ResMed Air Solutions Troubleshooting Guide

Summary

• 1 Optimization overview: Pages 2-3
• 2 Mask optimization: Pages 4-5
• 3 Optimal comfort: Pages 6-9
• 4 Tailored therapy: Pages 10-17
• 5 Device-related FAQs: Pages 18-20

1 Optimization Overview

When patients experience issues with therapy, such as a leaky mask or rainout, they often call for assistance. This guide provides step-by-step solutions for common device issues.

Functioning Correctly

Access the patient's record in ResMed AirView™ and navigate to the Remote Assist tab. Ensure the mask and tube in Remote Assist match the physical setup. Check the device status bar at the top of the screen. A green bar indicates the device is functioning as expected; a red bar indicates an issue with details on resolution steps.

Device Information Displayed:

• Device: Type, serial number, SmartStart [On, Off], Total used hours [Hrs].
• Humidifier: Type, connection status, Humidity level [Off, 1 to 8], Climate Control [Manual, Auto], Ambient humidity [Dry, Medium, Humid].
• Air tubing: Type, connection status, Tube temperature.
• Recent usage and leak/mask: Last five days of usage and leak data from AirView's Wireless patients screen. Displays mask type as set in AirView (online) and reported by the device.

Key Interface Elements:

• Device status: Visual indicator of device performance.
• Ambient humidity: Displays room humidity level to recommend adjustments for comfort.
• Last 5 days of usage/leak data: Provides a snapshot of compliance, leak, and AHI data.
• Mask type: Aids in troubleshooting comfort issues or recommending alternative masks.

Not Functioning as Expected

If a fault is displayed, try these steps:

• Restart the device.
• If it is a ClimateLineAir™ fault, detach and reattach the tube. Replace the tube if the issue persists.
• Contact ResMed Tech Support for assistance.

For patient resources: Recommend the myAir™ app for an easy-to-use online support program and app to help troubleshoot common issues.

2 Mask Optimization

Address patient complaints related to mask fit and comfort.

Mask Leaks

Complaint: Mask leaks.

• Is it linked to body position?
  • Yes: Consider recommending a CPAP pillow.
  • No:
    • Check headgear, mask, and cushion size.
    • Clean cushion as per mask user guide.
    • Readjust mask as necessary.
    • Recommend Test Drive in the myAir app (for Air11 users).

    If leak persists:

    • Is mask over-tightened?
      • Yes: Consider replacing cushion or mask as necessary.
      • No: Consider switching to an AirFit F20* or AirFit N20* mask.

If you have discontinued use of a ResMed mask because mask adjustment did not resolve the patient complaint, contact ResMed.

Skin Irritation

Complaint: Skin irritation.

• Clean cushion as per mask user guide.
• Clean face before fitting mask each night.
• Check headgear tension.

If intolerance persists: Consider switching to an AirTouch F20* or AirTouch N20* mask.

Forehead Redness or Pain

Complaint: Forehead redness or pain.

• Check mask fit, headgear tension, and headgear size.

If redness or pain persists: Consider switching to an AirFit or AirTouch mask*.

Claustrophobia

Complaint: Claustrophobia.

• Consider switching to a ResMed AirFit™ P30i or AirFit P10 nasal pillows mask, an AirFit N30 nasal mask, an AirFit F30* or F30i* full face mask, or an AirFit N30i nasal mask (limited contact with face).

The AirFit range is designed to reduce the feeling of claustrophobia and has no forehead support.

When suggesting a mask switch, obtain a prescription from the patient's physician as needed. Physicians must verify compliance with CMS guidelines.

Nasal Bridge Pain and/or Redness

Complaint: Nasal bridge pain and/or redness.

• Check mask fit, headgear tension, and cushion and headgear size.

If redness or pain persists:

• Consider adding a Gecko™ nasal pad.
• Consider switching to an AirFit F30*, AirFit F30i*, AirFit N30, AirFit N30i, AirFit P10, or AirFit P30i mask.

Masks containing magnets (AirFit F30, F20, AirTouch F20) may interfere with certain implants or medical devices. Ensure safe distance from implants. Refer to the user guide for complete information, including magnet contraindications and warnings.

3 Optimal Comfort

Address patient complaints related to noise and dryness.

Noise

Complaint: Noise.

