I have been pleased with using of nasal pillows for the past 9 years.  My experience has been that nasal pillows are more comfortable and effective than masks.  I would now like to replace my aging Resmed Sullivan V Elite CPAP with an auto CPAP such as the Resmed s8 Autoset, and continue using nasal pillows.

Here is my question:  I have heard that, in some cases, auto CPAPs do not operate well with nasal pillows, due to the air restriction inherent with nasal pillows.   Would appreciate any experiences, comments and/or discussion about the use of auto CPAPs with nasal pillows.  Thanks.

I'm not a nasal pillows fan so can't help you out there - but - have you checked into the new Resmed S8 II AutoSet?? New and improved w/EasyBreathe technology. Read up on them both and their specs.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

CrohnieToo,  yes the Resmed S8 II AutoSet looks like a nice machine.  Hope it becomes more widely available soon, along with somewhat more attractive pricing.   There's always a premium paid for getting the latest and greatest.

The Resmed S8 II AutoSet doesn't seem to have the same issue with nasal pillows.

Ah, yes, that ole bugaboo, money. *sigh* Always seems to cramp my style and/or put a kabosh on my plans or intents.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

Ah, yes, that ole bugaboo, money. *sigh* Always seems to cramp my style and/or put a kabosh on my plans or intents.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

I haven't come across anything negative regarding ANY model or brand of Auto CPAP combined with the use of nasal pillows.   In fact, I have a Respironics M Series Auto and I used nasal pillows at one point with no problems.

There ARE issues with pressure limits and nasal pillows, however, which may be what you're thinking of?

Most nasal pillows have a fairly low max acceptable pressure compared to other types of masks.  It varies from mask to mask, I've seen max pressure limits stated at anywhere from a low of 12, up to 18 cmH2O, more or less.  If you are using an Auto which is set "wide-open" (starts at 4 or some low number but can run all the way to 20) then you quite possibly will have trouble with nasal pillows once the pressure gets much past 13 or 14.

If your Auto 's range is set to a pretty small spread -- 3 to 5 cmH2O between min/max -- and the max is within the rated pressures for the mask you're using, you should be OK with any make or model of Auto CPAP.

Blessings,
--pseudonym

I've been using an auto CPAP (Resmed Autoset Respond) with Swift nasal pillows for over two years.  I've had absolutely no problems.  My pressure ranges from 5-20, with the 95th percentile being around 12-13.

Nasal pillows will not pass the circuit test on the ResMed Adapt SV (autoBilevel - machine).  ResMed said that leaks are too great to be acceptable for it.  You need to contact Resmed and ask them.


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Forneyfrau
From Forney, TX
Respironics BiPap Auto SV with Comfort Gel Mask
AHI 93
Primary Central Apnea
Diagnosed 4/8/2008

I have used a FP 420E and an auto M with RedMed nasal pillows and did not have problems with them other than the exhaust noise and the tube coming apart.  

My partner was especially bothered by the noise and the changing of the noise through the night.  The noise and the fragility of the tube connection is the reason that I stopped using them.