High rate contribute to low Ahi?

[yankees123]

Yesterday I had an Ahi of .6 but also a lot of leaks over 70%. Does this high rate contribute to my low Ahi?

[OpalRose]

Yesterday I had an Ahi of .6 but also a lot of leaks over 70%. Does this high rate contribute to my low Ahi?

Yes, it's possible. You can't trust your AHI numbers with such a high leak rate.

It's important that you address your leak issues and try to correct them.
Is it the mask leaking? Try liners, or a different mask.
Are you mouth breathing? Try a chin strap, or use the Tongue to roof of mouth technique.

[PaytonA]

There are probably some people that can help you, if you can describe where the leaks were occurring. If not we can make guesses or give you some general guidelines for the mask that you are using.

The first thing is to make sure that you have the right size mask. It should seat well in the groove between your chin and lower lip with your mouth completely closed. At the same time the top of the mask should fit comfortably right under your brow. If the mask is a little shorter than this, it is not a problem. If the mask is longer than this, you need to get a smaller size set of cushions.

The Simplus mask has 2 minor weaknesses that I am aware of. First, it tends to leak into my eyes. Second, it is much easier to break the seal under your mouth by opening your mouth than some other full face masks. Several things help the first problem.

After you have donned the mask, move it back and forth using the upper straps and then the lower straps to center the mask and even out the strap tension. After you have done this and with the mask hooked up to the CPAP turn the CPAP on. Once you can feel that the pressure has built up reach up to the mask frame and pull the mask slightly away from your face. You should allow a little air to come out all around and then re-seat the mask on your face.

One more thing that I just learned from member Woozie is to pull your mask down towards your chin after everything else is set. you should be able to feel the seal tighten up a little on the bridge of your nose. If it will not stay engaged and tends to slip back, Woozie describes a fix for that at: http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...#pid152045.

Leaks from the chin area may occur without you feeling them or you might wake up with the seal in your mouth and air rushing out of your mouth. The only fix that I know of for this is to keep your mouth closed. Your significant other may have been trying to teach you this for some time now. Now would be the time to learn. It might be helpful to employ a chin strap to aid in this effort.

Hope some of this may be of some help.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

[trish6hundred]

Hi yankees123,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Much success to you with your CPAP therapy.