Hose valve stuck open

[zzrrrp]

I'm a new CPAP user (Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset, pressure range set at 5-10) with a Quattro Air full face mask. I'm really enjoying the benefits of therapy, but one mark against it is the tendency for the valve at the mask end of the tube to get stuck open during the night.

This is the valve that normally opens and closes with your breathing---when it gets stuck open, air flows out and wakes me up (can hear and feel it). I'm working on getting SleepyHead up and running, but for what it's worth, myAir says my leak rate is negligible.

I can fix it simply by turning the machine on and off quickly, but is there a way to avoid it happening altogether?

edit: this valve is located in the elbow connecting the tube to the mask

[LSAT]

It would be nice if you told us exactly what mask you are using.

[zzrrrp]

It would be nice if you told us exactly what mask you are using.

Sorry, it's a large Quattro.

[avi123]

you need to replace the elbow or the whole mask b/c of the anti asphyxia valve malfunctioning.

[zzrrrp]

you need to replace the mask b/c of the anti asphyxia valve malfunctioning.

Is it safe to sleep with it as-is while I wait for the new mask?

[palerider]

what makes you think the anti-asphixiation valve flap is getting 'stuck open' at night?

that valve is pretty much foolproof, and if it was open, you'd have a massive leak... not a negligible one.

ignore avi, he knows not what he speaks of... ever.

[avi123]

you can just get the valve part here:

https://www.cpap.com/productSearch.php# ... ia%20valve:

If the valve malfunctions then you can't use the mask. It's easy to check the valve if it works properly. Stop the CPAP machine. Remove the air supply hose from the mask. While you have the mask on your face cover the vent holes (those tiny holes drilled in the mask) with the palm of your hand and with the other hand cover the air inlet to the mask. At this point try to inhale and the valve should open widely. When you exhale the valve should shut close. Repeat inhaling and exhaling and check the results.

[Julie]

Please listen to PR... Avil is a known trouble maker (to put it politely) and will say anything when bored. Really.

[zzrrrp]

what makes you think the anti-asphixiation valve flap is getting 'stuck open' at night?

that valve is pretty much foolproof, and if it was open, you'd have a massive leak... not a negligible one.

ignore avi, he knows not what he speaks of... ever.

Normally the mask is whisper-quiet with only a tiny bit of air flow out of the valve, but occasionally I'll wake up to audible flow out the front of the mask that is fixed by turning the machine off and on again. I haven't been able to replicate it during the day, but I think there's a 'thunk' noise when normal operation resumes.

[LSAT]

IF the valve is defective, you can replace just the valve. I have been using my Quattro frame for over a year and when I looked closely at my valve it does remain open slightly when it is not blowing. It works perfectly when the machine is operating. While you have the mask on your face with the unit running, turn off the machine and you will hear the valve working. This mask blows out a lot of CO2 from the exhaust port...that's normal. The noise when the valve is working is normal also.

[zzrrrp]

New theory: mask and valve are operating normally, but I'm waking up from the noise from the exhaust ports at high pressures. I tried running a mask fit, which seems to ramp up the pressure. I heard the same noise that I've been hearing at night.

Unfortunately, I think my machine might be jumping the gun with AutoSet and ramping the pressure before I'm fully asleep. Last night, I actually ran into this problem while trying to fall back asleep!

[palerider]

Normally the mask is whisper-quiet with only a tiny bit of air flow out of the valve, but occasionally I'll wake up to audible flow out the front of the mask that is fixed by turning the machine off and on again. I haven't been able to replicate it during the day, but I think there's a 'thunk' noise when normal operation resumes.

once there's pressure, and that valve closes, it shouldn't leak at all. and there's not really any way for it to come open, against pressure while the machine is on.

I'd be willing to bet your noisy leaks are elsewhere, and the just waking up mostly still asleep confusion is what's making you think it's the valve. however, if you cover the opening with your finger, and release, it should snap back closed.

if covering the opening doesn't stop the loud whooshy bits, then that does prove that the leak is somewhere else. and, if it does stop the noise, then the valve should close up again without any problem.

make sure you have the clip with the little flapper attached properly. btw, there are many quattro masks. which?

I just saw your new theory. I suggest you download your data and look at it, re: pressures. see sleepyhead info below.

[zzrrrp]

It's a Quattro Air. SD card reader arrives today