The truth about leaks...

[Visitor]

I had consistently low leaks (within normal range) according to my Breas. The provider of the apap commented how amazingly low my leakage was according to the software indications. I knew I had leaks though as I woke up with my mask shifted or the nasal pillows leaking air due to the mask pressing against a pillow.

My solution has been to change the headgear (with parts recycled from another mask) for the P10, and insert velcro connections for all parts of the mask, making it super adjustable. I certainly feel energized throughout the day ever since the change, as opposed to dragging myself through the days.

[Visitor]

I actually am amazed how much "patients" can contribute in this case to improving their own treatment. And also how little sound info I've received on the practicalities of this treatment (despite having a good specialist). These (and other) boards are terrific.

[Rob S]

for me and my FFM I've found washing my mask every morning and my face every night with warm soapy water can drop my leak rate by 5-8 lpm

i have a goatee and find freshly trimmed will be about 5 lpm less leak than 2 days growth.

i adjust straps until the silicone just barely (but fully) touches my face. take it off and match the lengths by lining up the seams and adjusting each side top and bottom.
it is usually still a bit to lose at this point but i start making 1/8 inch adjustments tighter from there until i get a leak rate <15 lpm
at 15 i know my machine will function properly i could keep making adjustment after adjustment to get it 10 or under but don't find it to be worth the effort.

[ginzo]

I am the Large Leak king. That's how I ended up here. Same as you, looking for solutions. So far all answers you have received will reduce leaks. You WILL have occasional nights where they may be extremely high. I'm ready for bed when I saw your thread so a few quick tips/info and I will return tomm to give you some other ideas.

What is the normal "acceptable" rate of leakage for your machine? I'm not familiar with that one. On a resmed it is under 24 l/min.

At this point I look for a target of Med "0", 90-95% under 10 l/min Can you post some #'s or a typical night?

I am currently working on some "unofficial" trials to see how to reduce it either further.

Your AHI's under 5? That is an important # in effective treatment.

ME thinks zero's leaks are not in the realm of reality, but for me, now that they are mostly in the acceptable range, It's a game to see how much better I can make it. Hence the trials and experiments.

Please understand, the trials in no way affect my therapy in a negative manner.

Edit: I see you do have a resmed machine my bad, told you it was bed time. I was looking at the wrong line.

[foss]

I have a pronounced horizontal crease above my chin area. If I don't keep the lower seal on either my F&P Simplus or Respironics Amara view above that crease, I get serious leaks. I have to keep the bottom seal of the mask just below my lower lip. As PoolQ mentioned too much strap tension is a bad thing. As you gain experience you will be able to adjust the straps without much effort. You learn the proper tensioning and position over time.

Jeff