[Leaks] reduced leaks thanks to OSCAR

[withtao]

I've had an AirSense 10 since 2015 and got an AirSense 11 on 9/7/22.  Since I've never gotten any help from my PCP or DME I decided it was time to take more control of my apnea.  Found this site and OSCAR on 9/8 and imported AS10 data.  One thing I noticed as a lot of Large Leaks, often in clusters.  My AHIs were all below 3 with most under 2.  So, the past few days I've reviewed the OSCAR stats and compared with the times that I've changed position and could see that the leaks corresponded with position changes.  I noticed that when on my left side I had more leaks than right side!  I then noticed that the edge of the pillow was pushing the frame strut up and causing a leak.  So, I made sure that when I went to bed and after every position change that the edge of the pillow nestled against the edge of the mask but didn't cover it.  Last night I only had one cluster and had a Leak Rate of Med: 3.6 and 95% 16.80 with a AHI of .39!

I've looked into other masks than the P10, but now that I understand the mechanics involved with the P10 I'm going to stick with it.  Reviews of others reveal a lot of exhalation air drying eyes and blowing on body, which is why I switched to P10 from a RESMED nasal mask.  In addition, several other mask's straps didn't stay in place whereas the P10 straps work great (tried a 3rd party strap from Amazon that I returned because it fell off).

BTW, I like the AS11.  More quiet than AS10, as it developed a very annoying deep hum at the end of exhalation.  It updates MyAir, but I use OSCAR every day to see how I did.  MyAir isn't very useful as it doesn't let user see details.

Happy CPAPer

[clownbell]

Withtao - I understand what you said. One question: how do correlate your changes in position and your leaks. Do you take a video of yourself sleeping (time stamped) so you can correlate? I am curious because I would like to make a comparison on this myself.

[withtao]

I have a pad and paper and record when I awake and which side I was on.  I don't move much in my sleep so it's pretty relevant.  I know that some of my leaks are caused while sleeping, without a position change, but are less frequent when I make sure I've positioned the mask and pillow correctly before I fall asleep.  It's not perfick, but helpful.