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+--- Thread: ASV Machines - Major Leaks (/Thread-ASV-Machines-Major-Leaks)
ASV Machines - Major Leaks - DonC - 04-19-2016
Hi Everyone,
I know this is a subject that has been discussed at length but I wanted to ask for peoples opinions now that more and more of us are ending up on ASV machines.
We all know that we are experiencing pressures that we are not used to when we first start on ASV. My settings are quite low but a lot of people are hitting 25 and higher when you add the PS to the EPAP.
Anyway, this has started to give me clusters of major leaks. I use a ResMed machine so I believe the line is 24 and anything above that is a major leak. Last night I slept for 7.45 hours and had 3.7% of that time above the line / major leaks. My AHI was 0.4. I had three Hypopneas each one was 10 seconds exactly.
I am very happy with my numbers (I am unhappy when I go over 1.0) but do worry about the leaks. What is an acceptable percentage of time to have major leaks? Should I worry about the level I am at - averaging just over 3% for the last week or so - or should I just carry on?
I have switched masks with the same result on leaks but higher AHI.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Don
RE: ASV Machines - Major Leaks - FrankNichols - 04-19-2016
Well, I am new, but if the leaks are not waking you up and they are not causing Apnea events, I do not think I would "worry" about them. I can certainly understand wanting to stop them, but I would certainly take feeling good, having good numbers over worrying about leaks.
I suggest you filled with the mask. Is it an F10? If so, I would be amazed if you get an F10 to not leak over 20. I can barely keep mine sealed at 15.
Frank
RE: ASV Machines - Major Leaks - DeepBreathing - 04-20-2016
The smiley / frowney face on the ResMed S9 (and I assume also on the A10) allows up to 30% of time in large leaks before it changes from happy to sad. Personally I think they have set the bar way too low, but it puts your 3% in perspective. As Frank said providing it's not causing you discomfort or waking you, then 3% is an acceptable time in large leak.
RE: ASV Machines - Major Leaks - DonC - 04-20-2016
Thanks guys,
Last night was zero major leaks over 6.45 hours. AHI 0.44 (three Hypopneas all only 10 seconds) so I am very happy. The 95% leak rate was 3.6 for the night.
But I will not worry about low percentages of major leaks from now on.
Thanks again,
Don