PR System One resistance control and ResMed mask equivalent?

[hyperlexis]

This seems to be a perpetual concern for PR System One users, but I was wondering if anyone has done the actual math on this yet -- i.e. calculating equivalent "resistance level" settings for System One machines using NON-PR masks vs. PR masks? The numbers would be helpful to determine what "Resistance Level" to set a PR System One at for using Non-PR masks. I know you can turn the feature off completely, but that defeats the entire purpose of the feature -- which, according to PR, is that the machine alters the pressure output levels at the machine end to ensure more accurate pressures occurring at the mask end, thus compensating for the resistance levels of the individual masks, tubing, etc. (i.e. output to the patient is at the optimal, intended pressure, compensating for the adverse(?) effects of each mask type). (http://systemoneresistancecontrol.respironics.com/)

In my case, my DME just gave me a Mirage Quattro and a Swift FX, so now I actually have more non-PR masks than genuine PR masks in my kit bag. The ResMed mask cushions have just fit me far better, and felt far more comfortable than have the PR masks, especially my PR Amara, which has a much shallower cushion compared to the ResMed Quattro FF masks. So I'd like to stick with the ResMeds, but would like to learn whether they have an equivalent resistance setting, compared to the PR masks.

I have read through the "pressure-flow curve" charts and "resistance" charts included in the manual for the Quattros, and am having difficulty comparing them.

The Resmed Mirage Quattro instructions state: "Resistance: Drop in pressure measured (nominal) at 50L/min: 0.5 cm H2O; at 100 L/min: 1.6 cm H2O"

My Resmed Quattro FX instructions state: "Resistance ... : Drop in pressure (nominal) at 50 L/min: 0.1L/min: 0.1 cm H2O; at 100 L/min: 0.5 cm H2O"

My PR FullLife FF mask (Which has a PR Resistance Setting of #X1) instructions states: "Pressure Drop cm H2O ... 50 SLPM : 0.5; 100 SLPM 1.1"

The PR Amara FF mask (Which also has a PR Resistance Setting of #X1) Instructions states "Drop in Pressure at .... 50 SLPM: 0.6; 100 SLPM 1.5"

Does the PR resistance control setting only depend on the resistance "Drop in Pressure" numbers of a mask, or does it also relate to the "pressure flow curve" numbers (which were quite different for each mask) or "dead space" etc.? If just the pressure drop, then the Mirage Quattro seems pretty close to a PR Amara, which has a resistance control setting of "X1". The Mirage FX is harder to tell because the pressure drop is not as similar.

I called PR a few weeks ago and they said they had no resistance control equivalent numbers for non PR masks, and would not offer any help, which is kind of a s-itty attitude to take. It reminds me of printer companies telling people they should only use their expensive OE ink cartridges - or else they'll ruin the printer and/or the world will come to an end.....

The S9 has a much better take on the issue with machine settings for simply pillows, nasal and full face masks, regardless of brand.

Very very confusing situation. Any experts out there who could opine?

[notbob]

This is the question i was going to ask as well. I also have the PR System one and was wondering what resistance setting for the Swift LT?

[deltadave]

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=74076

[deltadave]

Yo HL! Did that answer your question?