• Does the noise problem come from the device?
  • Yes:
    • Check that the filter is not clogged.
    • Check for cracks in the humidifier tub.
    • Reinsert the tub to ensure it's seated properly.
    • Check if the patient is using a ResMed tube.
  • No:
    • Are there high unintentional leaks? (Possible noise source)
      • Yes: Re-adjust mask to remove unintentional leaks (See chapter 1, section 1).
      • No:
        • Are there any mouth leaks?
          • Yes: Make sure the patient has optimized humidity. If there is a mouth leak, consider switching to the AirFit F20* and AirTouch F20* full face masks. Get a prescription for a new mask from the patient's physician if required.
          • No: Noise complaint persists?
            • Yes: Consider switching to an AirFit P10, AirFit P30i, AirFit F30*, AirFit N30, or AirFit N30i mask (QuietAir™ technology).

  If noise complaint persists after these steps, consider switching to an AirFit F20* full face mask.

  Nose/Mouth Dryness

  Complaint: Nose/mouth dryness.

  • Are there any leaks? If the chamber is running dry, it indicates a leak.
    • No:
      • Is the humidity setting low?
        • Yes: Consider increasing the humidity settings.
        • No: Is ambient humidity dry?
          • Yes: Turn off air conditioning or switch to ClimateLineAir tubing.

  Masks containing magnets (AirFit F30, F20, AirTouch F20) may interfere with certain implants or medical devices. Ensure safe distance from implants. Refer to the user guide for complete information, including magnet contraindications and warnings.

  Rainout

  Complaint: Rainout.

  • Does the patient have ClimateLineAir tubing?
    • Yes: Suggest turning on Climate Control Auto mode.
    • No: Suggest switching to ClimateLineAir tubing.

  Difficulty Falling Asleep

  Complaint: Difficulty falling asleep.

  • Consider using the AutoRamp™* feature for automatic sleep onset detection.
  • Suggest that the patient eases into therapy by using it a bit each day while in a comfortable setting, such as watching TV.
  • Encourage the patient to download and register for the myAir app to access Test Drive for help adjusting to therapy (available to Air11 users only).

  AutoRamp: The ResMed Air11 Ramp feature helps maximize comfort by gradually increasing air pressure levels as the patient falls asleep. Choose from AutoRamp or manual settings to start therapy at a lower pressure and gently ramp up to the prescribed pressure. In AutoRamp, the device detects when the patient is asleep and comfortably increases pressure.

  *AutoRamp is available on AirSense 11 only.

4 Tailored Therapy

Adjust therapy settings for specific patient needs.

Difficulty Exhaling Against Pressure (AirSense™ 11 Device)

Complaint: Difficulty exhaling against pressure.

• Suggest Test Drive through Personal Therapy Assistant in the myAir app to practice acclimating to breathing with air pressure at their own pace.
• If complaint persists, go to the Prescription tab in AirView to adjust from Full Time to Ramp Only.

Difficulty Exhaling Against Pressure (AirSense 10 Device)

Complaint: Difficulty exhaling against pressure.

• Assuming EPR™ is off, consider activating the expiratory comfort feature on Ramp Only.
• If complaint persists, consider turning on EPR. Go to the Prescription tab in AirView to adjust EPR to full time.

EPR (Expiratory Pressure Relief): With the Easy-Breathe waveform, EPR decreases pressure at exhalation to allow for soft and comfortable breathing.

If complaint persists after EPR adjustment, contact the patient's physician to determine if a bilevel device is a better option. Verify with CMS guidelines before switching. Consider switching to AirCurve™ 11 VAuto.

VAuto Algorithm: Provides auto-adjusting bilevel pressure for challenging patients requiring more respiratory comfort. It delivers pressure support in a natural waveform, matching the patient's breathing.

Pressure Discomfort

Complaint: Pressure discomfort.

• Check for mask leaks using AirView Remote Assist.
• If complaint persists, turn on EPR (EPR not available in ASV*).
• If complaint persists, check if the device is on AutoSet™ mode.
  • Yes: Turn on the AutoSet algorithm. Receive permission from the patient's physician. Access AutoSet under the Prescription tab in AirView. The AutoSet algorithm adjusts pressure based on flow limitations, snoring, and obstructive sleep apneas.
  • No: If complaint persists, turn on the Response feature (under the Prescription tab in AirView). The AutoSet Response feature offers gentler pressure increases for patients with high pressure intolerance.

If complaint persists after these adjustments, consider switching to AirCurve 11 VAuto.

*ASV therapy is contraindicated in patients with chronic, symptomatic heart failure (NYHA 2-4) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤ 45%) and moderate to severe predominant central sleep apnea.

Feeling Bloated

Complaint: Feeling bloated.

• Turn on EPR.
• If complaint persists, elevate head with pillows.
• If complaint persists, switch to an AirFit F30*, AirFit F20*, or AirTouch F20* full face mask. Get an order for a new mask from the patient's physician if needed.

Consider switching to AirCurve 11 VAuto. When suggesting a new device, obtain a physician's order and verify CMS guidelines.

