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Another leak question... - Printable Version

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Another leak question... - Judi - 09-24-2015

I'm sure this has been answered before but I couldn't find it. Sorry if it's a repeat question. Recently, Sleepyhead is saying that I've had major leaks. Reading through the posts, I'm thinking it's time for new pillows so I've got some on order. However, I was wondering does it matter about the major leaks if my AHI is still under 5 or do the major leaks skew the number? I've attached a screenshot of my results. Does anything glare out at you that I need to do in order to feel more rested? Thanks for your help.
Judi
[Image: AHI_1.jpg]


RE: Another leak question... - surferdude2 - 09-24-2015

I don't see any problem since your 95% Leak Rate was only 9 L. per minute. The one large leak that occurred around 3:15 am isn't something of major concern since it probably was due to you changing positions and knocking the mask askew for a while.

Your AHI of 2.12 is reasonably good and means your apnea is being treated.

Dude


RE: Another leak question... - PaytonA - 09-24-2015

I agree with Duuuude. Your leaks actually look pretty good.

Yes, large leaks can have an effect on your AHI but it takes a worse condition than you have to even make that a possibility.

I think that it might help you if you elevated your head without kinking your neck. Try a 4 inch wedge pillow or elevate the head of the bed 4 inches or just try using a number of pillows that put your body on an incline from the waist up. I think that this might help your snoring and your AHI.

Best Regards,

PaytonA


RE: Another leak question... - justMongo - 09-24-2015

You might try sleeping on your side -- like your avatar. Helps some people.
Say hello the folks at WHAS AM Louisville for me!


RE: Another leak question... - woozie38 - 09-25-2015

(09-24-2015, 08:31 AM)Judi Wrote: I'm sure this has been answered before but I couldn't find it. Sorry if it's a repeat question. Recently, Sleepyhead is saying that I've had major leaks. Reading through the posts, I'm thinking it's time for new pillows so I've got some on order. However, I was wondering does it matter about the major leaks if my AHI is still under 5 or do the major leaks skew the number? I've attached a screenshot of my results. Does anything glare out at you that I need to do in order to feel more rested? Thanks for your help.
Judi

Hi Judi, A phenomenon that occurs with nasal pillows mask is commonly called "mouth breathing". I prefer to call it "loss of therapy air due to PAP air escaping orally". If this is indeed what is happening, the only real solution is to change to a full face mask. Therapy air escaping orally can be minor or massive and both will defeat your therapy. Low AHI does not indicate no problem. This is my opinion & is born out by years of therapy. I am constantly under an AHI of 5 which is considered "Treated". but I never feel fine or fit even though I am physically healthy.




RE: Another leak question... - eseedhouse - 09-25-2015

(09-25-2015, 06:43 AM)woozie38 Wrote: Hi Judi, A phenomenon that occurs with nasal pillows mask is commonly called "mouth breathing". I prefer to call it "loss of therapy air due to PAP air escaping orally". If this is indeed what is happening, the only real solution is to change to a full face mask.

Not the "only" solution. Many people can learn to keep their mouths closed while sleeping when using a nasal mask or pillows. And chin straps work for a lot of people.

I use a FFM myself but when my mouth opens while I sleep I get a dry mouth, which is not very desirable. So the FFM is not always a sufficient solution either.



RE: Another leak question... - Ghost1958 - 09-25-2015

I have the same machine you do. It will flag aleak large enough to affect therapy or event recording. With PR machines you watch total leaks.
Large leak is around 70 your highest is under that.


RE: Another leak question... - Ghost1958 - 09-26-2015

Judy. Your leak is well below the 70 LL threshold for your machine. I have the same machine.
It looks as if your min pressure is to low. You might try nudging it up .5cm wait a week, if ni difference in ahi and how you feel nuge it up another .5cm and repeat until ahi goes down abd you feel more rested.