PB 420e with Activa

reval · Post by **reval** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 1:41 am

Can I use the extension tube (with the swivel) of the Activa mask in combination with my Puritan-Bennet 420e APAP.
The PB420e has a pressure line in its tube and if I couple the extension tube to it, the pressure line does not reach my mask (there is a "gap" of about 10 inches).
I wonder if this will affect the readings and the actual pressure delivered in a significant way.
To be on the safe side, the elbow part is now directly connected to the PB tube, but I would like to use the extension tube, since it is flexible and has a swivel.

I like the Activa and, together with my PB420e, I get excellent results with it (AHI<0.5 and most nights AI=0). With the extension tube, I think I would like it even more.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 5:15 am

As far as I know, it's ok to use the Activa's extended connector tube between your Activa and the PB's main air hose. One of PB's own masks, the Breeze, has an extended connector tube and is recommended by PB for use with their machines. It's not necessary for the PB's main air hose sensor line to go all the way into the nasal area of a mask for it to "read" ya just fine.

I use my 420E with all kinds of masks, several of which have extended connector tubing.

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 5:43 pm

APAPs use back pressure to monitor your condition. Anything you do to dampen the pressure signal is going to affect the accuracy of the machine. The Activa has a bellows type cushion. The bellows expands and contracts with your breathing cycle which minimizes the pressure swings the PAP is monitoring and gives false feedback the machine. That is why the Activa is specifically not recommended by several manufacturers for use with their equipment. PB places the sensing line right next to the mask for maximum sensitivity. If you use the extra hose that comes with the Activa, you are moving the senor line away for the the source of the pressure and installing a bellows upstream to further confuse the machine. Will it work? I don't know. The Activa w/ attached hose doesn't seem to affect my AutoSet T, but that APAP doesn't use a separate line running to the mask. I have never tried using the Activa with my PB 420E.

th · Post by th » Wed Apr 05, 2006 6:33 pm

I have to ask... could you not use the extended connector hose? Just take it off and hook the hose directly to the mask. I do not have the 420E but I have use the activa without the extended connector hose on my remstar auto
th

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:59 pm

Puritan Bennet Breeze nasals pillows. Approved for use with the Puritan Bennet GoodKnight 420E automatic machine.

https://www.cpap.com/viewImage.php?PNum ... Pillow.jpg

Note hose.

O.

reval · Post by **reval** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 12:57 am

th wrote:I have to ask... could you not use the extended connector hose? Just take it off and hook the hose directly to the mask. I do not have the 420E but I have use the activa without the extended connector hose on my remstar auto
th

That is what I have been doing until now. I would like to have the benefit of the swivel on the connector hose though.

reval · Post by **reval** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 1:16 am

Although the reactions are a bit mixed, I now feel confident enough to at least experiment with it, especially since PB apparently uses similar connector hoses on some of their interfaces too.
I have the Silverlining3 software, so I can monitor whether my readings will be affected.

Btw, Larry, the bellows of the Activa do not really seem to affect the PB420e either. The readings I get using the Activa are very similar to those using the Mirage Ultra mask (apart from a lower leakage rate on the Activa).

Thank you all!

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 10:05 pm

I use the Swift and the Activa (not at the same time though... with a PB420E. Activa and 420E is a GREAT combination! Better results for me than the Activa with a Remstar Auto. The extra sensor hose makes the unit VERY responsive, even with the Activa lead-in hose.

Your results may vary, but its a dynamite combo for ME.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 12:35 am

yes you can use your Activa extension hose/swivel with the PB420E.

That tiny pressure hose is used to measure the pressure right up close at the mask, with it being about a foot longer won't really hurt anything. You don't have to connect it to the mask oxygen ports, just leave it in the center of the 420's hose.

Most other mfgs done away with that pressure hose by looping it back on the inside of the machine (it connects to the larger port on the inside then to the transducer to the main board).

reval · Post by **reval** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 4:36 am

A little background info:

I basically stopped using the PB 420e (I have another CPAP), because I found it too noisy.
Last week I bought the H2O Humidifier as a last resort to reduce the noise, since it has the reputation that it acts as a muffler too. The noise reduction is quite drastic indeed.

Now I started using my PB 420e again with my favorite mask including its connector tube. I feel quite happy about this.

trying again · Post by **trying again** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 10:43 pm

Yes you can use the activa with the 420e. I have been for 6 months. It is the only setup I have used. My DME provider is the one who recommended the combination.

nodding off · Post by **nodding off** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 1:16 pm

My Activa works just fine with my 420E, hise and all. I get good, restful sleep.