Mask Modding

[DocWils]

A lot of people don't take their masks lying down, so to speak (okay, don't all hit groan bucket at once!) and have modified their masks or other parts of their system to make it more comfortable, better or just plain more fun and decorative - I'm wondering if we can share our experiences on this (pics welcome, if the Moderator allows).

I'll start the ball rolling - I use a Swift Flex nasal pillow system, but the hose was getting to be a real problem, so I rigged a simple system to have the hose arc up over my head in a relatively comfortable way. The exhaust port of the of mask was producing a steady stream of air that was pretty much blowing on the neck of my wife (when I slept on my side) so a couple of tram tickets, some scotch tape, and voilà! A neat little guide tube that took the flowing air quietly along the line of the hose, problem solved.

What have you guys done?

[trish6hundred]

Hi wilorg, WELCOME! to the forum.! Enginuity at it's enduring best, that's great that you've managed to get things out of the way, (Ha-Ha.) Just make sure you don't completely block the exhalation port on your mask in order to keep getting fresh air..

[Itsadryheat]

Interesting idea about diverting the air flow. I might have to try it...

[JudgeMental]

Trish.. has made the most important reply. Insure that the exhaust port is not closed off.

In fact , the mask designers have put a lot of research into the design of these mask. Perhaps, just perhaps, that any modification to the exhaust air flow at all will possibly cause a change (however slight perhaps) to the CO2 dissipation.

[PaulaO2]

I have always wanted to take a tiny tube and redirect the outflow. But the CO2 bit is too risky.

[jdireton]

This topic has come up before and was the subject of some fairly heated discussion. This forum advocates taking control of your treatment, and basic mods like hose supports, etc. are great and I have used several tips from this forum to my benefit.

Where it may be an issue:
- Lowering vent flow as already noted above. You may not get the designed CO2 removal and this can be an issue.
- Changing anti-asphyxiation valves in any way! Don't, this will be a life threatening issue.
- Keep in mind the software packages (ResScan, Sleepyhead, Encore, etc.) may not know about any modification and this may cause incorrect reporting of leak rates and, in the worst case, could affect apnea detection.

Other than than, if the skirt is a little too big, take some sharp scissors and cut it back. Attach an alligator clip. Wrap portions in electrical tape if they have a sharp edge.

I would recommend you always have a spare handy before you try anything. Sometimes these things can just go wrong. Even a [/u]piece of tape can tear the thin silicon if you try to remove it.