Blocked Exhalation Port

[janp]

With the Respironics set to Auto ... how does the machine respond to the exhalation port being blocked?

Does it interpret the blocked port as an apnea event and increase pressure?

My husband tells me that pretty much every night ... the last half of the night ... I tend to put my hand up to my face (the mask) ... blocking the port.

Thanks.

Jan

[Goofproof]

When you block the exhale port, you are prone to rebreathing your own CO2. The machine doesn't have a hand or anything that comes out to prevent this. It would be a goo idea not to block the vents, maybe hubby could tie your hans down. Jim

[janp]

When you block the exhale port, you are prone to rebreathing your own CO2. The machine doesn't have a hand or anything that comes out to prevent this. It would be a goo idea not to block the vents, maybe hubby could tie your hans down. Jim

Jim,

Thanks ... but he's already made that suggestion!!!

Actually, I was wondering if the Auto might react thinking it was an apnea event and increase pressure?

Jan

[Goofproof]

The machine is set to provide a set range of pressure. It shouldn't go outside of that range, but rebreathing CO2 can change the way your brain controls your breathing rate, the brain really wants that O2. It's important to have a machine that records full data, and the software and reader to use it. it would show you how much you were blocking the exhaust and when.

Some blocking isn't too bad, you just need to keep it clear enough to maintain CO2 that allow enough O2 in. Jim

[kteague]

Just want to add to the question...

Seems on a Respironics it would report a leak rate lower than the expected vent rate for a mask, but what does a Resmed show, since the vent rate is already subtracted before reporting? Can it show a negative number or just show zero and look like a good result? Just thinking about all those times I see someone report a zero leak rate.

Kathy

[janp]

The machine is set to provide a set range of pressure. It shouldn't go outside of that range, but rebreathing CO2 can change the way your brain controls your breathing rate, the brain really wants that O2. It's important to have a machine that records full data, and the software and reader to use it. it would show you how much you were blocking the exhaust and when.

Some blocking isn't too bad, you just need to keep it clear enough to maintain CO2 that allow enough O2 in. Jim

Jim,

How would the EP report display when and how much I'm blocking the port?

Jan

[JoyD.]

Hi Jan,

At some point you may want to try the Aeiomed Headrest mask, either as is or "deconstructed" as many of us have done. One big reason I like it is that the vent is way up near the forehead and the air goes straight up, away from you or your bed partner.

Guess, for you, it depends where you put your hands when you are sleeping. I'm guessing near your mouth since the mask you are using has the venting in that area.

The other thing I love about the Headrest, being exclusively a side sleeper, is there is NOTHING on the side of your face at all. You feel no part of the mask on the pillow when you lay on your side.

More about the Headrest:
_____________________________
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=21322&p=193499#p193499 Photo of Headrest (aka Aura, Twilight) when it is "decapitated" or "deconstructed" (unnecessary parts removed). You fasten it on you with a couple "ties" made from Tights legs. I'ts so lightweight and minimal! The deconstruction is Rested Gal's baby, so you can read more on her posts using the LINK in her signature. Evidently a lot of gals love it, and I've just begun to appreciate it also after trying several nasal pillow masks.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5919&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15 Page 2 shows how to "decapitate" the mask and where to put the ties. [NOTE: the Vent is up where the diagram shows black at the forehead area].
___________________________

Good luck,
Joy

[Goofproof]

Just want to add to the question...

Seems on a Respironics it would report a leak rate lower than the expected vent rate for a mask, but what does a Resmed show, since the vent rate is already subtracted before reporting? Can it show a negative number or just show zero and look like a good result? Just thinking about all those times I see someone report a zero leak rate.

Kathy

That is just one of many reasons I place Resmed as my 3 or 4th XPAP choice. Many users don't even know to set the mask types, and then there's the software issue. Jim

[Goofproof]

How would the EP report display when and how much I'm blocking the port?

Jan

In EP, on your Dailies,(the only part I care about) The leak line, usually you can see the masks normal vent rate, (unless you have a really bad leak problem), It's the goal you want to strive for, leaks above this line are extra caused by leaking around the edges of the mask or mouthleaking. Some of these we can't do anything about and are caused by moving around and moving the mask.

When you block the vent the flow in the graph shows less than the normal vent rate. Too low could be bad for you but I've never had it blocked bad enough to cause me any trouble.

I did do a experiment where I blocked part of the vent with the ComfortGel Nasal mask, (Kiddies don't try this at home), I used 25 LPM as my lowest goal on venting for that mask, I felt that that was safe, and it did prove so for me. It's not wise to try to fool Mother Nature. I saw what I was after with the test, and returned to the normal vent rate, that depending on which Chinaman did the manufacturing control on the leak rate at the ComfortGel Chinese Factory that shift. Their quaility control leaves a lot to be desired, as does most companies, you would think as medical devices they would be held to some standard. Jim

[Goofproof]

Example of mask normal leak rate: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v448/ ... OREPRO.jpg

[janp]

How would the EP report display when and how much I'm blocking the port?

Jan

In EP, on your Dailies,(the only part I care about) The leak line, usually you can see the masks normal vent rate, (unless you have a really bad leak problem), It's the goal you want to strive for, leaks above this line are extra caused by leaking around the edges of the mask or mouthleaking. Some of these we can't do anything about and are caused by moving around and moving the mask.

When you block the vent the flow in the graph shows less than the normal vent rate. Too low could be bad for you but I've never had it blocked bad enough to cause me any trouble.

I did do a experiment where I blocked part of the vent with the ComfortGel Nasal mask, (Kiddies don't try this at home), I used 25 LPM as my lowest goal on venting for that mask, I felt that that was safe, and it did prove so for me. It's not wise to try to fool Mother Nature. I saw what I was after with the test, and returned to the normal vent rate, that depending on which Chinaman did the manufacturing control on the leak rate at the ComfortGel Chinese Factory that shift. Their quaility control leaves a lot to be desired, as does most companies, you would think as medical devices they would be held to some standard. Jim

Jim,

Thanks ...

If I understand you correctly, every time I see the graph dip BELOW the mask's normal leak rate ... and I notice that it starts out at a different rate depending on the mask I'm using ... I'm blocking the exhaust vent in some way.

Everytime the graph goes ABOVE that same starting line ... I'm leaking from the mask. Any "spikes" above even that indicates additional leaks of some sort?

Jan

[Goofproof]

Correct, Each mask will be different, also each pressure will make the mask leak rate change. Using APAP instead of CPAP, will make a change in leak rate, at the XPAP pressure goes up, so does the normal vent rate. Jim