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The instructions on my Fisher & Paychel 405 Flexfit mask say that it is allright to use the mask with or without the diffuser and that the airflow should be the same. I felt when using the diffuser that there was not enough air flow. Last night I tried the mask without the diffuser. There was a tremendous amount of airflow. I woke up about 2 hours later with my right nostril (slept on my right side) severely blocked and my left ear feeling strange. When I felt my ear, the canal was narrowed. I did not feel good so got up. The humidifier setting was on 5 on a Respironics Pro with C-Flex and a Respironics heated humidifier.

Do you think that there must be a compatability issue between my Respironics cpap machine and the F & P mask? Ted, you say you are a breeze enthusiast and that you used the Puritan Bennet cpap machine at one time. Could it be that was why the Breeze and cpap machine worked out so well for you is because they were made by the same manufacturer?

Perhaps it would be helpful if people who post would tell what mask and machine combination they are using.

Yoga

Hi Yoga,

I think you will be ok using the diffuser on your mask. Though you may not feel the exhaust, it is there. I have that mask and I have experimented with and without the diffuser.

As for using a specific mask with a specific cpap machine, I know that a cpap machine is the equivalant to a leaf blower. In other words, the machine is set to put out 10cm and it puts out 10cm of air constantly. There is nothing variable as there is with an Autocpap.

I have spoken to the support department of serveral conpanies and they all say the same for thier auto products. The machine is calibrated to be used with thier own masks. It has to do with vent flow specs, I do believe.

I have also known many people who differ from the opinion of the manufacturures. They will use many diffferent masks on an autopap, and they say it isn't a big deal.

I tend to believe the companies, because I did a trial of the VPAP III, bilevel and used the software. With my breeze mask, I would download an AHI of 17. That was alarming to me. so I used an Ultra Mirage mask the next night and my AHI dropped to 2. Same company for mask and VPAP III.

You should be fine using any mask with a regular cpap. I especially like the Fisher & Payke; masks, and find that they are mostly underated or under-known. The Flexfit HC 405 is really quiet and very comfortable. I love the glider system of attaching the headgear.

I hope I have answered your question.

Cheers,

Ted