What setting do I use for an Oracle 452?

Hi again!

I have recently acquired an "only used once" Oracle 452 mask from a fellow Hosehead here in the UK (Annette, if you're out there reading this... I'm very much looking forward to trying it out!) and was wondering what mask setting do I set Darth Vader (a ResMed S9 Autoset) to so that I get the proper readings/results?

Looking at the Settings panel, I have the choice of Nasal Ultra, Nasal, Full Face and Pillows. I'm thinking that I should just keep it at Full Face (I'm currently using a Mirage Quattro FX), as clearly it's not a nasal mask or pillow mask.

Does anyone have any hints or suggestions as to what Darth's mask type setting should be?

Better yet, does anyone have any hints/tricks/suggestions in regards to the Oracle itself and getting used to using it? I know that there is invariably an adjustment period with anything new and I expect that there'll be a learning curve here as well... in spite of that, I'm looking forward to trying it as I'd fallen off the compliance wagon of late because my current mask and the full size Quattro were giving me too many face farts at night and on the nights that I did manage to use it, it would only be on for an hour or two at most before it found itself off of my face and neatly placed on top of the machine (which amazes me to no end... I'd have thought that in my sub conscious frustration, the mask would have landed up on the floor)... DH occasionally tries to coax me into using Darth but I've been resistant (DH is an absolute superstar in regards to Darth... he was completely accepting of him and my condition when we first met and tries to remind me that it's healthier for me to be using it than not)... hopefully the new mask won't leak and fart like the Quattros did.

As ever, I thank you all for your ongoing advice and support!

Kate
formerly from Vancouver, Canada

Hi!

I am a user of the Oracle 452 mask. Although I can't advise on the settings on the S9, since I use a resprionics machine. I can however share my experience with the Mask.

I would say the Oracle 452 has a larger learning curve than other masks, since it involves only Mouth Breathing. So you can get the reverse of mouth leaks, i.e Nose Leaks. The Mask comes with default Nose plugs, but a lot of people had success with other types of Nose clips like swimmers/Kayak Nose clips, ( A quick forum search would bring up the product). Once you master this art, the Mask is pretty much less prone to leakage to a large extent. Another tip is initially you might get a lot of drooling, so I usually kept a napkin next to the pillow for quick wipe. That is about it, Best of luck and let us know if you have more questions.

I'd use "Full Face."

Are you currently using the Oracle mask? Are you having problems.

Try not to use the nose plugs. The trick is to get your soft palate to seal off your nose from the throat. This is the same process that happens when you blow up a balloon. You have pressure in your mouth, but no pressure in the nose.

When I put my Oracle on, I'd blow back into the mask, just like I was blowing up a balloon. Then I'd consciously relax everything. The pressure in my throat and mouth seemed to help keep my nose closed off.

I found the Oracle was rough on my throat, and the lack of air in my nose bothered me, so I rarely use it. .

By the way, is there a reason you're using a full face mask in the first place?