Curiousity: use of mask over pillows
Question:
> 1) Does using a mask instead of the pillows require any change > in the air pressure that the CPAP machine puts out? When I > have my Gold Seal on, it seems to me that I’m seeing less pressure > when i exhale vs the nasal pillows.
Theoretically no, but I seem to feel more rested after a night with nasal pillows than with the mask. > 3) Do all masks (I know at least the Gold Seal uses them) have > spacers that you need to use? (The spacer attaches to the top of > the mask and puts pressure on your forehead, right above the nose).
The Mirage mask doesn’t use spacers but has adjustment tabs built in. I started with a Gold Seal, but find the Mirage a lot more comfortable and leak-free. As above, I usually use the pillows because they seem more effective, even though the Mirage is more comfortable. Mike
Response:
On Fri, 07 May 1999 18:43:05 GMT, in alt.support.sleep-disorder Bob Myers <rjmye…@gte.net> wrote: >I’m comparing use of nasal pillows over the Gold Seal mask >(possibly other masks fit into this conversation too). I have >a few questions for those of you who’ve done this before: >1) Does using a mask instead of the pillows require any change >in the air pressure that the CPAP machine puts out? When I >have my Gold Seal on, it seems to me that I’m seeing less pressure >when i exhale vs the nasal pillows.
There’s no need to change the air pressure. Your CPAP will provide the flow necessary to develop your titrated pressure. Remember that the nasal pillows (and the Respironics Monarch mask) inflate your nostrils because there is only atmospheric pressure outside, whereas inside there’s {atmospheric plus your CPAP pressure}. With a mask you have the same {atmospheric plus your CPAP pressure} inside and out. So the difference is that nasal pillows allow your CPAP to splint open your nostrils, just like it splints open your airway. — Tony Polson, North Yorkshire, UK
Response:
Hi; I’m comparing use of nasal pillows over the Gold Seal mask (possibly other masks fit into this conversation too). I have a few questions for those of you who’ve done this before: 1) Does using a mask instead of the pillows require any change in the air pressure that the CPAP machine puts out? When I have my Gold Seal on, it seems to me that I’m seeing less pressure when i exhale vs the nasal pillows. 2) Can anyone recommend a good chin strap that can be used with a mask? Tried both chin straps that Respironics (Deluxe and the one that went with the softcap headgear) and both don’t seem to do the job keeping me from exhaling via my mouth. 3) Do all masks (I know at least the Gold Seal uses them) have spacers that you need to use? (The spacer attaches to the top of the mask and puts pressure on your forehead, right above the nose). Thanks for all feedback/inputs. Bob
