What causes pressure variation?

schnertling · Post by **schnertling** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 12:14 pm

I've got a mask(s) question.

My original prescription for CPAP 11 cm H20 (just fyi). I started my APAP using a respironics nasal mask. Pressure range 10-20. After four-five days, I started waking up open-mouthed, air flowing out.

I changed to a Resmed FF mask. It is comfortable to wear, but the APAP pressure was creeping up to 17-18 and the mask sides are flapping like crazy.

Not sure why the pressure went so high with the mask, I tried the Bravo nasal pillows from my DME. The APAP pressure didn't change...it was always 10. For kicks, I tried the respironics nasal mask again. The pressures went up to 14-15.

Why would a FFM cause the APAP pressure to go up so high, and the nasal mask have different pressures than the nasal pillows?

I'm going to try the Fixident mouth taping with the nasal mask tonight and see what happens.

msheda · Post by **msheda** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 12:50 pm

As dylan said:

The answer my friend is blowing in the wind....

If you leak, your not getting therapy, therefor it will react and try to give you more air, which leads to more leaks, etc...

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 1:03 pm

Using a APAP with the top pressure set at 20, will let the top pressure go to 20. Leaks and Flapping, maybe seen as snoring, could force the pressure to what ever you have set for the high limit. The machine is only going to do what you let it. Usually a 4 cm spread around your CPAP pressure works best, But stop the leaks..... #1....

You need the reader and software to complete your equiptment... Jim

The numbers on the LCD are misleading.

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 1:08 pm

schnertling wrote:I changed to a Resmed FF mask. It is comfortable to wear, but the APAP pressure was creeping up to 17-18 and the mask sides are flapping like crazy.

Sounds to me like you need to adjust (tighten) your headgear. If it leaks, reposition the mask & tighten em again. Your machine is trying to maintain a pressure setpoint.

A leak causes the sensed press. to drop causing the machine to pump more & harder, & more & harder trying to maintain the setpoint. It becomes a vicious circle. Make any sense?

My press. is 17cm, I have to secure for takeoff.
Good Luck,
GumbyCT

What causes pressure variation?

What causes pressure variation?

Re: What causes pressure variation?