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+--- Thread: [Treatment] Better sleep with leaks (/Thread-Treatment-Better-sleep-with-leaks)
Better sleep with leaks - PTTP - 02-27-2016
I'm a new user and have been unable to get an answer to the following question -- if anybody has had the same experience or can shed some light, I'd really appreciate it.
Before Cpap I was sleeping in approx 1-2 hour intervals. I'm now on my 4th mask in 90 days and have found that I sleep best when my leak rate is high. I'm told therapy is ineffective with too much leakage but my AHI is always under 1 per hour vs pre cpap 33 per hour whether I leak or not. While I realize the number may be skewed if the therapy isn't working correctly, I can't get past the fact that I sleep 5+ hours without interruption . How can it not be working if I'm sleeping so long?
When my leak rate is "good" it's like a roller coaster ride -- I sleep 4 hours max and experience noise and high pressure disturbances. I tried liners for the 1st time last night and had a great nights sleep but my leaks were the highest ever
Any ideas? Thanks!!
RE: Better sleep with leaks - foss - 02-27-2016
Hi PTTP,
I have had a similar experience on some nights. My leak rate is usually low. Leaks tend to bother me, especially when it puffs past me eyes. When it puffs past my eyes while sleeping, I always wake up and have to adjust the mask. I have noticed that my AHI can be low when the leak rate is in the "medium" range. This could be due to the machine being unable to measure small variations in the "flow rate" that it would normally be considered an apnea. The main thing is your sleep quality. If you are sleeping well, that is what counts. But, sometimes it is hard for us to actually determine our sleep quality. It is the deep sleep and the proper sleep cycle that is important and the thing that is disturbed by sleep apnea.
I am just an apnea patient. These are only my observations. I am sure someone that has real knowledgeable will respond as well.
Good to see you here.
Jeff
RE: Better sleep with leaks - foss - 02-27-2016
PS. You should consider installing Sleepyhead so you can get a better idea about what is actually happening while you are sleeping.
RE: Better sleep with leaks - PTTP - 02-27-2016
(02-27-2016, 09:32 AM)foss Wrote: PS. You should consider installing Sleepyhead so you can get a better idea about what is actually happening while you are sleeping.
Thanks for your input, Jeff - I really do have to consider it. I've been a little overwhelmed so far with all that's involved. I see you have an Amara View. It was the best mask I tried but leaks were nonstop -- any suggestions?
RE: Better sleep with leaks - foss - 02-27-2016
There was a learning curve to the Amara View. Leaks were quite a problem when I first tried it. But I liked the small size, it didn't go up my face so far. It felt less encumbering.
I found through experimentation the right amount of strap pressure. The top "over the head" strap needs to be tight enough that it holds it up against the bottom of the nose but not too tight. The upper and lower "behind the head" straps need to have just enough tension to hold the mask in place and balanced, but not too tight. If the straps are too tight, it flattens the seals causing them to leak. I found that the mask seals best when it is at working pressure. The seals inflate making a good seal.
Also, I am a pretty big guy, but the small mask fits best. When I tried the medium mask, it would never seal.
The Amara View is now my goto mask.
Jeff
RE: Better sleep with leaks - trish6hundred - 02-27-2016
Hi PTTP,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Much success to you with your CPAP therapy and finding a mask that works well.
RE: Better sleep with leaks - JamesW - 02-27-2016
I am currently using a Philips Wisp mask and sometimes I have very low leaks and sometimes I have a higher rate of leaks. But usually not over the acceptable level for Resmed or Sleepyhead. My AHI is averaging .5 to .7 with this mask and it is really comfy for me with the hose over the top of my head. I have been getting a good nights sleep and with the low AHI figure I am happy, despite the leaks. Chasing no leaks seems to be like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Does it really exist?
RE: Better sleep with leaks - PTTP - 02-27-2016
(02-27-2016, 07:47 PM)JamesW Wrote: I am currently using a Philips Wisp mask and sometimes I have very low leaks and sometimes I have a higher rate of leaks. But usually not over the acceptable level for Resmed or Sleepyhead. My AHI is averaging .5 to .7 with this mask and it is really comfy for me with the hose over the top of my head. I have been getting a good nights sleep and with the low AHI figure I am happy, despite the leaks. Chasing no leaks seems to be like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Does it really exist?
I agree! My concern is whether my therapy is working or not as I was told AHI #s aren't reliable with too much leakage. However, if I'm sleeping all night which would never happen without cpap, can I assume I am getting proper therapy despite high leak rate? It's so complicated
(02-27-2016, 06:48 PM)trish6hundred Wrote: Hi PTTP,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Much success to you with your CPAP therapy and finding a mask that works well.
Thanks!
RE: Better sleep with leaks - Mosquitobait - 02-27-2016
Look at your data with Sleepyhead. Your pressures are wide open. You may do better restricting it closer to your 95% level. My pressure was originally set at 8-12.5. I raised the bottom pressure. That was ok, but didn't improve my sleep. I recently lowered my top pressure to 11 and I'm sleeping for 3-5 hours now. It could be the higher pressure is getting to you. Surprisingly, my AHI is STILL under .5 most of the time despite the fact that I was previously topping out at 12.5.
RE: Better sleep with leaks - PTTP - 02-28-2016
(02-27-2016, 08:41 PM)Mosquitobait Wrote: Look at your data with Sleepyhead. Your pressures are wide open. You may do better restricting it closer to your 95% level. My pressure was originally set at 8-12.5. I raised the bottom pressure. That was ok, but didn't improve my sleep. I recently lowered my top pressure to 11 and I'm sleeping for 3-5 hours now. It could be the higher pressure is getting to you. Surprisingly, my AHI is STILL under .5 most of the time despite the fact that I was previously topping out at 12.5.
Thank you for your suggestion - I will definitely look into that.