"Getting Hosed" - The adventures of a newbie.

Roger... · Post by **Roger...** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 11:59 am

Last night's episode of "Getting Hosed" went better than I expected, but it didn't work as well I had hoped. Getting the machine to fan me at the selected pressure range wasn't any trouble once I got past being in a state of "Error". I was even surprised about how easy it was to work with the Mirage Activa, but that is where I got fooled into thinking my mask was adjusted correctly only to wonder this morning about who punched my upper lip.

With any luck last night won't be a preview of coming attractions. To make sure of that I've been through the entertainment CD that came with the mask in an attempt to understand how to keep the wind out of my eyes without dissecting my upper lip.

Tonight’s adventure is ahead, and field reports from the machine’s sources indicate a need to tweak the pressure a little. Last night’s weather had the wind speed in the range of 7 to 12, but analysis shows my 90% mark falls at 11. It doesn’t seem prudent to live on the edge of a range, so I’m going to push the ceiling up two notches to see if there is any learning there. If over time a better fitting seal is achieved and the 90% target number doesn’t change, I’ll off the APAP and run on naked CPAP at target pressure for a comparison.

I’m also thinking about turning off CFLEX to see if I can reduce the pulsing that is in the hose and mask. Having the wind at a constant rate right now might be a little better than dealing with the hose humping caused by CFLEX-1 guessing. This constant anticipation of the next breath created pressure lulls and gusts that disrupted my mental gremlins in the early stages of eyes-off.

Ah, such is life in the “Hose Brigade”.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 12:19 pm

Roger,

Sounds like you did well. The "pulsing" is typical of the Activa... it has been affectionately refered to as the "love sick octopus." Feel free to experiment with the c-flex setting, but in my experience the pulsing occured while using it with my PB 420E (no c-flex) and with my REMstar Auto (with c-flex).

Boomer · Post by **Boomer** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 12:31 pm

Roger,

With the Activa, you need to leave the headgear pretty loose, almost to the point of falling off, before turning on the machine. The mask sort of "sucks" to your face once the pressure is on.

Be sure to wash your face thoroughly just before "gearing up", helps make a better seal.

Here's to an even better night of sleep, for you,

Boomer

Kemosabe · Post by **Kemosabe** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 12:32 pm

It seems to me that the Activa flexing is reduced with Cflex. I guess it could be that the pressure inside the mask is less variable with the Cflex on, therefore less "hot octopus love action".

YMMV -- I could be completely off-base here.

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:16 pm

I don't have C-Flex so I don't know what the impact on the pushups are. I do know that I only experience it on startup and once constant pressure is achieved it stops with my inhaling. If the mask is pressing on your upper lip too much you need to adjust the top support so the mask is sticking farther out from your face. Making it the same distance all aoround to relieve that increased pressure. I found shaving my stache just under my nose also helps the seal.

Hopefully after you trim the sails a bit you'll achieve smooth sailing. good Luck.

Roger... · Post by **Roger...** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:59 pm

These are good responses that tell me to think mask first, machine second.

If my understanding is correct, it appears the pumping is a result of pressure changes in the mask wall expansion chamber that provides the dynamic seal. If that is the case, I need to get the mask to calm down, and not blame the hose or machine. In fact, it might be that the mask pumping is being caused by the exhalation phase that increases line pressure, which a more sensitive/responsive CFLEX might reduce.

Here is what I’ll change; I’ll play with the mask upper adjustment to get the planes of the mask more parallel to my mug. Then I’ll loosen up the lower straps until the mask is just against the skin. Turn on pressure and see what life is like. If that is going in the right direction, maybe with some tweaks for no leaks, then I’ll move CFLEX to #3 instead of #1 or off.

Now all I’ll need is a stiff upper lip until the tenderness goes down.

snoremonger · Post by **snoremonger** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 8:14 pm

Roger,

The octopus tried to kill me and I decided one of us had to go! Sometimes I wish I had her back when the inside edge of my nares are RAW the next day from my SNAPP.

My Dumb Medical Entrepeneaur told me the full face was a last resort option only after EVERY other possibility had been exhausted. I don't know if he meant the option being exhausted or me being exhausted!!

Nevertheless, good luck with the love mask and give it a few days.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 9:01 pm

snoremonger wrote: My Dumb Medical Entrepreneaur

First time I've seen this one... VERY FUNNY!!!

Mask	Humidifier

Mask