[Pressure] High leakage rate

[Donny]

I have been using my machine (Resmed) for over twelve months now and my figures are normally below 5 mostly , between 2 or3.My pressure is at 13 in/.My main problem is mask leakage as it is usually well over 50%.I use a Resmed Quatro Air mask which I find very comfortable.I also have a beard but find if I "soften" it with soap and water prior to going to sleep it does help reduce the leakage rate.
The main matter of my post is to ask if I should request a reduction in pressure and if reduced would it also effect the leakage rate.I have tried the nasal type mask but found it too uncomfortable.

[justMongo]

Solve the leak problem. Keep the pressure.
The Resmed Quatro Air often leaks near the nose.
If you cannot get comfortable with a nasal or nasal pillow mask, may I suggest the Resmed Mirage Quattro.
It has an forehead pad and an adjustable nose bridge distance. I believe it uses the same cushions as the Resmed Quatro Air.

The mask is the most individual choice in xPAP therapy. It is also the key to successful therapy.

Kindest Regards,

Mongo

[zonk]

My main problem is mask leakage as it is usually well over 50%.

Not sure what 50% referring to ...
Whats are the numbers ... median, 95th percentile, maximum

[Donny]

My main problem is mask leakage as it is usually well over 50%.

Not sure what 50% referring to ...
Whats are the numbers ... median, 95th percentile, maximum

AHI for last 7 days is 2.6.Med is 27.6,95th percentile is 49.2 and max is 55.2.

[zonk]

Have you tried nasal pillows, goes very well with beard

I cannot use full face mask, on occasion when feeling unwell resort to full face mask
but set the machine at fixed pressure (CPAP mode) 9 or 10 to get some sleep .... ymmv

It does affect AHI somewhat but more important for me to get some sleep on those occasion
You can try take a nap at lower pressure, EPR off and see how things work out

Reducing pressure a little is not such bad idea, because higher leak rate reduce the effectiveness of the therapy
Therapy air goes in and instead goes down the airways, find a way out to escape
Right now, with those set leak numbers, you're not getting the full benefit of the set pressure, pressure is reduced already

[PaytonA]

I too use the Mirage Quattro and it works extremely well for me. I too have facial hair and have never had a problem with leaks caused by my facial hair with any of the masks that I have used.

[quiescence at last]

I find when I have about 2 days stubble, my mask stays put better at lower tightness. I find that my leakage increases some as I reach about 5 or more days stubble, but is very comfortable with that leak. Your 95% level of 49.2 means for at least 5% of the time, your leakage was above 49.2 liters per minute.

I don't think your readings are significantly worse due to the amount of leakage you have. If it does not awaken you or disrupt you, I'd just go about your business, and enjoy your sleep.

QAL

[zonk]

I find when I have about 2 days stubble, my mask stays put better at lower tightness. I find that my leakage increases some as I reach about 5 or more days stubble, but is very comfortable with that leak. Your 95% level of 49.2 means for at least 5% of the time, your leakage was above 49.2 liters per minute.

I don't think your readings are significantly worse due to the amount of leakage you have. If it does not awaken you or disrupt you, I'd just go about your business, and enjoy your sleep.

QAL

ResMed S9 report unintentional leaks (total leak minus intentional leak)
Might not be too high for Respironcis machine report total leak but certainly too high for ResMed machine

Below 24 L/m considered acceptable leak rate

[quiescence at last]

understood.

[zonk]

understood.

I'm more inclined agreeing with you ... "If it does not awaken you or disrupt you, I'd just go about your business, and enjoy your sleep"

We like to see leak numbers down but its not the end of world
Getting some decent sleep is better than none