What is Normal Average Leak Rate?

[Sleeprider]

Lanco, the design leak rate for any mask is a curve that changes with pressure, so there is no fixed leak rate, rather it is a designed venting flow/pressure relationship. Some masks publish this curve, and for others it is nearly impossible to find. Philips Respironics machines will measure and report both the total leak and excess leak, while Resmed only reports the excess leak. I assume excess leak is calculated from something like the 5-percent leak rate. I think it would be helpful if they all reported total leak, but apparently the companies don't agree.

[Lanco]

Thanx Sleeprider, yes I know. I think a significant thing with this data is my average pressure is 8.3 and it shows 55 lpm as the norm. My mask exhaust flow, at about 8 cmH20 is about 24. So, this certainly points in a certain direction.

[rich2905]

Interesting how resmed works.

According to it I had zero leaks last night but I know that was not true but they were not major.


Rich

[Sleepster]

I assume excess leak is calculated from something like the 5-percent leak rate. I think it would be helpful if they all reported total leak, but apparently the companies don't agree.

As you say, ResMed reports only the unintentional leak rate (what you are calling the excess leak rate). I don't know how they do it, and I don't think anyone else does, either. The thing is, if you keep your method a secret, no one can criticize your method for being invalid!

[Lanco]

Just an update. I had the leak alarm turned on last night for the first time. It never sounded. Good news I would guess.