The rubber flap inside my mask...is it supposed to stay up?

emak · Post by **emak** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 12:18 pm

My first attempt at CPAP therapy...I just picked up a Resmed S7 Elite with ia Comfortgel full face mask. I must say this is not at all what I remember from the sleep lab. I am absolutely blown away by my 11 cm setting. Even with the ramp feature, my ears fill with pressure with each exhale and I have a headache just from 10 minutes worth of testing. Also, that little rubber flap inside the mask? It looks like it just stays in the up position and I feel like I'm breathing recycled air, and with each exhale it feels almost like the mask is lifting off my face. Is it supposed to do that?

WindFlyer · Post by **WindFlyer** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 12:38 pm

You might want to go back to your DME and have them take a look at your mask. It sounds like the exhaust port may not be functioning correctly. Your DME will know.

jules · Post by **jules** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 1:37 pm

the flap is probably part of an anti-asphyxia valve - I have one on the only FFM I own

it should be up and sealed when air is flowing and will come down to allow you to breathe fresh air in a power failure

there are probably separate exhaust holes

ww · Post by ww » Thu Jul 17, 2008 1:46 pm

I assume the full face comfortgel vents like the nasal comforgel that I have.

Feel around the bottom of the swivel while wearing the mask with the cpap machine on and you should feel a lot of air coming out just below the swivel where the hose connects to the mask. I hated it for this reason as it blows cold air on your stomach, but I have yet to find a Respironics mask that I do like!

Mask