[Equipment] Pillow/mask setting impact on data

[apneaeric]

My Airsense 10 Autoset shows me using a "pillow." Actually I use a Mirage FX, which I think categorizes as a face mask, not a "pillow."

I'll go in a change it, but I'm wondering whether this setting makes any different in the data or in its interpretation by OSCAR.

[Geer1]

The main reason is believed to be affecting reported leak rates. Resmed reports unintentional leak rates by subtracting the vent rate for the type of selected mask (compared to Phillips Respironics which reports all leaks including normal leaking).

Some mask rates vary though (for example an F20 with quietair elbow is clearly different then a regular elbow although still a full face mask) so I am not sure how clinically relevant the changes are.

I have seen some theories on it affecting operation by taking into account mask resistance (hose type setting affects this for example) but I haven't seen literature/evidence to back that up whereas there is Resmed documentation saying you have to select the right mask type to calculate unintentional leak.

[clownbell]

Let's ask a related question. Suppose you have a ResMed AirSense 10 machine but you use a DreamWear nasal cradle mask. How does ResMed know which nasal mask you are wearing? Does ResMed have specs on all masks so they can subtract the expected leak rate particular to the mask you are wearing. My guess -- they don't know which mask you are wearing, so the subtract a ResMed expected mask leak and go from there. Lots of wiggle room for errors here.