ResMed Nasal Pillows with DreamStation?
Hello. After having to replace my Philips gel nasal pillow headgear for the 3rd time in a little over that many years because the cloth material deteriorates and stretches, not to mention the sides creep up over my cheekbones toward my eyes, I tried a ResMed Swift FX. There's far less fabric and what's there appears like I might be able to replace when it comes time, so the switch is a win on those criteria. The problem arises with the DreamStation's leak detection - it seems to report between 50 and 75 percent leakage every night even though it feels like a snug fit and there isn't any apparent leak around my nostrils. Of course I've left the DreamStation set for their proprietary nose pillows. I'm trying to decide what other headgear setting to try in the Dreamstation, or if I should try to cover a few of the expiration holes in the ResMed's hose with tape. Anyone have any thoughts or experience with a similar situation?
RE: ResMed Nasal Pillows with DreamStation?
The Dreamstation does not report percentage leakage; it reports total venting in litres per minute. That's the mask design venting plus accidental mask and mouth leakage.
If you have the little instruction book that usually comes with ResMed mask, you will find a chart that shows the design venting at various pressures. Use the pressure closest to your usual pressure and read off the vent flow. Now subtract that from the total venting that the dreamstation reports to see what your mask leakage is. If it's less than about 25 litres per minute, you're not in large leak territory yet.
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RE: ResMed Nasal Pillows with DreamStation?
The ResMed User Guide tells me to refer to the Mask/Device Compatibility List, but when I click what I believe is the link they intended, I get 'access denied'. Nice.
RE: ResMed Nasal Pillows with DreamStation?
From the Swift FX manual:
RE: ResMed Nasal Pillows with DreamStation?
I guess it's my fault for using the term "leak", when the DreamStation is expressing mask fit of 56%. I also think in terms of leakage because my AHI is one to two points above my 5 target where it had been with the Respironics nose pillows, so it's fairly apparent the intended pressure isn't reaching my airway. I found the table in the User Guide that you referred to - it shows a vent flow rate of 29 liters per minute. I have not yet found where the DreamStation tells me the flow rate you describe - still looking. Thanks for your interest and assistance.
