Pillow vs FFM, pressure conversion formula?

[DeepBreathing]

In my discussion above I completely neglected the intentional leak rate which will screw everything up. The principal is the same, but the calculations just got a whole lot more complicated.

[Sleep2Snore]

Yep, we do not have intentional leaks in fluid and gas pipes!
Just screws everything up

[jaswilliams]

Do the mask pressure charts in sleepyhead give any clue/difference between the two different masks ? I know it is not a true reading and is calculated from the pressure at the machine but it is performing the calculation knowing the leak rate and the mask type ?


Jason

[kiwii]

Haha… yeah, that's okay though, I only need an approximation - just enough to overcome the issue of needing 'permission' to adjust my own machine, which I should never have 'given up' in the first place. I really appreciate your help! The solution is close - I think I've got this!

Thank you both for the Pressure vs. Flow Rates through mask vents data! Very interesting to see the differences between the FFM and the pillows at the same pressure.

Slightly different angle:
If the pressure adjusts to my inhale, if I deliberately calm my breathing when first turning on the machine, will the forceful air back off to match my breathing? So far I've been trying to keep up with the force of the air being delivered by the machine (and not using ramp).

However I have no idea how to convert that to a pressure difference for different mask types.

I saw the formula my husband found last night. The volume of the mask type is the key; an estimate would be sufficient for my needs.

Are you in a position to ask one or the other (or their staff) if they have a standard recommendation for pressure adjustment for a mask type change?

Yes, I've been thinking of that too and have a plan. Wish me luck!

Probably the easiest fix would be to correct the mistaken impression that Dr 2 is in charge of making changes. UGH!!! Someone give me a kick in the pants, please! There has to be some way to get that turned around.

[Walla Walla]

The promise you made to the Doctor were based on conditions at the time. The conditions changed with the introduction of a new mask.

Based on that you can't be held accountable for a promised based on conditions that no longer exist.

Oh yeah one more thing. The Doctor works for you, you don't work for the Doctor.

That's my pep talk for the day.

[kiwii]

update: I put in a call to Dr 2's office. He and his assistant are out today, will be back Monday, but the phonecall went okay.

I'm starting to get depressed. This shouldn't be such a big deal. I'm mad at myself for not being able to make myself do what needs to be done.

[kiwii]

Thanks Walla Walla. We must have been writing at the same time.

I'm going to read your pep talk over and over. It does help. Thanks.

[OpalRose]

Probably the easiest fix would be to correct the mistaken impression that Dr 2 is in charge of making changes. UGH!!! Someone give me a kick in the pants, please! There has to be some way to get that turned around.

Much of this discussion is way over my head.  I have zero engineering experience even though I’ve worked with engineers most of my working career.  

Just from my own experience...I once decided to try a full face mask.  Going from nasal pillows to a FF mask required that I raise the pressure aproximately 1.5cm to be comfortable and achieve the same therapy.  It would seem logical the the reverse might apply.  You should be able to lower the pressure at the least by 1cm using nasal pillows.  I have to agree with DeepBreathing, it may be trial and error.

I don’t have much advice for your dealings with Doc #2, except that he may be the one who needs a good kick in the pants.

As I read your posts, it is evident that you are an intelligent person.  Just keep telling yourself that.  
Is it possible your Doctor feels threatened by you?   Some Doctors tend to feel this way and don’t want patients to take control of their therapy.

Mabye take your hubby with you to your appointment.  The doctor may not seem so threatening and overbearing then.   Dont-know

[chill]

Anecdotally, I agree with OpalRose.   I found, and others have reported, that a 1-2cm change is needed between full-face then nasal then pillows.  Pillows need the least pressure to function optimally, the full-face the most.  I don't think you can calculate it unless you model the interior of your respiration system.  

[kiwii]

Okay, OpalRose, I just had to laugh at your comment about the doctor. Thanks, I needed that!

Is it possible your Doctor feels threatened by you?   Some Doctors tend to feel this way and don’t want patients to take control of their therapy.

That is entirely possible, but I think more from the standpoint that he groups people and data into 'trends' and does not do well with the concept of individuals (or specific data).

When I tried to talk to him about a weird problem I was having (sorry, I don't mean to be obscure), he asked if it had only happened the one time. I said that I didn't know, but I could check the charts and see.. and all hell broke loose. He adamantly does not want me looking at the charts because of a pre-conceived notion that doing so would cause me to be constantly tweaking the pressure settings. I thought we'd gotten past that notion during the first office visit and was kind of blindsided to be fielding an aggressive conversation during this particular phonecall (he's aware of the ptsd, I'd written that I was having difficulty in speaking with him because of it, but this problem had come up and I needed to speak with him - so this call was 'supposed' to have included him helping me to have a positive experience).

For him to be questioning me about the one time I am aware of the problem occurring, and then NOT taking into consideration that it could be happening without my awareness, boggles my mind.

I'd written to him and it took him a week to call me back. Meanwhile my annual physical became a visit to ask for help from my new PCP. I was hoping he might also agree to manage my xpap, but he was so surprised (in a negative way) that patients could look at their own data in SleepyHead that I didn't even ask him. He did help me get an appointment with Dr #3 though, and for that I am deeply grateful.

Sorry, I don't even remember what my point was. I really need some sleep.