ASV Requires Full Face Mask?

[Mask2sleep]

Good Afternoon,

I posted this earlier buried in an older post, but thought to make a new topic.

I am switching from BiLevel to ASV next Wednesday due to lots of centrals. I was told by the Dr. and DME that I have to use a FFM with the ASV. I already use one, so that isn't a problem, but I wondered if anyone knew why ASV supposedly requires a FFM?

Thank you.

[NateS]

Good Afternoon,

I posted this earlier buried in an older post, but thought to make a new topic.

I am switching from BiLevel to ASV next Wednesday due to lots of centrals. I was told by the Dr. and DME that I have to use a FFM with the ASV. I already use one, so that isn't a problem, but I wondered if anyone knew why ASV supposedly requires a FFM?

Thank you.

Your MD and DME are not up to date. ResMed changed their position on this going from the S8 to S9 series. Check their documentation online and compare the instructions between S8 and S9 and you will see the change of instructions etc.

I use the ResMed ASV shown below in my profile and was fitted with a nasal pillow mask right from the getgo. Never told I had to wear a FFM. And in fact, "Pillows" is included as a choice right in the Mask Selection Window on the screen of my ResMed ASV.

Regards, Nate

[Sheriff Buford]

I think it is because the bipap usually runs at higher pressures which could cause problems... especially with nasal pillows. I agree with Nate, and lots of folks here use nasal pillows (pillers) with Bipaps. It's an ole' wives tale...

Sheriff

[Mask2sleep]

Thanks !

[n0hardmask]

Mask2sleep,
I changed in January from bilevel to S9 ASV. My pressures were 8 to 13 on auto bilevel. My settings on the ASV -also an auto- have turned out to be from 8 to 16+. What i did not expect was the sudddenness with which the ASV will switch from central correction (minimal prossure) to obstructive pressure -16. It makes managing leaks a real challenge.
I started with the cloth SleepWeaver Advanced nasal mask, and added FitLife total face mask (tfm) when I had leaks with the tfm as well. So I ended up getting a mask liner from PadACheek.. it doesn't reduce the leaks as much as quieting them down so I can sleep. I end up switching between the cloth SW and the FitLife with liner. Good luck with the transition... in case you haven't read up on ASV, please do so. There's quite a bit of new things to learn before you're likely to be well acclimated.

[JohnBFisher]

ASV therapy is a LOT more dynamic than CPAP or BiPAP. It can push the pressure from 8cm to 25cm H2O within just a few breaths. Such amazing swings in pressure can cause just about any seal to leak. But what's worse is at those high pressures most people have pressure leaking out their mouth. It's just a really hard thing to keep your mouth closed against those hurricane force winds! .. .. So, that's why most doctors recommend a full face mask with ASV therapy.

[Mask2sleep]

Thanks!

[NateS]

One of my personal favorite reviews of ResMed's ASV from a practitioner's early hands-on viewpoint but a very digestible and encouraging explanation for the patient as well can be found here:

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation Using the ResMed VPAP Adapt SV – Stephen Brown
Early Signs of Success

http://www.sleepdt.com/adaptive-servo-v ... hen-brown/

Regards, Nate

[letsride]

One of my personal favorite reviews of ResMed's ASV from a practitioner's early hands-on viewpoint but a very digestible and encouraging explanation for the patient as well can be found here:

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation Using the ResMed VPAP Adapt SV – Stephen Brown
Early Signs of Success

http://www.sleepdt.com/adaptive-servo-v ... hen-brown/

Regards, Nate

Very Interesting Reading!

I found no issues using the Resmed FX nasal mask with my ASV machine. I had pressure up to 22 with this mask ~ no or little leak.
There are so many variables with machines, masks and people. Finding the right combination takes time.