[Equipment] ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet vs. Respironics DreamStation Auto CPAP

[trish6hundred]

Hi aenpa,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Much success to you with your CPAP therapy and hang in there for more responses to your post.

[sdb7802]

Which wireless SD card would you recommend?

I've had good luck with the Toshiba Flash Air III 16GB (PFW016U-1CCW).

---

Be careful with that EPR. It should be set to the lowest one feels comfortable with. It lowers pressure during exhale. In some cases, it may allow the airway to close and cause an apnea event. For somebody new to treatment, 3 may be good place to start so one can get used to the machine. Than, lower settings should be tried and data monitored for changes in the efficacy.

Good point. Thanks.

The P10 mask seems to have such a small amount of venting, a minimum EPR is probably needed for comfort.

[palerider]

The P10 mask seems to have such a small amount of venting, a minimum EPR is probably needed for comfort.

check the specs in the back of the p10 manual, it vents as much air as any other mask.

it just does it in a diffused waft as opposed to a hard stream, so it's much less objectionable.

[sdb7802]

The P10 mask seems to have such a small amount of venting, a minimum EPR is probably needed for comfort.

check the specs in the back of the p10 manual, it vents as much air as any other mask.

it just does it in a diffused waft as opposed to a hard stream, so it's much less objectionable.

"seems" as in "feels like" is what I meant. At least to me.

I do like the diffuser. The P10 is the best mask I used in 15 years, but it feels a little stuffy to me (which is helped by the EPR).

Could just be me.

[GPSMapNut]

>>>>>>

The P10 mask seems to have such a small amount of venting, a minimum EPR is probably needed for comfort.

EPR or Flex is nothing more than reduction of pressure one is exhaling against. That has nothing to do with normal mask venting. Even if you would plug the vents completely, the machine would maintain the set pressure / pressure relief... well at least until it would sense that there is no airflow.
In any case, all masks have to provide enough venting to allow enough exhausted CO2 to be replaced by fresh air. That's what venting is for. Nothing to do with EPR.
On the other hand, the PAP treatment have everything to do with maintaining higher pressure inside the airway than in the surrounding environment. The pressure is what keeps the airway inflated like a balloon and open. EPR lowers that pressure during exhale. It is less critical portion of the breathing cycle yet, it is still important.

[OpalRose]

Agree, the P10 is a good mask. Compared to some other nasal pillow masks, you can't beat the diffuser on the P10.

As far as the stuffy feeling, sometimes it can be helped by using one size larger pillow.
And EPR does help.

[sdb7802]

>>>>>>

The P10 mask seems to have such a small amount of venting, a minimum EPR is probably needed for comfort.

Regardless of venting, EPR or Flex is nothing more than reduction of pressure one is exhaling against.
In any case, all masks have to provide enough venting to allow enough exhausted CO2 to be replaced by fresh air. Nothing to do with EPR.
On the other hand, the PAP treatment have everything to do with maintaining higher pressure inside the airway than in the surrounding environment. The pressure is what keeps the airway inflated like a balloon and open. EPR lowers that pressure during exhale. It is less critical portion of the breathing cycle yet, it is still important.

Just talking about comfort (for me).

[sdb7802]

Agree, the P10 is a good mask. Compared to some other nasal pillow masks, you can't beat the diffuser on the P10.

As far as the stuffy feeling, sometimes it can be helped by using one size larger pillow.
And EPR does help.

Good idea, OpalRose.

I'll see if I can use a larger pillow.

Thanks,
Steve

[Dafod]

I have the A10 and the PRS1 560. My understanding is the Dreamstation is largely the PRS1 with a new body but happy to be corrected. In my instance I used the A10 for the first 11mths of treatment. Its algorithm is such that its more aggressive in stamping out apneas than the PRS1 (qualification: "in my experience"). The downside I found with this that the rapidly changing pressure would be a catalyst for large leaks out of the P10 (really more through my mouth). In addition I tended to suffer from aerophagia. Typically my AHI would be 0.2-1.0 max.Also I found the EPR (setting at 1) to feel very natural and comfortable. The downside of this is that after a number of months of use my mouth leaks increased.

On the other hand using the same mask (P10) with the PRS1 I found the blower would typically treat me to an AHI of 0.2-3.0 max which is slightly higher than the A10 as it didn't/doesn't seem to respond as rapidly to evolving events. Given they also report different things the other incidents noted cannot really be compared. I found the PR1 was not as aggressive in responding but whereas the A10 would happily shoot up to 14 to quell emerging apneas the PRS1 has barely broken above 11. The upside of this is I no longer get aerophagia and my max leaks are never an issue and below 12ltrs. Also, while using the A10 I might have had a lower AHI I would sometimes not feel that great the next day (albeit my large leaks have never broken greater than 1.5%)

As a negative to the PRS1 I have found the flex A (setting of 1) to not be as nearly as natural and easy as the A10. Perversely I think the PRS1's Flex setting while not as relaxing or comfortable as the A10 is in some way helping me not mouth breath.

So, assuming the Dreamstation is the same algorithm as the PRS1 I would recommend either getting the Dreamstation or the A10 "for her" model that apparently has a softer algorithm that maybe gets closer to the PRS1/Dreamstation. Again, this is just from my experience and as is the case with masks, you need to find the equipment that works for you and not everyone will be the same.

[palerider]

The P10 mask seems to have such a small amount of venting, a minimum EPR is probably needed for comfort.

check the specs in the back of the p10 manual, it vents as much air as any other mask.

it just does it in a diffused waft as opposed to a hard stream, so it's much less objectionable.

"seems" as in "feels like" is what I meant. At least to me.

I do like the diffuser. The P10 is the best mask I used in 15 years, but it feels a little stuffy to me (which is helped by the EPR).

I'm just clarifying that it really does (as hard as it may be to believe) vent as much as other masks... about 20lpm at 4cm pressure up to about 50lpm at 20cm pressure.