Mask incompatible with APAP?

[RoyalNose]

What is the danger of using a mask that is
incompatible with an APAP machine? Will it cause
inaccurately high or low AHI readings? Will it show
inaccurate mask leak rates? Will it
make the machine run at abnormally high or low
pressures?

I am considering buying a Mirage Vista mask, but am
not sure if it would be compatible with my M-Series APAP.

[DreamStalker]

Masks are not incompatible with machines ... they may be incompatible with faces.

AHI readings are a function of correct machine pressure settings and proper fit of mask (ie. leak free). The only way to know if your face is compatible with a mask is to try it on while laying down and under your prescribed machine pressure.

- r

[RoyalNose]

Dreamstalker: Thank you for your response. I am wondering where you have gotten your information, when you say that masks are not incompatible with machines.

My concern about compatibility arises from information on vendor
websitses concerning the masks they sell, which say words to the effect
that "this mask can be used with APAP machines." Also, on page 97 of the
book "Sleep Apnea: The Phantom of the Night" copyright 2003, it says,
" . . . some of the most sophisticated devices, including bilevel and APAP,
are very sensitive to the composition of the circuit (comprising all the
components connecting the device to the patient). Changing to a different type of mask could defeat the ability of the device to respond accurately to
your needs."

I would enjoy the freedom and flexibility to choose the mask that fits me
best, but based on the information I've read, I seem to be limited to those
masks that are compatible with APAP. On the other hand, if the negative
consequences of using an incompatible mask are minimal, I'm willing to
consider a mask based more upon fit than compatibility.

[Guest]

Yes, I have seen those warnings too. Keep in mind, the manufacturer wants your money and implying you can only use their masks with their machines is a good way to get it and keep getting it.

I, personally, have found the "incompatibility" admonition to be unfounded. I have used literally a dozen masks (different types and different manufacturers) with my APAPs and based on seeing the results with the software, I have not found any of them to "defeat the ability of the device to respond accurately to my needs."

If you have a question about a specific mask, let us know what it is. If any of us have tried it with our APAP we will tell you if we experienced any problems. Since so many of us have the software to monitor our results, we can see if the mask is defeating the efficacy of the machine.

[DreamStalker]

If the mask does not fit properly, it does not matter whether it is an APAP, BiPAP, VPAP, or any PAP machine ... the treatment will not be effective because you will have leaks. Leaks prevent the Rx pressure from being maintained ... incorrect pressure means ineffective treatment.

Although I have never heard of the book you quote from, the book statement is true only if the changing of the mask results in sufficient leakage to disrupt the pressure requirements of your treatment. The book statement is somewhat misleading IMO.

- r

[Guest]

I am considering buying a Mirage Vista mask, but am
not sure if it would be compatible with my M-Series APAP.

Anyone have any experience using the Mirage Vista with the Respironics APAP?

[Wulfman]

"Sleep Apnea: The Phantom of the Night"

Original book written/published in the mid 1990's

http://www.apneanet.org/books/interview_jerryh.htm

http://www.healthyresources.com/sleep/a ... views.html

http://www.apneanet.org/whatsnew.htm

Doesn't look like they've added much in the last several years. Lots of newer technology has been developed since then.....masks and machines.
Maybe at one time there were compatibility issues, but I think those days are gone.

Den

[Guest]

Thanks for your responses and opinions. Looks to me like it doesn't matter what kind of mask is used, just as long as it fits and seals well. But about buying the Mirage Vista---that is a Resmed product. I just read another post, about Resmed's new pricing policy, and that has deterred me from buying the mask.

[Guest]

Whoops, that last "Guest" was me. Forgot to log in. Having a bit of trouble getting used to this chat-line stuff.--RoyalNose

[Wulfman]

Thanks for your responses and opinions. Looks to me like it doesn't matter what kind of mask is used, just as long as it fits and seals well. But about buying the Mirage Vista---that is a Resmed product. I just read another post, about Resmed's new pricing policy, and that has deterred me from buying the mask.

You've got until Saturday to get it at the current price.

Den

[dsm]

Dreamstalker: Thank you for your response. I am wondering where you have gotten your information, when you say that masks are not incompatible with machines.

My concern about compatibility arises from information on vendor
websitses concerning the masks they sell, which say words to the effect
that "this mask can be used with APAP machines." Also, on page 97 of the
book "Sleep Apnea: The Phantom of the Night" copyright 2003, it says,
" . . . some of the most sophisticated devices, including bilevel and APAP,
are very sensitive to the composition of the circuit (comprising all the
components connecting the device to the patient). Changing to a different type of mask could defeat the ability of the device to respond accurately to
your needs."

I would enjoy the freedom and flexibility to choose the mask that fits me
best, but based on the information I've read, I seem to be limited to those
masks that are compatible with APAP. On the other hand, if the negative
consequences of using an incompatible mask are minimal, I'm willing to
consider a mask based more upon fit than compatibility.

The point re bilevel machines is very valid. Also there was a time (older model autos) when a full/face mask could cause inaccuracies with autos but the modern machines have better algorithms and are pretty well able to work with most combinations.

The only combo I personally have trouble with (I put this down to nasal airflow restrictions) is the Bipap Pro 2 & Bipap S/T when used by me with a UMFF mask. I can't get these to work very well together.

Good luck (& good sleuthing there )

DSM