Query on mask leakage
Does it really matter how high the leakage rate is ( also red face graphic) as long as the AHI rates are good ??
Have used the Resmed Airsense 10 for four years with nasal pillows . Bought a new mask and hose, looks the same as old one but giving high leak rates.
Also use a Swift nasal mask from time to time - seems to work better with a sinsus causing blocked nostril - cannot use the pillows at all in this case.
General problems across the board with high leak rates - around 30l - used to be around 14 for years
Hence my query - does the leak rate really matter as long as AHIs are low - 0.5 - 1.0 with zero or low central AHI
Hope this all makes sense - my first post.
RonL
RE: Query on mask leakage
As long as the rate of leakage remains below the “large” rating, your machine’s ability to treat you will be acceptable. Red faces are indications that your effective treatment may have been compromised. Even if stated AHI is below 5.0, high leaks, if indicated, will have a deleterious effect, even if all they do is to arouse you repeatedly. You can have an indicated AHI of 0.0 if you lie awake the entire night. You can see that this is far from ideal.
RE: Query on mask leakage
The problem is when large leaks remain high, the machine may not be tracking events as it should and may not be reporting accurately. The possibility exists that if the leak rate is high enough, your therapy is off the rails.
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEBSITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
RE: Query on mask leakage
Hi Thanks for - well explained ?
RonL
RE: Query on mask leakage
Thanks again. Both those replies make sense.
I bought a brand new Resmed pillows mask on eBay in Australia for around $120 AU and it all looks the same as my old one. BUT, the leakage rate is bad. When I use the old one it is ok again ? Using a Medium size nose piece.
Does anyone else find that they can use the Nasal type mask with a blocked nostril ( sinus problem) but the pillows type is really impossible?
RonL
RE: Query on mask leakage
I use the P10 Pillows, when badly congested it takes about 5 minutes of trying hard for me to let the pressure break through. Give it ten minytes for variability. It has NEVER failed me, even though I frequently think that it will not work this time.
RE: Query on mask leakage
(10-23-2019, 10:21 PM)RonL Wrote: Does anyone else find that they can use the Nasal type mask with a blocked nostril ( sinus problem) but the pillows type is really impossible?
RonL
For myself, just the opposite. The nasal pillow mask will unblock any sinus congestion I may have, but as bonjour states, it may take a few minutes.
When I first start my machine, I have to relax and concentrate on my breathing and not feel like I have to suck air. It may feel like you are suffocating, but your not.
It takes about 5 minutes or so for that feeling to subside, then I can breathe better.
Some of us have found that switching to a larger size pillow than what you think you need will work far better. If you use a Medium pillow, try a large. You may be surprised.
RE: Query on mask leakage
I finally traced down the leak problem. Several cracks close together in the Climate line hose ! Around four years old so I suppose that is about the life span .
RonL
RE: Query on mask leakage
These hoses aren’t made to last that long. (I know, some use their hoses for years).
If you have insurance coverage, take advantage of their replacement policy, usually every 6 months.
And if you don’t have insurance, at least shop around for a good price and keep a backup hose handy.
Either way, glad you found the leak.
RE: Query on mask leakage
I see plumbers and gas fitters using water with a little soap in it. Brushing it over joints and pipe looking for leaks. Simple. Easy.
That would work on hoses too.