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BIPAP - Problem with mask seal indicator

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mikedango +0 points · over 5 years ago Original Poster

Hi all, My first post, glad to be on here now. I have a RESMED AirCurve 10 S BIPAP for 3 1/2 years (and I've used faithfully every night). If I may, I have a question. Since last week, the mask seal indicator (frowny face) is now on all the time, however, there is absolutely no leak (checked and checked again). It actually doesn't even seem to be registering anything, very odd. Has anyone else had problems with the mask seal indicator? If so, I'm hoping you might have information on getting this fixed. Many thanks!!

Mike

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Sierra +0 points · over 5 years ago Sleep Patron

Welcome to the forum.

I use the ResMed AirSense 10 machine and have only seen the red sad face once. That was when I was trying a new mask and I did not have it adjusted tight enough to seal. The leaks were really quite bad.

As a first thought is there any chance that your mask type is not selected properly in your machine? There should be three settings; Full Face, Nasal, and Nasal Pillow. The machine uses this to compensate for the intentional mask leakage. A large mask will have a larger purge leakage than a small one.

If you are using a nasal, or nasal pillow mask, is there any chance you are opening your mouth in your sleep?

Is your machine set up to display the more detailed sleep report? And, if so what leakage rate is displayed when you go to the detailed sleep report? If you don't have that option enabled but want it, just post again and I can tell you how to display it.

And, last it may be something defective with the machine. I am not sure if ResMed will answer calls directly, or if you have to go through your supplier. Unfortunately, I believe the warranty is 3 years...

If that is the only problem with the machine, there may be other ways to get around it, if it is only a happy face/sad face issue. I generally do not use the machine to get my data, and instead use a free software program called SleepyHead to display the detailed sleep data. If you have any interest in that, just post. It does need a PC, or Mac, and an SD card reader. It may also help you diagnose the mask leakage issue.

Hope that helps some,

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mikedango +0 points · over 5 years ago Original Poster

Hi Sierra. Thanks so much for your in-depth response! I am going to check all the settings on the BIPAP as you recommend. The strange thing is that the machine worked fine with the tubing, nasal mask, etc., that I'm currently using until last week when I first noticed the problem.

You are correct that the warranty date has passed (about six months ago) so that route is closed. However, If nothing works I'm going to look into the SleepyHead program you mentioned.

The machine still works fine with the exception of this issue, so I'm going to continue using it since I don't want to pay for a new machine.

Thanks again!

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Sierra +0 points · over 5 years ago Sleep Patron

SleepyHead should quickly tell you if you have a serious problem with the machine or not. Historical data should be stored on your SD card that you can go back to and determine when things changed (if they changed).

If the more detailed sleep report is not enabled on your machine, you can do that by going into the Clinical Menu. Just hold the Home key and round set button down together for 5 seconds. This will bring up the Clinical Menu. It works much like the standard menu. Go into settings and scroll down to the Options section and to the Essentials item. Push it to select the options. Change the selection from On to Plus. Then use the Home key to back out to the User Menu. That should give you a more detailed sleep report including your leak rate, over the interval you select.

Here are the links for SleepyHead.

SleepyHead Download

SleepyHead Basic Manual

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