Redeye wrote:A few humbly submitted comments on this thread:
1) Initial size decisions are made very obvious from the sizing video on Redmed's web site. You just need to hold just the pillows near your nostrils and look in a mirror. It's super easy to tell what size to start with.
i've watched this video a few times now. are you trying to size up your nostril size to the widest part of the nasal pillow? what exactly are you looking for here?
2) I love the comment about snug, but not tight re: the straps. That has worked for me. Another video on Resmed's web site helps greatly as a starting point.
snug but not tight is pretty objective, but it seems if you have it too tight it would make your nose kind of push up in an unnatural way.
3) Sometimes when sleeping (all right!!!), the behind-head-strap slips up a bit, loosening the mask. I just pull that strap down towards my neck and that resettles everything nicely.
good idea, will try this.
4) The size indicator on the pillows is always to the left, i.e. on the side with your left arm. That hint has made it always easy for me to keep from putting the thing on backwards.
also a good suggestion though i've never had a problem with the pillows being upside down.
Thanks much,
Redeye
When viewed holding just the pillows near the end of your nose, it should be obvious if the size you're holding comes even close to the width/position of your nostrils. It's very easy to tell if a certain size will be way off or close, espicially because they ship all three with the mask. If the Small looks too wide, then an XS can be ordered.asylvia wrote:Redeye wrote:A few humbly submitted comments on this thread:
1) Initial size decisions are made very obvious from the sizing video on Redmed's web site. You just need to hold just the pillows near your nostrils and look in a mirror. It's super easy to tell what size to start with.
i've watched this video a few times now. are you trying to size up your nostril size to the widest part of the nasal pillow? what exactly are you looking for here?
...
Redeye
The "best" size is the one that is most comfortable in the snug position and has the best leak parameters...asylvia wrote:well i've used all three, and all three fit in my nose.....which one is the best, i've still not figured out.
Leaks are often misquoted because they can be l/min; l/sec; Median; 95 Percentile; Max; or entered wrongly on the machine if it's ResMed.asylvia wrote:hey good write up, and i agree that masks are more interesting than the machines. ive been working with my FX for about a week and am now back on the medium sized pillows but still getting leaks around .3. i don't know how others are achieving leaks of 0.
Nord wrote:Leaks are often misquoted because they can be l/min; l/sec; Median; 95 Percentile; Max; or entered wrongly on the machine if it's ResMed.asylvia wrote:hey good write up, and i agree that masks are more interesting than the machines. ive been working with my FX for about a week and am now back on the medium sized pillows but still getting leaks around .3. i don't know how others are achieving leaks of 0.
Not everyone understands what is being quoted...
Are you seeing your leaks on software ??
If so... when are they happening ??
Do they happen in relation to other events ??
What mask do you have entered on your S8 ??
Is .3 in l/sec ??
Do you mouth breath while sleeping ??
You need a lot of detail... to fine tune problems... it is work.
I am seeing the leak rate on the machine itself and on my restraxx website that my DME tracks my data on.
i have entered into my S8 that the mask is a "swift"
and yes the leak is .3 l/sec.
i do not believe i mouth breathe while sleeping. and this leak rate has increased since using the activa lt when it was between 0 and 1, so i don't think this is related to mouth breathing.
Nord
The leak rating on your LCD gives you a 95 percentile rating which bis the one you should care most about...asylvia wrote: I am seeing the leak rate on the machine itself and on my restraxx website that my DME tracks my data on.
i have entered into my S8 that the mask is a "swift"
and yes the leak is .3 l/sec.
i do not believe i mouth breathe while sleeping. and this leak rate has increased since using the activa lt when it was between 0 and 1, so i don't think this is related to mouth breathing.
Nord, I asked you about this on the other thread, too, but it's dropped off the first page. Your theory sounds good, but I think you posted in the other thread that you have only been using the FX and LT for a short period of time.The silicone pillows on the FX are much thicker material for the base and inner pillow layer.
It has to be... because the pillows on LT are supported by a heavier silicone base.
It also appears that the FX pillows inner membrane is stiffer and heavier material as it does not collapse as easily as the LT by rudimentary testing by myself.
