Resmed N20 - doesn't work for me!

[elliotg]

I have written about this before but gave up on this mask.  But now there is an airtouch version of the cushion I thought I should give it a go. The problem remains.

Quite simply, when I use this mask, as soon as the ramp period is over the pressure, in a few minutes goes up to the maximum  and stays there. Originally I thought the issue might lie with the Resmed S9 but when I changed to the current a10 model this did nothing for this issue. With the help of this forum and OSCAR I was pretty quickly able to pinpoint the problem - when using the N20 there was a fairly constant Flow Limitation maxing up to .25. And the touch/foam cushion is if anything worse. This is clearly why the machine keeps increasing the pressure, but to no avail. I have not seen this with other masks - of course I do so flow limitations, but they exist for short periods and are coped with.

I think what is happening is that the mask is pinching my nostrils and impeding the flow. My mask cushion size is medium.  Perhaps a slightly larger cushion might help but the Large cushion is much too big. (the Sizing tool suggests that medium is the one I should be using).

Is giving up on the N20 my only course of action?  It is a very convenient mask and very suitable for travelling with it so I really want it to work!

[mesenteria]

I dunno how to respond other than to say it's the only one I have ever used, and believe me, I have a real schnoz with a fairly obvious deviated septum from a murder ball 'accident' in Grade 11.

If the cushion fits and is properly placed with a suitable headgear, the hoses are properly coupled and affixed, and there are no obstructions such as not-completely perforated vent holes at the top of the small hose, then one of two things is possible:

a. It's you; or

b. It's the machine.

If it's you, it might be possible that your nares have low 'tone', and maybe line a narrow orifice that can collapse with inhalation (you'd notice this in cooler weather).  Or, unbeknownst to you, while you sleep your tissues swell and cause congestion, leading to the flow limitations.  I quite often awaken to an almost completely blocked nose.  Never happens while I am going to sleep earlier, but I often have to bolt upright and rip off my mouth tape because I open my mouth when I sleep otherwise.  Loads of fun.  

If none of that, then I'm afraid it has to be your early model....sorry.

[elliotg]

Thanks for getting back to me!  It isn't the machine as It has happened with two different machine.  And it is cold weather as we are in the middle of a heat wave (but it also happened in normal weather).  I checked all connections - they are fine. So it must be me!