Tell me how you've Modified your P10 to make it VENT more

[Hydrangea]

I've been on a mask hunt, and I just wish I could go back to my beloved P10.  The ONLY problem that I had with P10 (that I couldn't overcome) was that it doesn't vent enough of my exhaled air.

So I'm tempted to take an ice pick to the vents.  Maybe poke a few holes in each side?

Have any of you modified the vents on your P10?  How has it worked?

I could use any tips.  Thanks!

[Coffee Man]

I think the P10 vents plenty. The one sure way to increase venting in any mask is to increase pressure. The more pressure going into the mask, the more air gets vented. So that might be one solution.

I know that it is easier for me to exhale with the large P10 pillow compared to the medium, so maybe try a larger size cushion. I can hold my hand in front of the P10 vent and can always detect vented air. It seems like the P30i does not vent nearly as much even though it uses the same pillow, but that is presumably due to the diffuser vent it uses.

In any event, I don't know that directly messing with the vent on any mask is a good idea.

[Sleeprider]

The biggest problem with the P10 vent rate is moisture in the vent mesh. It must be completely dry if you have washed the mask. The P10 mask seems to vent more air than it used to, and I suspect the vent has been changed in recent years to flow more air. If it's been a while, the mask may have changed. I do not scrub the vents and for the most part, I don't even clean the frame, but clean and change cushions. Larger sizes flow better.

[Crimson Nape]

If you decide to increase the vent size, use a very small straight pin, like the ones used in a new shirt, or a small needle.  Start by placing only one hole per side.  You will be amazed how much one small hole per side will increase the venting.  Also, I like symmetry.    You can always add more holes if the venting isn't adequate to your needs.  There was a member that looked into the P10's venting not that long ago here.  He reported that, over time, the vents would become occluded with foreign matter and moisture.  He used a Water Pik to blast the mesh clear, but the water droplets would block the venting until completely dry.

Another thought; You might look at the F&P Brevida. It has a removable diffuser screen. To me it is just as comfortable and quiet as the P10.

Good Luck.

[Hydrangea]

Thanks for the tips!

I will try a new P10 mask, and see if it'll vent more. That would be fantastic if ResMed attempted to fix this issue.

I already use the largest P10 cushion.

Symmetry is important! So I'll keep it symmetrical. And thanks for the tip on one hole each side - I was wondering how many to start with. I have a few P10 masks, so if I screw one up it won't be much of a loss. But I may as well start conservatively.

I have been using the Brevida for a while now (maybe a year). I have to use it without the vent cover, because with it I experience the same venting problem as P10, F20 (with quiet elbow), & F30 (with quiet elbow). I just recently tried N30, and have the same problem. I'm starting to think this is a me & ResMed problem. Me, because I think I'm a weak exhaler. ResMed, because most of these masks I've had vent problems with has been ResMed.

[Coffee Man]

Do you use the Flex option on your Dreamstation to reduce pressure on exhalation?

[Hydrangea]

Do you use the Flex option on your Dreamstation to reduce pressure on exhalation?

I don't, because that constant pressure-shift throughout the night causes my ears to click & clog all throughout the day.  (My ears are very sensitive due to chronic illness as a child.)

If I can't get a mask to work for me, I will revisit that.  

I don't know which is worse: excessive daytime sleepiness, headache, & irritability (what I get with poorly venting masks), or excessive clicking and clogging of my ears with every breath & jaw-movement throughout the day (what I get with flex/EPR).

[Hydrangea]

I don't know which is worse: excessive daytime sleepiness, headache, & irritability (what I get with poorly venting masks), 

How could I forget my main complaint with the lack of venting?  Nightmares about being tortured or murdered.

[Gideon]

Keep in mind that with pillow masks, there is less volume to vent than with other masks.

[Crimson Nape]

Hydrangea, it appears you don't have a "venting" problem here.