attached is oscar for leaks...
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mask leakage
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11-24-2021, 04:12 PM
mask leakage
what is an acceptable level of mask leakage? I've been chasing leakage since I started with cpcp almost 2 months ago ... I've got large leaks down to "insignificant" or Zero.. but lots of lesser leaks .. looking at yesterday's result for leaks .. does this seem low enough to stop trying to make it better, or should I continue to work on lowering it?
attached is oscar for leaks...
Resmed Airsense 11/Resmed N20 memory foam mask,cervical collar, MyAir software, OSCAR for data analysis
11-24-2021, 08:02 PM
RE: mask leakage
Anything below about 24 shouldn't affect therapy -- i.e., the machine can "keep up" with the leaks and still provide sufficient pressure to keep your airway open. Your chart shows some significant periods around 15-18, yet at that level they probably aren't adversely affecting therapy efficacy.
But often leaks even less than that will disturb your sleep, i.e., wake you up from noise or "wind" sensations. Are you having any of that? If so, then you definitely should keep looking for a way to reduce the leaks. If you can reduce the leaks further AND still be comfortable, that would be great. But if you can only reduce by being uncomfortable (like pain from too-tight mask), then the reduction is counterproductive.
11-24-2021, 09:22 PM
(This post was last modified: 11-24-2021, 09:24 PM by cberistain.
Edit Reason: additional info
)
RE: mask leakage
what are some of the ways that have been developed to reduce mask leakage?
I switched from a nasal and then a nasal pillow mask to a full face mask (F30i) because I was breathing through my mouth (chin strap helped but not good enough ). then I got a cpap type pillow that helped quite a bit because I'm a side sleeper and the cut out keeps the mask from pushing against the pillow, promoting leakage. Yesterday I gave a second try to a cotton liner .. but I had to cinch up the straps to make the mask fit much tighter .. not sure if I can tolerate it... time will tell. I sense that the mask should just be snug but not tight .. but that doesn't work . at the higher pressures, I can feel the air pushing the edges of the silicon cushion out , until a big leak issues forth... if I wake up in time I push on the mask to stop the leakage until the pressure drops by itself. anything suggestions on other techinques to reduce leakage would be appreciated. as leakage does wake me up.. even at the current levels. thanks
Resmed Airsense 11/Resmed N20 memory foam mask,cervical collar, MyAir software, OSCAR for data analysis
RE: mask leakage
I’m a big believer in nasal pillows, particularly for side sleepers, so maybe that’s worth another try. Personally, I was never able to get a full face mask to work well because I was always dislodging it when on my sides.
You said you tried pillows before, and the problem was mouth leaks that a chin strap didn’t help. Chin straps are not all created equal - I’ve had problems with many of them because they pull “back” more than “up” on the jaw. What worked for me is the “cap type” because the strap pulls “up”. There are a couple of popular brands, PapCap and Knightsbridge. You can find reviews and comments on both here on the forum. Taping the lips shut is another popular option. I haven’t tried that so can’t advise specifics but searching the forum will find a lot of info, methods, and comments.
11-26-2021, 10:01 PM
RE: mask leakage
(11-24-2021, 04:12 PM)cberistain Wrote: what is an acceptable level of mask leakage? I've been chasing leakage since I started with cpcp almost 2 months ago ... I've got large leaks down to "insignificant" or Zero.. but lots of lesser leaks .. looking at yesterday's result for leaks .. does this seem low enough to stop trying to make it better, or should I continue to work on lowering it? Do you have a mustache or beard?
DaveL
compliant for 35 years /// Still trying! I'm just a cpap user like you. I don't give medical advice. Seek the advice of a physician before seeking treatment for medical conditions including sleep apnea. http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php..._The_Guide
11-28-2021, 02:38 PM
RE: mask leakage
I never had good luck with liners. But overtightening made can cause leaks. They are designed to be loose. The edged supposed to inflate to fit face. This is my experience.
11-28-2021, 03:35 PM
RE: mask leakage
Resmed Airsense 11/Resmed N20 memory foam mask,cervical collar, MyAir software, OSCAR for data analysis
11-28-2021, 09:46 PM
RE: mask leakage
Many FFM and nose masks (but not nasal masks that sit in the nostrils) are designed to be left on what is considered the loose side when you first put them on - they generally have a very soft contact area that "inflates" when the machine is turned on so the mask follows the individual contours of the wearer's face.
- They are not spelling/grammar errors.. I live in Australia, we do it differently Down Under -
11-29-2021, 03:06 PM
RE: mask leakage
(11-28-2021, 03:35 PM)cberistain Wrote: nope .. shave every day Years ago I worked for Atomic Energy of Canada, Chalk River. They had an elaborate way of checking for mask leakage. Had to know how to put a mask on and use it in case there was a danger in the active area..... But condition of employment as a summer student was to shave off beard & mustache. So I did. It was to prevent mask leakage.
DaveL
compliant for 35 years /// Still trying! I'm just a cpap user like you. I don't give medical advice. Seek the advice of a physician before seeking treatment for medical conditions including sleep apnea. http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php..._The_Guide
11-29-2021, 03:27 PM
RE: mask leakage
To help to check if your leaks are to much do 2 things. First make sure you have the correct type of mask picked on the cpap machine. Next on the leak rate graph move your mouse to the left side of the chart near the works leak rate and right click - go down to dotted line - pick leak rate upper threshold. That will give you a line that below is a rate the cpap can adjust for and above is a Large Leak that it can not make adjustments for.
Apnea (80-100%) 10 seconds, Hypopnea (50-80%) 10 seconds, Flow Limits (0-50%) not timed Cervical Collar - Dealing w DME - Chart Organizing
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