Mask backpressure/exhaust

[kingfisher]

A Question.

I am using a RemStarAuto, and it’s been wonderful, although I have a problem with full-face masks I do have to use these, and the Respironics mask is not a comfortable fit, so I am using a Fisher & Paykel full face instead, and it is quite a bit more comfortable than the Respironics.

But and this is the problem I am not convinced the F & P mask suites this Respironics machine as my breathing feels different.

It could be there is a difference in what I would term as Back Pressure or exhaust between the two masks, the Respironics seems to get rid of the Exhaust better, perhaps it handles Back Pressure better.

Is there any specification or measurement available to show this difference that I seem to detect resulting in a treatment deficiency?

[Joe McManus]

Do you have a FlexiFit 431 or 432? The diffuser either has a material filter or it's maintenance free. The former could be dislodged perhaps causing air not to flow out freely?

[kingfisher]

Thank you Joe.

The mask is numbered 431, there is no filter fitted only a series of small holes at the top of the mask.
There is also a pair of flap valves in the air supply tube.
I have washed the mask to remove any accumulated deposits so the mask is working perfectly as designed.

[Joe McManus]

Is C-Flex on on the machine?

[kingfisher]

Hm, Hm, Well thats a very good question Stanley. (sorry Joe).

Well, can it be turned off? The hospital set up my sim card, they asked for the card for this purpose.

But they didnt ask for the machine as It belongs to me, the hospital could not supply one at the time you see, anyway I suppose it would tell me in the pannel?

[Joe McManus]

The button on the far right is to do with C-Flex. I don't have mine here so have a look in the manual you should have gotten with it. Off the top of my head, C-Flex has 3 settings. 1, 2 and off. Turn it on to make exhalation easier as there will be less air pushed in the mask so you may find less trouble with the exhaust/diffuser.

[kingfisher]

Ok this makes the original question easier, the C-flex is on, with a downward arrow in the Icon, but the machine is fully auto preset by the hospital Resp Clinic and I can’t make any changes, only Machine on and off.

Which is brilliant, so we are back to the original question as the operator intervention is ruled out.

Can you help with the original question.

[Joe McManus]

C-Flex not being on was the only thing I could think of. So if it is on, on the max possible setting, there's another reason for air building up inside the mask.

Looking at http://www.fphcare.com/osa/flexifit431.asp



Your pressure seems to be higher than your lung and the diffuser can handle together.

Perhaps give F&P a ring. Tel: +44-1628 626 136

http://www.fphcare.com/contact/

[kingfisher]

Thank you Joe

How did you add this picture, am I allowed to add small pictures, as my mask does not have the exhaust here, it is in front of the nose and a little above in the main body, and add to this the two ports at the flap valves.

[Joe McManus]

Yes, just press this button just above where you type a reply: That's if the image is online somewhere already.

If it's not online yet but on your local machine, go to "Advanced Reply" mode and scroll down to below where you type the reply. Under "Additional Options" you will find a button with "Manage Attachments". There you can upload a picture to this forum and include it automatically.