Differences between full face and nasal settings ResMed AirSense 10

ResMed's contact section on their site has always failed for me. I would like to know what changes in the function of an AirSense 10 by switching between nasal and full face mask. (There is also a pillows setting.)

I also wonder if an Evora Full Face mask (a hybrid mask) should use the nasal or full face function. A mask similar to it by ResMed, also a full face hybrid, uses the nasal setting. Fisher Paykel does not know the answer nor does my DME.

Can anyone help me with this question?

Thanks.

I can't give you a specific answer as to what setting you should use. The mask settings compensate for the leakage rate of the designed in mask vent so the reported leak rate is correct. The vent flow is subtracted from the total leakage. So if you do some research on the ResMed masks try to find one that is similar in vent flow to the one you are using. Then use the setting ResMed recommends for that mask. Normally the vent flow is included in the user manual for the mask. Smaller volume masks use less vent flow than large full face type masks. The purpose of the vent flow is to keep CO2 levels from building up too high.

I had the same issue with the ResMed contact section not being very helpful. From my experience, when you switch between nasal and full face masks on the AirSense 10, it adjusts the pressure and airflow to suit each type. For the Evora Full Face mask, which is a hybrid, I found that using the full face setting worked better for me, even though some sources suggest using the nasal setting. It might be worth trying both settings to see what feels most comfortable for you. If you’re still unsure, your sleep specialist could offer more personalized advice.

Here is the vent flow specification for the Evora. At 12 cm pressure the vent flow is 35 L/min

Here is the vent flow spec for the ResMed F40 mask which is very similar. At 12 cm pressure the vent flow is about 36 L/min. So almost exactly the same. ResMed recommends the "Pillows" setting for the F40. The Evora is just slightly less flow, so the Pillows setting would also be appropriate for it too.

These diagrams can be found in the user manual for each of these masks.

Thank you very much. ejbpesca

It is now a curiosity for me as to why the auto start of the AirSense 10 ceases to function with the machine set to Pillows. The auto-off still works. If I cover the exhaust ports on the mask and blow air through it forcefully, this will sometimes trigger auto-on to function.

Auto Start ceases to function with an Evora FF mask and AirSense 10 set to pillows. Return to the full face mask setting and Auto Start functions. I wonder if AutoStart not working with the pillows setting is trying to tell me something.

Just saw a post from an F40 user who also has auto-start fail with that hybrid mask set to Pillows. My Evora FF set to FF starts the AirSense with one breath, every time for six months. Set to pillows, no auto-start. I am very curious as to why.