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Any BiPAP can work as a CPAP. However, it is not entirely correct to say that they are the same or EPR can do the same job. BiPAP is a far more complex machine used to treat different disorders than OSA. Using BiPAP when you don't really need it can create problems with your breathing. Make sure you have the right treatment and that the doctor explains to you why it is the right treatment.
Yes, your machine can run as a CPAP. In fact that's the only way we use that particular model. From your description it may well already be running as a CPAP.
ResMed really don't seem to care. In fact, for them, it's a bonus because of all of the extra head gear they sell. That's Capitalism at work - you should be thankful (not).
You breathe in a lot of tap water anyway, whenever you shower, use the hose in the garden, run a tap or do anything else that agitates the water. If you don't get a respiratory infection from this then using it in your humidifier should make no difference. The only real risk with infection from humidifiers occurs when they (and tubing if it gets condensation) are not allowed to dry out every day. When a humidifier chamber or tubing remain damp long term this will eventually lead to mold growth. Mold can cause nasty infections. Drying your equipment every day will prevent growth of pathogens.
I'm not a huge fan of either of those 2 full face mask you mentioned (the Quattro and The F20). I much prefer either the Fisher & Paykel Simplus or the Respironics Amara View. In most cases they fit better and are more comfortable.
The main thing is to keep an eye on it and make sure it goes back down again. There a several different reasons I can think of that could cause this, but if it's a one-off then the cause is somewhat irrelevant.
C-Flex and A-flex do reduce the pressure on expiration, but not always by the same amount as is the case with EPR. I cannot remember the details of exactly how C-Flex differs from EPR (one of the reps explained it to me recently) but it is effectively the same thing and I can testify from first hand experience that it can cause the same problems as EPR. Use with caution and consultation.
Sounds like you had the wrong treatment from the get go. Like we keep saying, find yourself a trustworthy sleep specialist. It makes a huge difference.
I agree with WiredGeorge. I think the whole idea of a nebulous and sleep "score" is silly. Look at the more objective data that mean something like AHI and leak rate.
When you say that the "Airsense adjusts pressure", do you mean actual pressure adjustment or just leak compensation? All CPAP machines have compensated for leak for years, but only and AirSense Auto will adjust its pressure. AirSense is the name of the entire current range of machines from ResMed, including autoset and fixed pressure.
