safety of wearing umffm while not connected to cpap machine

steve7e · Post by **steve7e** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 10:56 am

I've been trialing the Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask. I leave the mask on during my nightly trip to the bathroom because the clips are difficult for me to use due to a physical disability. I have to clip it in front of the mirror, I would rather clip it just once. I have the mask on, disconnected from the machine for about 10 minutes. Is this safe? Also is there another full face mask that would be easier for me to put on and take off.
Thanks. Steve

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:00 am

Steve,

It's my understanding that your mask includes a safety feature so that if the power goes off in the middle of the night you won't suffocate. I would think that would take care of the problem.

Does anyone else know anything different?

Mindy

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:01 am

It is not the best way to operate, a lot of masks warn against it, as it can cause rebreathing CO2. I've never had a mask I couldn't remove in 15 sec.

I don't want to drop my hose in the toilet and drown. Jim

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:02 am

I have done it ever since I started. I did it with my FFM and now with my NAII. I see no problem breathing through the connection. I disconnect at the mask so I don't breath through the hose.

Jerry

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:10 am

Yes, perfectly safe.

The masks have an "Anti Asphyxia Valve" which allows you to breathe in case the machine should happen to power off while still attached to your face. This also works for the situation you asked about.

Here's the part in question:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... masks.html

Den

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:13 am

Ok boys and girls, I went straight to the horse's mouth (or nose) so to speak. From Resmed's web site, below is the link, followed by a quote on that web page:

http://www.resmed.com/en-us/products/se ... oducts#Q15

What if the electricity goes off? Will I still be able to breathe using the full face mask?

Yes, the ResMed Full Face Masks have a special anti-asphyxia valve that opens if your PAP device loses power. This feature allows you to breathe room air in the event of a power failure.

I would think that if you remove hose to get up for bathroom trip, it would do the same.

Mindy

jsmythe · Post by **jsmythe** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 5:50 pm

[quote="steve7e"]I've been trialing the Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask. I leave the mask on during my nightly trip to the bathroom because the clips are difficult for me to use due to a physical disability. I have to clip it in front of the mirror, I would rather clip it just once. I have the mask on, disconnected from the machine for about 10 minutes. Is this safe? Also is there another full face mask that would be easier for me to put on and take off.
Thanks. Steve

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): mirage[/quote

Hello, I use the UMFF also. The swivel that connects to the hose has a quick release clip. I use this, as it is easier to use that trying to clip and unclip the straps in the dark. I have arthritic hands and fingers and have no problem using the quick release clip. Check out the manual, it will show you how to do it.

Joyce

FreeLancer74 · Post by **FreeLancer74** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 6:04 pm

This makes me ask, how is a CPAP mask any different from a swimming snorkel? People snorkel for long periods of time breathing through a tube with no asphixiation problems (as far as I know). Would breathing out of your mask tube disconnected from your machine be any different?

Perchancetodream · Post by **Perchancetodream** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 6:09 pm

I wear the Hybrid mask and leave it on all night without any apparent harm. I'm afraid that if I take it off for even a short time I will succumb to the temptation to leave it off!

Susan

roster · Post by **roster** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 7:02 pm

I never take the Hybrid off for those nightly "tinkle" runs. I even leave the hose attached and wrap it around my neck twice.

I don't know that I would want to breathe like this for 30 minutes, but a short run to the restroom is fine.

jennmary · Post by **jennmary** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 9:13 pm

If it is detached from the hose then you not only have the valve....but you have that big open hole where the hose plugs in. This is why the UMFF has the easy release deal from the hose. I do it all the time when I wear the UMFF. It is perfectly fine and safe. I find it kind of funny that every one is looking up stuff on valves. Sometimes the easy answer is the right one. Even without a valve....big hole in front of mask where hose attaches=air.

safety of wearing umffm while not connected to cpap machine

safety of wearing umffm while not connected to cpap machine

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