My guess is that ResMed responded to complaints about collapsing pillows and made changes to the Nare molds accordingly.
Nord wrote:The leak rating on your LCD gives you a 95 percentile rating which bis the one you should care most about...asylvia wrote: I am seeing the leak rate on the machine itself and on my restraxx website that my DME tracks my data on.
i have entered into my S8 that the mask is a "swift"
and yes the leak is .3 l/sec.
i do not believe i mouth breathe while sleeping. and this leak rate has increased since using the activa lt when it was between 0 and 1, so i don't think this is related to mouth breathing.
0.3l/sec is rated by ResMed as "Good"...
ResMed:
5 * = excellent: 0.00 - 0.18 L/second,
4 * = very good: 0.19 -0.26
3* = good: 0.27-0.34
Anything higher than that = adjust mask.
That being said, your rating of "good" takes into consideration what your therapy is accomplishing already... your rating by AHI.
It's hard to tell everything by LCD but your can see the direction of your therapy and how you feel is the best indicator.
What makes you think that you DO NOT mouth breathe ??
i just assume i'm not mouth breathing because i know i breathe through my nose when i sleep. maybe i should try the tape.
I thought I didn't at all... but I do with some masks... like the FX.
Try taping your mouth for a couple of nights to be sure.
Check the results on the screen.
Do you sleep on your back side or stomach ??
i usually sleep on my back, occasionally side. (i used to sleep on my stomach but that doesn't work anymore)
Do you move around a lot ??
i don't think i move around too much
Do you get any snores ??
no snoring since i started apap use.
Is your DME any help ??
my dme said before i started with the FX that i'd probably experience more leaks, but i just assumed since there are people on cpaptalk.com getting zero leaks, why can't i !
I believe that if the FX is comfortable for you and there are no leaks when you set it up till you sleep...
then it just adjusting and spending time getting it right.
For me... My thoughts...the most important factors favouring the FX is:
Light mask to not pull away from seal.
Small protrusion for side sleeping and moving.
Works on low pressure (7 cm) and with EPR with no complaint (unlike Activa LT)
Comfortable to wear (great) and breathe through (OK)
the reason i switched to the FX was that especially now since it's getting warmer, my face has been sweating under the activa lt, so i guess i wanted a more comfortable mask. and the FX is definitely more comfortable.
Nord
You're Right Janknitz...Janknitz wrote:Nord, I asked you about this on the other thread, too, but it's dropped off the first page. Your theory sounds good, but I think you posted in the other thread that you have only been using the FX and LT for a short period of time.The silicone pillows on the FX are much thicker material for the base and inner pillow layer.
It has to be... because the pillows on LT are supported by a heavier silicone base.
It also appears that the FX pillows inner membrane is stiffer and heavier material as it does not collapse as easily as the LT by rudimentary testing by myself.
My guess is that ResMed responded to complaints about collapsing pillows and made changes to the Nare molds accordingly.
Seems to me that many people are reporting that the FX pillows break down just as quickly as the LT pillows--I was wondering how long you've been using the FX and if you find that to be the case?
I love the LT, would very much like to try the FX, but I'm very fed up with the pillow quality on the LT and if I'm going to have the same issues with an FX it's time for me to jump ship and pick another manufacturer who builds a little more quality into the materials (I'm considering the Opus 360).
My most recent set of LT pillows seemed to start leaking after just 8 days--that's a ridiculously short period of time. I'm carefully following the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and treating them VERY gently, and STILL having this problem. GRRRRRRR!!!!
You may have mouth breathing even if you are used to breathing through your nose.asylvia wrote: i just assume i'm not mouth breathing because i know i breathe through my nose when i sleep. maybe i should try the tape.
i usually sleep on my back, occasionally side. (i used to sleep on my stomach but that doesn't work anymore)
i don't think i move around too much
no snoring since i started apap use.
my dme said before i started with the FX that i'd probably experience more leaks, but i just assumed since there are people on cpaptalk.com getting zero leaks, why can't i !
the reason i switched to the FX was that especially now since it's getting warmer, my face has been sweating under the activa lt, so i guess i wanted a more comfortable mask. and the FX is definitely more comfortable.