You can't find a review of the Breeze mask without a well deserved negative comment about the straight-out exhaust port.

Here's my solution, assuming I've attached the image properly:



It doesn't seem to affect the mask's normal sound. By eliminating the air hitting the pillow and sheets, the result for me is much quieter. I've been using it for a month with no problems. It's non-destructive. Simply remove the tube to restore the mask's original condition.

If anyone is interested, I'll provide instructions for duplicating my effort.

Well, the image posting didn't work. Here's the link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/10302024117 ... 0821728834

Here's your photo:

I cannot tell by the photo if the opening is changed.
IIRC, the hole is 9/64 inch and it must not be altered or it will affect the pressure.
I am not sure how much the AUTO can compensate for the opening if it is altered.

I have been using the Breeze for 12+ years and never considered the exhaust to be a problem, nor has my spouse.

The I.D. of the tube is 4mm, which is larger than 9/64". The effective air resistance, because of the tube length, is subjectively the same. My auto seems to be compensating without any problem.

Nice job with the airflow routing. My experience with Breeze long ago was that vent orifice size was indeed very sensitive to mask leak rate. However machine was able to compensate adequately as you mention.

I have some spare parts if you need some more to experiment with ... PM me an address to send to and I'll drop off at USPS. I tried to give away a while back and no one wanted 'em ... hate to throw away.

one (new/never used) nasal pillow shell + exhaust vent:


three (new/never used) extra exhaust vents:


two (new/never used) hose guides:


two (used) pair of extra large pillows (clean but you wash and disinfect anyway):

Howja do dat?

Jan

by SaltLakeJan on Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:06 pm
Howja do dat?

I purchased a couple of 12" lengths of 4mm ID x 5mm OD styrene tubing at the local hobby store. Even found a transparent blue which matches the Breeze shell. Cost ~ $2.50. Cut 1 piece to approx 6" length. Stuffed the tubing with piece of wire to prevent collapse when bending. Wire was from dead USB charger. Important thing is that the stuffing be tight. Heated middle of tube length with heat gun and let gravity provide the necessary bending force. Trimmed tube to look like this:



Applied soap and water and forced tube into exhaust port :



It's easier to do this with the exhaust port installed in the plenum shell. Another view of the result:



I also tried this with a 5mm ID x 6mm OD tube, but didn't find any appreciable reduction in air resistance when plugging plenum the inlet and breathing through the mask, and it took a great deal of force to insert the larger tube. Before anyone screams about plugging the exhaust port, please note that the hole in the stock rubber port is stepped, the diameter of the port is larger on the inside than the outside, and the tube stretches the outside portion while fitting comfortably within the much larger inside portion. In any event, I've been using this for a month at 8 - 12 pressure with no signs of CO2 poisoning.

sronsen,
thanks for the clear instructions. I am considering the Breeze mask,and I really dislike the exhaust hitting me. I copied your info and tucked it in my mask file.

again thanks much

Jan

sronsen, good work. Here's your "Lab Rat" trophy!



Sorry about the delay adding your creative fix. It's been added now to the Breeze section at this page:

LINKS to LAB RAT AWARD Winners
http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=127492

rested gal,

I am honored. However, my minor contribution pales in comparison to p2pjunkie's truly brilliant lizard hose heater! I fear you will subject yourself to the indignities recently faced by the Nobel Peace Prize committee. Nevertheless, I'm not ready to relinquish the prize and will defend your decision against all criticism, but perhaps not with my life.

You inspire me to higher levels of lab-ratting.

Steve

sronsen wrote:Nevertheless, I'm not ready to relinquish the prize and will defend your decision against all criticism, but perhaps not with my life.

Gotta love a knight in tarnished armor!