F&P full face mask flap question
Putting aside the combination rainout and dry mouth at the same time (for now), I decided to switch to a full face mask (I had been using a nostril mask for a number of years.
I tried two F&P full masks. An Evora Full (got from the approved vendor), and a Vitera (got on Amazon). They have flaps in the elbows that connect the the hose to the CPAP system (Resmed 10, 10.4 pressure). The flaps stay open, they do not close between breaths. Aren't they supposed to close between breaths?
For the time being, back on the nostril mask.
RE: F&P full face mask flap question
No, they only close when pressure is removed to keep you from rebreathing expelled air.
RE: F&P full face mask flap question
I sent email to Customer.CareUSA@fphcare.com, and had asked them the same question. Their response was "Yes, what you described sounds like a defect as the flaps should be closing and opening when breathing."
So, Who should I believe?
RE: F&P full face mask flap question
I cannot explain their answer. This is what I have been taught and observed…
- No CPAP mask has exhaust valves, but they do have exhaust vents.
- You may be talking about anti-asphyxia valves, which stay closed when the machine is running.
- The anti-asphyxia valves open and provide fresh air when the machine is no longer running.
- Breathed air is expelled through the exhaust vents which have no valves to close them.
I have the same mask and the anti-asphyxia valves remain open whilst under pressure. When pressure is removed they close.
RE: F&P full face mask flap question
I have not used this site for a number of years and see that my profile information (CPAP machine, mask) are not current. How to change? We are not using the same equipment.
RE: F&P full face mask flap question
(05-09-2024, 02:27 PM)louwho Wrote: I have not used this site for a number of years and see that my profile information (CPAP machine, mask) are not current. How to change? We are not using the same equipment.
UserCP top right >> Edit profile
RE: F&P full face mask flap question
I use the Evora FFM and yes there is a flap in the elbow which opens and closes as you breathe. I’ve read somewhere that its purpose is to prevent you from asphyxiating should power be lost. When I cleaned my mask the first time, I didn’t realize until I went to bed later that night that my flap was stuck in the open position. A noisy gush of air immediately alerted me to a problem. I had to use a tweezer to push the flap back into the close position. Now I double check it after every wash ritual.
05-09-2024, 07:28 PM
(This post was last modified: 05-09-2024, 07:35 PM by PeaceLoveAndPizza.)
RE: F&P full face mask flap question
Here is a link to a brief video I just made that shows the "flap" opening and closing with no pressure applied. Once the CPAP machine is started at around 00:20, the flap opens and does not move again until pressure is removed.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7ejsd6m3q...s1hzc&dl=0
RE: F&P full face mask flap question
RE: F&P full face mask flap question
I want back to F&P customer care, and pointed them to the posting. It took a couple of weeks and repeat emails, but they finally responded...
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It turns out I was wrong with my initial statement. Please review the full explanation below:
“The Silicone flap in the Anti Asphyxiation Valve, is open when the air flows from the CPAP. There’s positive flow towards the patient, both during inhalation and exhalation, when the CPAP is on and the flap will be in open position. The exhaust holes in the mask are designed to minimize rebreathing of exhaled CO2 and will always have some flow going through, irrespective of whether the flap is open or closed.
Flap is designed to be in closed position when the machine is off and no flow going through to the patient. This flap in closed position enables patients to breathe through to the ambient, bypassing the CPAP tube, especially when the machine is off. IF the patient notices that the flap is stuck in the open position and not closing when the machine is off , they should stop using the mask and return it for investigation.”
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Kudos !
Not sure If I need to start another posting or not, but, moving on...
I have been on CPAP for a number of years, in particular on non-vented nostril masks. That is where you use wax to seal the venting holes in the mask, and use a whisper swivel at the connection to the CPAP hose, for exhalation. Dry mouth and a change of doctors and him wanting me to go to a vented mask is why I am here getting information. A full face mask, with the pressure on the nose bridge really bothers me, so that is why I have tried the Evora mask.
I tried it again last night (for a short period), and it is just a sooo very different experience for me. Staring with the air coming out on top, and being able to feeling it on my chest if the angle is correct, and, I can hear the CPAP machine basically recycle every time I breath in (I don't hear that with the non-vented nostril mask). Do others hear that, or is it related to the ResMed AirSense 10 only?
I really do hope that https://apnimed.com/ completes their work soon. My doctor says that they will have a medicine out sometime this year that basically does with medicine what that Inspire implant does. Probably a topic for another posting.