VAuto Algorithm: Provides auto-adjusting bilevel pressure for challenging patients requiring more respiratory comfort. It delivers pressure support in a natural waveform, matching the patient's breathing.

Masks containing magnets (AirFit F30, F20, AirTouch F20) may interfere with certain implants or medical devices. Ensure safe distance from implants. Refer to the user guide for complete information, including magnet contraindications and warnings.

Device Keep Stopping

Question: Does your patient's device keep stopping?

• Yes:
  • Is mask leakage high or low?
    • High: (High leak is anything > 95% pressure of 24 liters/min or more.) Confirm that the mask is seated properly, and that the patient's cushion, mask, and tubing are not torn, cracked, or discolored. If there is a mouth leak, consider switching the patient to a full face mask. Get a prescription for a new mask from the patient's physician if required.
    • Low: Turn SmartStop off.
  • If SmartStop is on, turn it off.
  • If the device continues to stop, call ResMed Tech Support for assistance.

Patient Refusing/Quitting PAP Therapy

Question: Is your patient refusing/quitting PAP therapy?

• Contact the patient's physician to determine whether changing device type to bilevel is a better option for the patient. Verify with CMS guidelines before switching.
• Consider switching to AirCurve 11 VAuto.

VAuto Algorithm: Provides auto-adjusting bilevel pressure for challenging patients requiring more respiratory comfort. It delivers pressure support in a natural waveform, matching the patient's breathing.

5 Device-related FAQs

Answers to common questions about ResMed devices.

My device makes a whistling noise. How do I stop it?

Check the humidifier tub for cracks. Ensure intentional leak holes are free of water, the tubing is dry, and the mask interior is free from water. If the patient is using a non-ResMed tube, consider switching to a ResMed tube, as other brands may cause noise.

Why is my humidifier utilizing different quantities of water every night?

Ensure the tub lid seal is properly seated in the upper lid of the HumidAir™ tub. Water evaporation can increase if there is a leak, the room is dry, or plate settings are high.

It is difficult to pull out the humidifier tub to fill it with water. Am I opening it incorrectly?

Hold the main part of the device with one hand, push down on the tab on the top of the chamber, and pull it horizontally with your other hand.

I want the top-of-the-line ResMed device. Which one is it?

All ResMed products offer high quality therapy. Different devices and features are available based on individual patient needs and prescriptions. Visit ResMed.com to see all available products.

Am I able to power my device in other countries?

Yes, ResMed devices can be used worldwide due to universal power supplies. Patients will need a plug adapter for the country they are visiting. Visit ResMed.com/Travel for more information.

What altitude can the device be used at?

ResMed devices automatically compensate for altitudes below 8,500 feet. For higher altitudes, manual adjustment may be required. Refer to the user guide for specific instructions for each device.

Can the therapy system be used in-flight on a commercial airline?

Some airlines allow therapy devices in-flight, while others do not. Advise patients to check with the airline before booking. Visit ResMed.com/Travel for detailed instructions. Note: Do not use the humidifier on the flight due to the risk of water spillage. Switch the device to airplane mode while in the air.

Can ResMed devices run from the 400Hz power supply on the aircraft?

Yes. Although the device rating plate specifies 50-60Hz, the switch mode power supply is compatible with the 110V, 400Hz aircraft power supply. Patients should book seats near an aircraft power outlet and consider purchasing an RPS II external battery for continuous therapy.

Will the X-ray scanners at the airport security affect my ResMed device?

No, X-ray scanners will not harm ResMed devices. Patients must remove their device from its carrying case before placing it through the scanner.

Can the therapy system be used when camping?

Yes. A ResMed device can operate from a battery supply (in a truck or recreational vehicle) with a suitable converter unit. ResMed offers a DC converter and an RPS II external battery source. Visit ResMed.com/Travel for more tips.

What are the alternative power options?

• Option 1: Purchase the Air10 or Air11 DC/DC converter for use with a 12V or 24V DC power source in a car, boat, or other vehicle.
• Option 2: Buy the ResMed Power Station (RPS) II, an external battery source that does not require a converter (only compatible with Air10 devices).

If a ResMed Air10™ series therapy system is run from a battery, the battery is intended for a single night before recharging.

How long will my device run on the RPS II* external battery source?

Run time is over 8 hours at an average device setting (based on 15 cm H2O IPAP, 5 cm H2O EPAP, and 15 BPM respiratory rate). This does not apply to devices using heated humidification and heated tubing. For more information on battery run time, see the Battery/Device Compatibility List on ResMed.com.

*The RPS II is only compatible with Air10 devices.