Nasal pillows that vent out vs. non-venting - does it matter

[EmberMike]

I recently had to switch from OptiLife to a P10 nasal pillow mask because my equipment supplier no longer carries the OptiLife. With the OptiLife, there was a small vent on the front of the mask that let air escape. With the P10, there is no vent.

I mentioned this to my doctor and he asked if I had been getting sick more often or if I had pneumonia recently. He sort of backed out of the question when I asked him if there was a connection between illness and non-venting masks.

Anyone know anything about this? I'm concerned about this new mask and how it works, where the exhaled air goes, if it's getting pushed back through the CPAP system, etc. Does anyone know if there is a real health risk using non-venting masks?

[OkyDoky]

The P10 has venting. If you look at the frame it has a fine mesh where the venting occurs. You also can feel it when using. It is just much quieter than most venting. So sleep well with your P10.

[chunkyfrog]

The mesh can usually be cleaned with a toothbrush.
In the event of serious frog filth, use a Water Pic.

[Danimal74]

Chunky, why would anyone clean the mesh? Didn't you say in another thread that people can't get sick from a dirty mask, tube, and humidifier?

[Julie]

Because it needs to vent out CO2, and mesh with tiny holes can get blocked - you don't want to rebreathe CO2.

[palerider]

With the P10, there is no vent. ... Does anyone know if there is a real health risk using non-venting masks?

death. if it didn't vent, you'd be dead.

put your hand up next to it.

[chunkyfrog]

The airflow from the vent is easier to feel if your hand is slightly moist.
If enough grunge builds up in the mesh, it will reduce airflow.
I clean it when I can see a little bit of gray because DIRT is hard to breathe through.
Now if one is a delicate flower, then they can clean the dickens out of it.
You will have nice arm muscles and some of your equipment will last nearly as long
as if you had only removed the visible dirt.

[GettingBetter]

What kind of machine are you using? I see a humidifier, but what machine? Are you on an ASV?

Non-vented masks are for volume ventilators, which use valves rather than mask holes to diffuse the CO2.

Using a vented mask on a volume ventilator will set off alarms and cause stress and aggravation.