"Back Pressure"

NotthatBob · Post by **NotthatBob** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:13 pm

I am trying out Fisher & Paykel Opus Nasal Pillow Mask. There is so much pressure on exhalation that my ears pop. I noticed that the air vents are tiny. Are there options for larger air vents? Any other suggestions? I just got it, and am in the initial fitting stage...have not tried to sleep yet, but don't think I will be able to sleep with all the "back pressure." Seems the same through the ramp process and worst at full pressure.

Country4ever · Post by **Country4ever** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:30 pm

Hi Bob,
I'm fairly new at this too, but can you use the EPR function? That lets you decrease the expiratory pressure.
Also.....try sitting up, reading or watching TV with it before trying to use it to sleep with. Sometimes that helps.
What pressure are you at?

NotthatBob · Post by **NotthatBob** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:36 pm

No epr function that I know of. Pretty simple machine, CPAP only. Pressure at end of ramp is 9.

boynedoc · Post by **boynedoc** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:47 pm

Not sure about possible modifications, I am not that DIY handy or a certified "lab rat" like some around here. I use the F&P Opus Nasal Pillow Mask. My pressure is alot higher than yours, as I am at 16cm and haven't been using EPR or C-Flex or any other type of exhalation relief.

Have you had a history of inner ear or eustachian tube trouble previously?

NotthatBob · Post by **NotthatBob** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 3:09 pm

Nope, no ear trouble. I've been using the ResMed Ultra Mirage II which is okay, but hurts the bridge of my nose, so I wanted to try a nasal pillow style. The airflow of the Opus just seems really, really "tight."

Country4ever · Post by **Country4ever** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 3:13 pm

I'm sorry Bob, I was thinking it was the machine that you were having trouble with, but it sounds like your previous mask didn't make you feel this way. Its my understanding that the correct mask needs to be entered into the machine's data (at least with the newer machines). Maybe that's the issue? If it ends up just being the mask and you really like the mask, other than the pressure, I would encourage you to find out about using the EPR function.

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 3:18 pm

boynedoc wrote:Have you had a history of inner ear or eustachian tube trouble previously?

Sounds like it may be sinus congestion?

Me-No-Doc-Either!!

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 3:23 pm

Normally, having the c-flex (exhalation relief) feature on the Respironics machines is what you'd use, but I'm not familiar with your machine or EPR (if it's a similar thing), but many people are and should answer soon.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 3:23 pm

Bob, what machine do you have? Name should be on the top of the machine.

The "back pressure" you're talking about is probably that you're having difficulty exhaling against incoming pressure.

I wouldn't mess with the exhaust vents of the mask. They are designed to let the right amount of air escape. It's the machine that can make breathing out easy or difficult.

Respironics machines (cpap with C-flex, autopap with A-flex, or bipap with Bi-flex) are by far the most comfortable machines I've used for exhaling.

If the cpap you have is not a Respironics REMstar Pro M series machine, I'd go straight back to the DME and ask to swap your basic cpap machine for that specific one. It will have C-flex.

If they are willing to swap, but they try to give you a Respironics REMstar Plus M series machine, say, "no thanks" even if the Plus has C-flex and even if the Plus has a Smart Card with it. Hold out for the M series Pro with a Smart Card, not the Plus machine. The Pro will record a lot of useful data. The Plus will not.

WearyOne · Post by **WearyOne** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 3:29 pm

Hi, NotthatBob,

What machine are you using? With some machines, new or not, you have to enter in the type of mask you're using. Other machines (Respironics M Series for one) do not require that step.

If you do have the type of machine that requires you to enter the mask type, that could be the problem.

Some machines let you reduce the air coming at you when you exhale (EPR on some models; CFLEX on others), but not all machines have that. If yours has that, and you don't have it on, turning it on may help.

I don't know anything about the type of mask you're using; hopefully someone experienced with it will come along to help in that area. The Ultra Mirage is a FF mask and the other one isn't. I don't use anything but FF masks now, but the few times I tried a nasal mask or nasal pillows, I know my ears always felt like they were "full" or something.

Pam

EDIT: Was typing this while you were posting, Rested gal!

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): mirage, cflex, Nasal Pillows

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): mirage, cflex, Nasal Pillows

NotthatBob · Post by **NotthatBob** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 4:15 pm

I'm using a ResMed S8 Compact with Humidaire 3i. It is a pretty bare bones unit, I think. I am going to a "sleep center" which is pretty much "one stop shopping." They do the testing, they sell the machine, they train on the machine. Trouble is, it's the weekend and no trainers are working on Friday. I'd like to try out the new mask this weekend, but maybe not.

Ashkat · Post by **Ashkat** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 5:36 pm

Hi Bob,

I use that same machine. There is an EPR function, you have to get into the clinical menu to access it. You get into the clinical menu by holding down the right side soft key and the down arrow at the same time for about five seconds.

I think it is Slinky who always says this, but I'll add it here: Go through and write down all the original settings before you start monkeying around with stuff. It'll save you much grief later if you have to back up to where you were before.

~Ashkat

NotthatBob · Post by **NotthatBob** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 6:55 pm

Ashkat, I found the menu, but I see no EPR. Where is it?

Ashkat · Post by **Ashkat** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 7:05 pm

I thought it was under Settings...

I'm not at home. I'll look when I get there and post what I find. I've only had the machine a few weeks, so I'm not totally clear on the ins and outs of it.

~Ashkat

Ashkat · Post by **Ashkat** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 7:30 pm

Hi Bob,

Sorry for the lag getting back to you. Internet has been spotty here this weekend.

I think I was mistaken about using the same machine. I have a different Resmed model.

Hows the pressure issue going after a few more nights sleep on it?

Machine	Mask

Additional Comments: Resmed HumidAir 11 for humidifier

Mask

Additional Comments: Pressure 16 C-Flex setting at 3; Encore Pro 1.8.49; Encore Analyzer