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+--- Thread: Having difficulty exhaling into full face mask (/Thread-Having-difficulty-exhaling-into-full-face-mask)
Having difficulty exhaling into full face mask - Esoteric - 11-23-2012
I just began using my machine last week and I have a hard time exhaling because the exhaled air has nowhere to go but inside the chamber because the small rubber flap is being pushed against the drainage port from the pressure coming into the mask. There are small holes in a gray piece, but it isn't helping. My pressure is set to 2 or 3 because all I wanted to eliminate was snoring. Can I cut off the rubber flap? Any suggestions? Thanks.
RE: Having difficulty exhaling into full face mask - jfmusil - 11-23-2012
Which RENstar do you have? There is a A flex or C Flex setting that will reduce the exhale pressure.
RE: Having difficulty exhaling into full face mask - trish6hundred - 11-23-2012
Hi Esoteric and WELCOME! to the forum.!
I don't know the answer to your question, however, I wouldn't cut off the flap on your mask.
Hang in there for more suggestions.
Best of luck to you.
RE: Having difficulty exhaling into full face mask - 2Tim215 - 11-23-2012
Please post what machine you have, people here will be able to help once they know for sure what machine you are working with. Like Trish said, hang in there, others will answer soon!
RE: Having difficulty exhaling into full face mask - PaulaO2 - 11-23-2012
What mask do you have?
RE: Having difficulty exhaling into full face mask - JudgeMental - 11-23-2012
In all honesty, walking into the wind would be harder to breath against then a pressure of 2-3cm.
How do you know that the pressure of 2-3 is opening your airway sufficently to stop the snoring?
In my opinion altering the mechanics of the manufacturers intented mask inhalerration and exhaleration devices would be detrimental to a successful solution.
Perhaps increasing the pressure to a 4 or 5 might be a better solution.
How did you come about the using of a CPAP and was this a Doctors recommendation to solving your snoring? Perhaps just the use of some Breath Right strips might be all that necessary, if you haven't already tried those..
RE: Having difficulty exhaling into full face mask - zonk - 11-23-2012
![[Image: AmaraMaskFloatingCushion_565.jpg]](http://www.healthcare.philips.com/pwc_hc/main/shared/Assets/Images/Homehealthcare/Respironics/amara/AmaraMaskFloatingCushion_565.jpg)
as fresh air comes in ... the exhaled air flushed out thru exhalations ports which should be kept clear of bed covers at all times
http://www.healthcare.philips.com/us_en/homehealth/sleep/amara/
RE: Having difficulty exhaling into full face mask - archangle - 11-23-2012
(11-23-2012, 08:22 AM)Esoteric Wrote: I just began using my machine last week and I have a hard time exhaling because the exhaled air has nowhere to go but inside the chamber because the small rubber flap is being pushed against the drainage port from the pressure coming into the mask. There are small holes in a gray piece, but it isn't helping. My pressure is set to 2 or 3 because all I wanted to eliminate was snoring. Can I cut off the rubber flap? Any suggestions? Thanks.
Do not cut the "flap" off. That will ruin the mask and cause you to lose your pressure. That flap is part of the "anti-asphyxia" valve that lets you breathe fresh air if the CPAP machine shuts off.
When you exhale with the machine on, some of the air goes out through the small holes (the exhaust vent) and some of it temporarily goes back up the hose. As the machine continues to blow, the exhaled air is flushed out of the hose and out through the exhale vents. Put your hand near the exhale vent while the machine is on, and you'll feel the airstream coming out the vent.
It should say something like "REMstar Pro blahblahblah" near the LCD display. Tell us what it says. Also, while it's running, it will probably say something like 12 cmH2O on the display. What does it say on your machine?
The pressure is controlled by the machine, not the holes in the mask. If you put the end of the hose in your mouth where there are no holes for the air to leak out, you'll find that when you exhale, the air goes back up the hose, and the pressure doesn't increase.
Many new people feel the pressure when they try to exhale, but most people will rapidly adjust and won't feel the pressure after a while.
RE: Having difficulty exhaling into full face mask - bryank1 - 11-24-2012
That sounds strange that the pressure is set to 2-3. How did it get set to those settings? The lowest setting on the Resmed is a 4 which is more than likely for a child's smaller airway. I don't think it would necessarily be appropriate for anyone to recommend a pressure. I would talk to your doc if you have one or therapist, the doc should have given the therapist specific settings for the machine based on your sleep study results.
If those aren't an option try calling the manufacturer of the machine. Resmed actually has a respiratory therapist for their customers to speak to. They might be able to advise.
Certainly don't cut the flapper or valve. You will just have to buy another mask. The systems functionality depends on it and it(the system) won't work right without it. There are air holes on every mask to eliminate the exhaled air.
Best of luck, I hope you get the problem solved.
RE: Having difficulty exhaling into full face mask - archangle - 11-24-2012
Just to be clear, I don't think there's anything wrong with the flap on the mask being discussed. When the pressure is on, that flap is supposed to be closed over the hole.