Bravida Mask Clicking

[RNeil]

I have used my F&P Bravida nasal pillow mask for three years. I have been impressed with how quiet it is compared with other masks I have tried. 

I recently have had trouble with a loud click when I exhale. It's as if a check valve is closing. Previously I found that it would stop if I did not breathe as deeply. But last night it wouldn't stop and my wife was complaining. I took the mask into the bathroom, turned on the light and put on my glasses. I did not see a check valve or any reason for the clicking. I went back to bed and put my head under the covers to muffle the sound. I got more complaints this morning.

Does anyone know what causes the noise? Does anyone know what I can do?

[pholynyk]

You might test the ball joint where the hose meets the frame. Mine seems to be loose enough to click, although I haven't noticed it myself.
I suspect the cure is a new mask

[RNeil]

A clicking ball joint is the best theory. It is loose. I read your post, put on the mask and started the machine, but it wasn't clicking. It doesn't do it consistently.

It would click when the mask pressure transitions from positive to negative. According to OSCAR, the mask pressure is never less than 4.7 cm of water. I do not have a sensor in the mask. I suspect the "mask pressure" is really blower output pressure. It is possible to calculate mask pressure by multiplying humidifier plus hose resistance and flow rate, and subtracting this pressure drop from blower output pressure. I doubt that Resmed does this.

I had minimum pressure = 8.2, EPR = 3 and ramp starting at 8. OSCAR says the pressure immediately after start is 8 and EPAP is 5. I changed the ramp start to 8.2. I hope that will help.

[RNeil]

It started doing the clicking this morning. I figured out that it was coming from the pillow. There is a fold that is shifting. I will order a new pillow today. I will probably use the Resmed P10 mask until I get it.

[RNeil]

Replacing the pillow fixed the problem. Not sure how old the other one was, maybe more than a year.