate. I've read that some of these machines require a perfect seal. I've been using a Swift FX nasal pillow mask, and some nights the seal seems temperamental. I'm wondering if the Swift FX would be able to handle the higher pressures. For those who use an ASV machine, would you share you experience in finding a mask that works? Thanks a lot.

[OutaSync]

ResMed Activa and SoftGel Nasal Masks work well. Both work better with a liner to diffuse/stop the micro leaks that constantly woke me up.

[JohnBFisher]

The ResMed VPAP Adapt SV unit has some specific requirements on the mask design. In particular the mask itself must not be "far" away from the end of the hose. It uses a pressure sensing line to detect the pressure at the mask. If there is a longish piece of hose between the end of the hose and the mask, then it probably will not work.

The Resmed VPAP Adapt SV also has Resmed masks designed into the machine for leak rates. If you use a non-Resmed mask, then you should pick one with a similar leak rate.

I use the Resmed Mirage Quattro FFM. It works well for me. But due to the higher pressures I find I have to keep the mask tighter to my face than I would like. And I also find I need to replace the cushion every four months or so.

I have also tried the Hybrid. It works fairly well. I tell the ResMed VPAP Adapt SV unit that it is a Quattro. It does have a higher leak rate, but it seems to work okay. I just don't find the Hybrid as comfortable as the Quattro. Nor is it as easy to hook up and use.

[stevealive]

Thanks for the comments. It sounds like I could be in the market for a new mask after tomorrow night.
John, it looks like I'll be good and tired for the study. I've been on CPAP 8cm for the last 4-5 nights. It hasn't been working too well, my AHI has been rising (21 last night), and each night it's like I hit the wall about 6:30, a little harder each night. Maybe for tomorrow it will be a good thing.
I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks again for the support.

[timbalionguy]

Good you are getting an ASV titration. Serious issues aside (like periodic breathing, etc.), they just plain work better on some people. I am one of them.

I use the Hybrid mask, and have just the opposite experience of John B Fisher and the Quattro. One thing that ASV may do for you is actually substantially lower your average pressure, with the high pressure there only when you really need it. I also have the Respironics ASV machine, which is more leak tolerant than the ResMed ASV machine. Although I do have some leak problems right now (The mask seal I am currently using seem a bit prone to leaks. The previous one was nearly perfect until it started to disintegrate from long use).

[BrianinTN]

Bumping this old thread for new suggestions. I'm due for a new mask and was considering trying nasal pillows again. So far, my ASV pressures remain quite low most of the night, although they do spike up to the 15-20 range on occasion. I know the Swift FX is something of a default as nasal pillows go; do folks have opinions on it or any others on an ASV?

[Bons]

With my Phillips Respironics ASV, the Flexifit 431 starts out at 10IP at a leak rate in the 40's (higher than what F&P say it should be); the Hans Rudolph shows a leak rate in the low 30's and the Drive full face mask has a leak rate of 20.

The 431 has the worst "fart leaks" at high pressure, but for me, sleeping on my side tends to prevent them - on my back, I wake up several times a night from leak noise.