Adjusting levels of GoodKnight 318? First posting.

[Doug]

First Posting.

Short version: I want to raise my level from 12 on my GoodKnight 318, but cannot find info on how adjustments are made (the machine tops out at twenty).

Longer version: I have an apparently old GoodKnight 318 (so old that it is not a selection on this site) that is no longer set high enough for my needs, and cannot find a manual or pdf on adjusting the pressure. I have an even older REMStar, but I believe it tops out at 10.

I haven't had problems with drying out or rain out, sore throats or mouth leaks, and never tried humidified or heated units, so I'm a bit behind the curve when I read these postings.

I find that all of the half-dozen masks I've owned were far too fragile to hold up to the strap tension. The plastic seems to turn brittle and break, so I've eliminated the need for strap-hold points entirely. The system I'm using holds the mask pretty snug, is more comfortable for me, and even tends to hold my jaw closed as a side-effect. But, I can still audibly snore (nasally) when it is running.

So, my current questions is: how do I adjust the GoodKnight 318 to a higher setting? Is it necessary to loosen screws and open it up? What will the adjustment look like and where might it be located? Is the tweaking trial and error or is there a numeric setting on the adjustments?

Any instructions or leads to instructions would be appreciated.

Doug

[WillCunningham]

Hi Doug!

I hope someone can help you adjust your machine settings, unfortunately I don't have a clue how it is done. If there is a durable medical equipment seller in your area, they might be willing to help you adjust it.

I mostly wanted to post to really recomend a humidifier. I had one right form the start of my therapy and kind of took it for granted. I sent my unit in for repairs and got a non-humidifier loaner unit to tide me over till the repairs are complete. I can't believe how much a difference the humidifier makes! I have been un-humidified for 1-2 weeks now and my throat is sore and scratchy. My new machine should arrive today and I am almost looking forward to having humidified air more than the new features.

I also whole heartedly agree about the fragility of the masks out there. I even checked to see if there were any masks made out of lightweight alluminum or something else a little more sturdy. My activa is holding up well so far, but only time will really tell the tale.

Good luck getting your pressure adjusted, if all else fails perhaps you can contact the company that makes it?

[Doug]

Thanks Will, for responding and taking an interest. At a 17, I can see why humidification would be particularly important for you. I'm not sure why, but dry throat or sore throat has never plagued me.

I fell asleep just fine, the very first time I got the initial loaner (pre-testing), and never had a problem except for thin plastic frames breaking..

Tell me though, do you think humidification would have any affect on sinus congestion??

Meanwhile, maybe someone else will have a suggestion for a more solid frame. (hmmm... makes me think I should take an old one and visit a local highschool metal shop class!??)


Doug

[WillCunningham]

I was nervous about congestion when I first stated using cpap, I was always a mouth breather due to congestion. It ended up not being a problem for me with the cPAP unless I am actually sick. I don't know if the humidification was the key that made that so easy to deal with. I have found myself more congested while I am using un-humidified air so I suspect it has an effect.

You mentioned trying a number of masks and having the break on you, which models have you tired? I will give you the BREAKdown on the masks that I have broken.

My father has broken the clamps that hold the hose on the comfortlite 1 headgear, it still works well so that is not a major problem. He broke the headgear on a couple a breeze rig before he got his comfortlite 1 setup.

I have mostly used ComfortGel masks, they have very weak forehead cross beams. It has easy to break thin plastic toothpics holding it in place that break easily. I have also broken the place on the bottom of the mask where the straps snap in on two masks. I even managed to break where the mask adjusts the angle from the forehead to the mask on one unit. It was broken so that it would not lock into any of the settings. Duct tape and superglue helped patch those masks up.

The Activa mask has much thicker plastic for the forehead peice and I feel like that is really sturdy and that I won't break it. The place on the bottom of the mask where the straps snap in, I am not sure yet how rugged that will prove to be. It seems tough, but I will need more time to really know. The nose bridge angle adjuster part seems like a weakness on this mask. If I had to put my money on any component of the mask giving out it would be this one. I have only had the mask for a week or two and it is proving to give me a really good seal so I really don't have any complaints. I hope it ends up being extra rugged so I won't have to replace it for a while.

My father had a couple of other masks break on him as well, unfortunately I don't remember any of the details. I really think the masks are designed with a short lifespan so we have to keep replacing them. If the mask doesn't go it seems like something on the headgear does. That is a real drag if you don't have a backup ready to go when tragedy strikes. lol.

[Doug]

They may be reasoning that it's not a good idea to keep masks long-term. Perhaps there's something about germs, molds, etc. of which they're concerned, so they try to build a short life-span into them. This may be especially true for those who do not clean their equipment well or regularly.

But you did give me an idea for creating a flat, slotted, metal frame, with a triangle cut out of the middle for accepting the mask. It would give me the rigidity of a metal mask without the metal passage-way, and perhaps be transferrable from mask to mask.

What do you think?

Doug

[Keeper54]

I know this is an old question, but my searching led me to answer:
'There is a small screw underneath a sticker on the back of the machine
You simply turn the screw one way to raise and the other way to lower the air'

Hope this helps anyone else.