First time poster. Regarding Dream Station P10 nasal mask

[jenmooney003]

I was referred to the sleep study by my cardiologist due to AFib in an attempt to lessen the episodes of AFib. Coronavirus hit and so all in lab sleep studies stopped. I did the at home study.
The results I received showed a mild sleep apnea (4) not sure if that makes sense but it was recommended I begin on the CPap machine to see if it helped me. I have diligently being trying it at night. I never get past a few hours and never fall asleep whilst using it. As I have to get up for work, I need sleep yet being able to sleep with this might be a life changer vis-a-vis AFib.
I am confused on so many levels.
1 I don't have any problems with it other than when I am about to fall asleep I find the exhaling is the hardest part.
I know nothing about anything other than when I've called and asked.
I am not sure where the vents are for exhaling.
I am not sure if they are working (I know- sounds crazy)
I am afraid when I fall asleep that my exhaling will not be sufficient- and that I will have CO2 from overbreathing.
That's my main concern.
Then, about the cleaning of the nasal mask which I wash every morning.
The humidifier water tray I wash every morning and then the hose- weekly

Please tell me, there are two parts to the hose I thik the morning I opened it the hose was in two parts- but not sure how to open the one that runs from the nasal mask for about a foot and a half. Should this first part be detached from the remainder of the hose that fits in the machine. As so far I've been washing it as one piece.
I have no idea of any of the information on the panel other than when I turn it on it has a number 4 on there. And the air gushes through the hose.
The people are super helpful but due to the Pandemic it is difficult/impossible to have in person coaching on it.
Thanks to ANYONE who has been able to read my rambling. I really want to do this but need to know.

[Julie]

You sound like you're doing better faster than many people, so relax and go one thing at a time.

Don't bother washing the hoses, maybe ever... many of us have had the same ones for decades with no problem... it's just air after all unless you see something that needs a rinse. Sorry I'm not sure what you mean by the 2-part hose, but I wouldn't worry unless there's a problem (or other question).

As far as exhaling goes, there's a feature on your machine that you can set to relieve the pressure to exhale and the clinician's manual (vs what you were likely given) is available on Apneaboard.com (you need to scroll to find them for each machine - make sure you know your model).

The vents are most likely a little patch or ring of tiny holes usually near the bend of the hose, but also often on the mask itself... just don't cover them with heavy bedding (a sheet is not a big deal) and you won't rebreathe CO2. If you heard the air leaving you'd complain of the noise, so don't worry if it's working... no reason to believe it isn't.

Also don't fuss with the humidifier tank unless you see pinkish scum in corners, etc... and a Q-tip will usually take care of that as will water diluted with vinegar maybe once a week (but not if you don't see anything). Don't dump out water every day - pointless - just top up again at night, maybe empty weekly if you feel the need at all.

That manual should also tell you how to adjust your pressure settings - leave the max at 20, but bump the 4 to 6 - no one can breathe at 4. And don't bother with the ramp at all as unless your min. setting was e.g. 10+ it's a waste of time and therapy.

Use baby wipes on the mask daily (or so) and Dawn + warm water weekly... too much scrubbing wears it unnecessarily.

Last thing - the humidifier is not mandatory 'therapy', just a help if you need it - e.g. if you're in a dry climate, have a nasal issue, or just like it, but if you're e.g. in Seattle, Fla, NJ, etc. you may find it congesting and unnecessary except at certain times, so don't be afraid to play with it.

Please continue to use this thread for any other questions or posts, etc... thanks!

[chunkyfrog]

I also have the p10 nasal pillows mask.
The short hose is PART of the mask--do not take it off the mask--you will break it.
The end that attaches to the main hose is a swivel connector.
Gently rocking it will separate it from the long hose--if needed.
I only do this to swap masks or pack for travel.
Cleaning the hose is a fool's errand.
You were told to do it because it DAMAGES the hose, and you will buy another.
Yes, the DME thinks of you as a cash cow--"Hold still while you are being milked."
I recommend a good, hard KICK.

[Pugsy]

Welcome to the forum.

What are your settings on your machine? Are you using the ramp feature?
I have some ideas to make it easier for you to breathe with the P10 but I need to know your settings first.

The P10 has a very special venting system and it vents more than sufficiently to clear out the carbon dioxide so you won't be rebreathing it but it's not easily felt unless you put your finger about an inch from the vent holes. I used this mask for years until the Bleep was released and I still have it as my number 2 choice to use.
The vent holes are on the bottom of the plastic frame part next to where the short hose attaches to the frame. They are tiny and lots of them.

There are some videos showing how to disassemble the P10 for cleaning.
The nasal pillow pops off the frame for easy washing. The short hose part...once a week or every other week is plenty frequent enough for cleaning unless you just are one of those people who sleeps better washing things every day.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... k-headgear
Look on the left side...click on the links and watch the videos...at least 2 maybe 3 are there plus there are a bunch on you tube.