RichZs

Thanks Sierra. I'll check out the list. There are mask settings on the DreamStation but they are just numbers that correspond to Phillips products and it's actually hard to find what number to use for a ResMed mask. All I know is that the AHI numbers are WAY up with this mask.

I have been using a CPAP for about a year. I have a DreamStation and use a ResMed AirFitN20 Nasal mask. It's one of the few that actually fits me. However, I need something for when I can't breath through my nose. I have allergies and sooner or later I'm going to get a cold. So I tried a bunch of full face masks and none fit until I stumbled on the ResMed AirFit F30, which covers the mouth and just the bottom of the nose. It fits pretty well and doesn't seem to leak much, but my sleep quality is horrible. I've been wearing an oxygen sensor and last night I had 18 times when my O2 went below 90%. I feel horrible today. My question is do I need to change the pressure because it's a different mask? I know the DreamStation has different settings for masks too, but I can't find out which one to use for the F30 or if it'll even make a difference. Any suggestions much appreciated!!!

Also - with the F30 face mask the CPAP machine does not auto start like it does with the N20 nasal mask. Is this normal?

Thanks!

Thanks again for all your help. I was looking at the actual manual I downloaded, not the machine. It wasn't too hard to up the min pressure from 6 to 7. That may have helped, along with turning off the Flex. I feel better today. As for the mask I'll have to do more research, it's a Res Med mask, not a Phillips mask, so I'll have to see if they have a specific setting for that. Thanks again for all your help.

Sierra, after finding the manual for the device on line I figured how to turn off the Flex - I had to to access the Provider Screen Modes (what they don't want to patient to mess with I guess). I also raised the min pressure from 6 to 7 to see if that helps. But I'm really not sure about all these settings I'm probably not supposed to mess around with. Such as I don't know what the difference between C-Flex and A-Flex is. I also noticed that there is a setting you are supposed to choose for whatever mask you are using and it's not actually set to anything. Does that matter? Also, there is an "Auto Bi-level" mode for IPAP v. EPAP. I don't know that this stuff is either. I should probably ask my provider but I'll be weeks before I see him again. Again, any guidance much appreciated.

Sierra thanks for all this info. I was doing OK for a few weeks but recently feel horrible during the day and my morning migraines are coming back. Very discouraging. Here are screenshots from the past two nights. I have not yet turned Flex off as you suggested, or made any other changes why I don't know, I guess I'm sort of shy about making adjustments to the machine myself. I'll make those adjustments today and see what happens. Was supposed to have an appointment with my sleep doc last ween but he cancelled it and I can't get in to see him 'till April. Appreciate all your help.

Thanks for the tip. I'm going to try the conventional method today and see if it works. Trying not to drop more $$ on this thing!

All, thanks for your responses! Will give it a shot this weekend.

Hi all. I've searched the forum and know this topic has come up but have not found a good answer yet. It seems like the hose should be cleaned once a month - my provided recommended cleaning it in a solution of 50/50 water and white vinegar. Other folks seem to prefer just soap and water. My main question is how do you dry the hose out in time to use it the same day you clean it? I recently got a heated hose and thereupon cleaned my original non-heated hose. It's been hanging on a hanger for three days not and there is still water inside. The Rh in my house is about 30%, about as dry as you can get. I saw someone post about a Hurricane hose dryer? Is there a better/cheaper way? Thanks!

Thanks for this reply Sierra. I'm getting quite comfortable with the mask at this point. Hardly know it's on (unless I try to sleep on my side).

If I turn off Flex will it be harder to exhale? Also, I see what you mean about the clear airway events. I specifically asked my doc if I had central apnea and he said no. Should I press him harder on this? Thanks again for all your help.

OK I'll try this again. Last two nights with new nose mask and a night from a couple of weeks ago with a face mask.