Higher pressure for FFM?

[Jlfinkels]

Do folks raise the pressure when switching from nasal pillows to a FFM? I noticed when I use nasal pillows the pressure used is 2-3 cmH2O less than when I use a FFM. The machine adjusts for it as it is still in my range, but was wondering what is the common practice.

My range is currently 8-18 but it only goes to 14 max when using nasal pillows. When on a FFM it tops out around 17.

[ChicagoGranny]

Do folks raise the pressure when switching from nasal pillows to a FFM?

How do you keep your lips sealed when using nasal pillows?

What about when using an FFM? Do you allow mouth-breathing?

[Jlfinkels]

Do folks raise the pressure when switching from nasal pillows to a FFM?

How do you keep your lips sealed when using nasal pillows?

What about when using an FFM? Do you allow mouth-breathing?

I nose breathe naturally and just plant my tongue on the roof of my mouth so don’t have any real issues. I do have occasional “large leaks”, but rarely more than 5% and it has not waken me up that I remember so far.

For the FFM I have the F30i so nose breathe with that as well, but I only use it when my allergies are flaring and nose is congested, maybe once or twice a week at most these days.

[ChicagoGranny]

Do folks raise the pressure when switching from nasal pillows to a FFM?

+

For the FFM I have the F30i so nose breathe with that as well, but I only use it when my allergies are flaring and nose is congested

You have a variable at play besides the switch in masks. The second variable is the use of a FFM during times when your airway is narrower. That's probably why more pressure is needed with the FFM.

I don't understand why you would switch to an FFM if you don't mouth-breathe when the nose is congested.

Having a consultation with an ENT and getting allergies treated is a good idea for CPAPer.

[Jlfinkels]

Apologies, I did not explain that well. I use the FFM when I am congested and cannot breathe through my nose. I’ve tried to keep using the nasal pillows but when I cannot breathe properly with it on I end up having to mouth breathe, so using a FFM allows me to still use the CPAP machine.

[ChicagoGranny]

I’ve tried to keep using the nasal pillows but when I cannot breathe properly with it on I end up having to mouth breathe, so using a FFM allows me to still use the CPAP machine.

OK, in your case, I see two reasons why more pressure may be needed with an FFM.

1. The FFM is being used during nights of allergies/congestion. At these times, the airway is narrower.

2. Mouth-breathing happens on these nights. It is simply human anatomy that when the mouth opens, the lower jaw moves slightly backward. When the jaw moves backward, the airway is smaller.

Sleep apnea is a s*itty condition.

[Jlfinkels]

OK, in your case, I see two reasons why more pressure may be needed with an FFM.

1. The FFM is being used during nights of allergies/congestion. At these times, the airway is narrower.

2. Mouth-breathing happens on these nights. It is simply human anatomy that when the mouth opens, the lower jaw moves slightly backward. When the jaw moves backward, the airway is smaller.

Sleep apnea is a s*itty condition.

Excellent! Thanks for the analysis. I don’t think I need to bump up the pressure as it seems to be managed well by the AS10. I didn’t understand why it was running higher and now I do.

Thanks!

[ChicagoGranny]

Thanks for the analysis.

Now, do me a favor. Get a new avatar. That one makes me think of that rascal PaleRider.

[Jlfinkels]

Now, do me a favor. Get a new avatar. That one makes me think of that rascal PaleRider.

Done. To be fair as a BSD UNIX guy who was around in the early days I use the original Chuckie/Beastie. Now I’ll use the blowfish from when we were working on OpenBSD instead. Can’t risk angering those who help me so much.

[ChicagoGranny]

I like it.

But, his pressure seems to be set a bit high!