Less pressure needed with nasal pillows?

[chemmkl]

Is it expected that nasal pillows require less pressure (about 2cm) than nasal masks to achieve similar results? I've tried nasal pillows for the very first time last night and the max pressure in Auto CPAP is 2cm less than the usual with nasal mask, AHI equally good.

If that is the case, does it say anything about the apnea type? Thanks!

[OpalRose]

You could post a a couple charts for comparison, reflecting the use of the two different masks.

[Sleeprider]

I have said for a long time that the use of nasal pillows can reduce the need for pressure. This is due to less volume in the mask and direct application of pressure to the nasal airway. It's like driving a sports car instead of a station wagon; there is a direct connection to the power and no slop in response. Your findings are consistent with my own.

[chemmkl]

You could post a a couple charts for comparison, reflecting the use of the two different masks.

I've attached both screenshots, with AirFit N20 (AHI 0.00 in the screenshot) and AirFit P10 (AHI 0.64).

Thanks!

[chemmkl]

I have said for a long time that the use of nasal pillows can reduce the need for pressure. This is due to less volume in the mask and direct application of pressure to the nasal airway.   It's like driving a sports car instead of a station wagon; there is a direct connection to the power and no slop in response. Your findings are consistent with my own.

Now that you've mentioned it I think it makes sense from a physics perspective: with constant pressure but narrower output it would increase the velocity of the air, the same way that a pressure washer nozzle (or garden hose) works. And with more speed it will have more energy to kick down things or force the airway open.

I am also wondering if the fact that nose pillows are more side-sleeper-friendly are also a factor. Check this out:




This is from the same night I have attached in my other reply in this thread for the AirFit N20 nasal mask. I also had a O2 ring that night and I've put here the movement chart next to the pressure. You can see that between 04:30 and 05:20 there as a constant decrease in the pressure needed to keep the airway open and it closely matches with two big peaks in movement, that I am understanding as me getting either on my side or on my back. Is that also your understanding?

Thanks!

[stevew77]

I've noticed the same using an ASV with the N30i vs F30i, both great masks. It helps to use a chin strap or mouth tape if you find yourself mouth breathing with high levels of leakage with the nasal pillow vs. full face mask. If you have problems breathing through your nose, consider using Breathe Right strips, or the generic equivalent.