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Permalink Reply by Rock Conner RRT on February 10, 2010 at 2:13pm

I don't remember the specifics as they were explained to me by the factory dude, but it had something to do with measuring volumes/pressures more rigidly than w/ more conventional PAP, mouth leak, etc. I know that ASV functions like a very, very smart pressure ventilator, & to do so leaks would be a problem. I don't know how that squares with my certainty that full face masks leak around the perimeter more than nasal masks & nasal pillows, but then I'm pretty sleepy this time of day.

Rock C.

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Permalink Reply by Melinda Hertel on February 10, 2010 at 6:28pm

Interesting. Why is the Activa an exception? That's odd.

j n k said:

Tricky question.

I think ResMed lists the specific masks their version will work with in their literature, and certain masks won't allow the machine to even run one of its set-up porcedures. I think the Respironics version claims to work with all masks, or most (at least in some marketing literature from a while back). Some experienced pros have questioned how well it works with, for example, nasal pillows, though.

This is old, about older machines, and written from Respironics' point of view, but may be helpful:

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Permalink Reply by Bill Shoemaker on February 18, 2010 at 10:49am

Here is a quote from Respironics FAQ:

Which type of mask I can use with this device?
The BiPAP autoSV can work with almost every mask type. However, controlling unintentional leak is very important for the algorithm to work effectively. If a patient presents with higher than expected leaks, move them to a full-face type of mask.

The Resmed AutoSV may be more sensitive to mask type than the Respironics machine I have. My experience is this:

I have severe complex SDB with AHI = 85. I have used 10 different masks with my machine. Nasal masks irritate the bridge of my nose so much I can wear them only 3-4 nights. Every full face mask I've tried leaks excessively. (I don't mouth breathe.) Nasal pillows work for me but I carefully monitor the leak data on my downloads.

I want a full face mask that works in case I catch a cold and can't breathe through my nose due to congestion, but have not found one that works for me.

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Permalink Reply by Brian Judy on February 18, 2010 at 10:05pm

Melinda, maybe the reason that the Activa nasal mask is excluded for use with the Respironics Auto SV Advanced is the nature of the mask... at lower pressure setting the mask can get fairly "bouncy" (I had a dairy farmer say he didn't like wearing that 'milker'). The Respironics Auto SV Advanced makes breath by breath pressure changes based on changes in the flow wave form. Seems to me that a potentially bouncy mask like the Activa could introduce a lot of artifact into the flow wave form... I'm just guessing that's the reason... don't know for sure.

Melinda Hertel said:

Interesting. Why is the Activa an exception? That's odd.

j n k said:

Tricky question.

I think ResMed lists the specific masks their version will work with in their literature, and certain masks won't allow the machine to even run one of its set-up porcedures. I think the Respironics version claims to work with all masks, or most (at least in some marketing literature from a while back). Some experienced pros have questioned how well it works with, for example, nasal pillows, though.

This is old, about older machines, and written from Respironics' point of view, but may be helpful:

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