Mask setting on CPAP

[noisemaiden]

I have been switching between my Swiift FX Nasal Pillows Mask and my Mirage Quattro Full Face, because I can't get used to either of them. I am wondering about the setting on my machine that lists the mask. How important is it to have the right mask listed? Does this change the pressure any? I started CPAP April 1 and did great for about 4 months. Since then I have not gotten a restful sleep and I usually sleep 2 - 3 hours and then wake up. I am back to feeling so very tired again. Also discovered that I toss and turn all night long. I will figure this out.

ResMed AutoSet II S8
Swift FX Nasal pillows
Mirage Quattro Full Face

[Cuda]

I always figured if there was no difference they would not have the settings for it. I have the same two masks and same problem but I always switch the setting for each mask. Not sure what it does but pressure is about all it can do right?

[macnmotion]

One difference I can point out with my S9. Originally had it set up with the Activa nasal mask. Had a SwiftFX sent over to me, and tested it but forgot to switch mask settings. When I pulled the pillow mask off my face the machine didn't shut off automatically as it was set to do. Changed to Pillow setting, and then it properly shut off when I took off the mask.

So if the machine is sensing pressure differences with respect to powering down, perhaps similar differences are occurring with use.

Andy

[noisemaiden]

Thanks for the info. I left it on the Swift setting last night while using the Quattro. Tonight I will try the Quattro setting. I was able to keep my mask on all night as I got a sample pack of RemZZZ's and it made a difference for one night. Will see with using it two nights. Still tired.

[Cuda]

RemZZZs? I will have to look them up. I just got back to having a machine and followed directions for fitting the quattro the right way and while it did not leave the nasty mark on my nose it leaked a lot when I fell asleep and I woke with an AHI of over 25 and only 3 hours.

So still tired as well.

[Irene P.]

It is my understanding that the mask setting has nothing to do with the pressure. You set that and it stays the same.

The mask setting has to do with the leak rate. Different leak rates are expected/permissible? for each mask. What it affects is the results you get for each night's sleep. Hope this makes sense. I'm having trouble finding the right way to try to explain it. Someone else will come along and do a much better job I'm sure.

[jmelby]

The mask setting on Resmed machines has two purposes:
- It automatically deducts the expected vent rate of the mask from total leak rate, so in this sense will affect your data (in an attempt to make it more accurately reflect "bad" leak only).
- It is used to control auto on/off if you use that feature. For full face masks, it will disable that feature because it cannot reliably detect the when a user has the mask on. I don't know if it also affects on/off detection between other mask types, but certainly seems possible.

So... if you use the auto on/off feature, you should make sure to have the right mask setting. Leaving the mask setting on pillows when you are wearing a full face mask may result in your full face mask being detected as off and shut off your machine (or not turn it on when you put the mask on). If you don't use auto on/off, you will have an inaccurate leak rate.

In either case, the mask setting does not affect your actual pressure or therapy.