Anti Asphyxia Valve and Mayo Clinic Visit

[JDS74]

Just got home from a week and a half chasing a diagnosis at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota. The good news is that they ruled out lots of really bad stuff. The bad news is that they don't have a clue as to what is causing my symptoms (not apnea related). And, OBTW, I ended up with a bi-lateral kidney stone attack in the middle of everything else.

Early Saturday morning a week ago, I ended up in the ER in Rochester with a kidney stone. They kept me in overnight and because of the emergency of it all, my CPAP machine was in the hotel room and not with me. So ... they fixed me up with a ResMed machine and a Respironics mask. The mask was a Contour Deluxe http://contourdeluxe.respironics.com/ and it had attached to it an anti-asphysixia valve also made by Respironics. The cute little devil fits between the mask and the hose. It's marked Respironics and "Do not block Vent" but otherwise no part number. In the morning I asked what they did with the mask, valve, and hose for the machine. "We discard them", was the reply "and you can keep them for your machine. They also supplied a chin strap also a disposable item. So I can home with a new mask, a new chin strap, new hose, and an anti-asphysxia valve. BTW Philips refers to this device as an "Air Entrainment" device. It doesn't have a flapper valve so there is nothing to jam or stick.

If I find a source, I'l update the posting.

[archangle]

it had attached to it an anti-asphysixia valve also made by Respironics. The cute little devil fits between the mask and the hose. It's marked Respironics and "Do not block Vent" but otherwise no part number. So I can home with a new mask, a new chin strap, new hose, and an anti-asphysxia valve. BTW Philips refers to this device as an "Air Entrainment" device. It doesn't have a flapper valve so there is nothing to jam or stick.

From the description, that sounds like an external exhalation vent, not an anti-asphyxia valve. If you put it on the mask, plug the hose connector with your finger, and inhale, does air flow freely, or are you fighting to pull air in through the vent?

It would be neat if it was an anti-asphyxia valve and we could find where to buy them. I don't see how you can have an anti-asphyxia valve without a valve of some sort in it.

[Paper_Nanny]

From the description, that sounds like an external exhalation vent, not an anti-asphyxia valve.

I think you are right on that, archangle. http://global.respironics.com/UserGuide ... Deluxe.pdf From the information on there, it seems there is no anti- asphyxia valve on the Contour Deluxe mask, only the exhalation vent.

[archangle]

I think you are right on that, archangle. http://global.respironics.com/UserGuide ... Deluxe.pdf From the information on there, it seems there is no anti- asphyxia valve on the Contour Deluxe mask, only the exhalation vent.

Actually, I think the Contour Deluxe has no built in exhalation vent either. I don't see one in the picture here: http://contourdeluxe.respironics.com/

The pdf you listed says: This mask must be used with a "Respironics exhalation device...for safe operation."

I think this is one of the dreaded "hospital" masks that can suffocate you if you hook it up to a normal CPAP machine because they don't have a builtin exhaust vent. These scare the heck out of me. I'm surprised they let him take it home.

[JDS74]

When I block the hose, this device lets me breath through it similar to the anti-asphyxiation valve on my oral mask. The Contour Deluxe mask has no such device built-in but with this attached, it does the trick.

[n0hardmask]

When I block the hose, this device lets me breath through it similar to the anti-asphyxiation valve on my oral mask. The Contour Deluxe mask has no such device built-in but with this attached, it does the trick.

All, I have been real curious about something touched on by this thread. I really like my Sleepweaver mask, but notice it has no valve whatsoever. Does anyone care to comment on what, if anything that means.. any safety implications? Thanks for your input. Earl

[mck]

When I block the hose, this device lets me breath through it similar to the anti-asphyxiation valve on my oral mask. The Contour Deluxe mask has no such device built-in but with this attached, it does the trick.

All, I have been real curious about something touched on by this thread. I really like my Sleepweaver mask, but notice it has no valve whatsoever. Does anyone care to comment on what, if anything that means.. any safety implications? Thanks for your input. Earl

It has no valve because it does not cover your mouth. You will open your mouth and breath if power goes off.

[jmcanzo]

I work in a Hospital and was given this mask from our RT. It is clearly marked that you must use the Respironics exhalation device...for safe operation. I had her give me that also. She also gave me a hose. I have not used it yet, but looks to be more disposable. I do not think you can buy replacement cushions for it. I have it mainly for an emergency back up, since it was free to me.