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[Treatment] Interpreting leak rate data - Printable Version

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Interpreting leak rate data - Otil - 09-14-2018

Last night I crossed the 5-AHI limit, and I am wondering what I can do to further improve my treatment.

I am  especially concerned with my leak rate as my wife is telling me that I am mouth breathing a few times during sleep. I am using Dreamwear nasal pillow mask these days.

I am a bit uncertain how to interpret the leak rate data. 

When looking at the leak rate at times I was mouth breathing (according to my wife) I usually don’t see any significant change in leak rates  - will it be easy to see real mouth breathing on the leak rate graph?

As shown in the attached screendump I had an increase of both leak rate numbers at around 01.10 last night. Could that be due to mouth breathing?

Any input would be highly appreciated.


RE: Interpreting leak rate data - DeepBreathing - 09-14-2018

Hi Otil. Sleepyhead reports you had zero time over the redline for leaks, so although it was a fairly large leak at 01:10, it wasn't enough to upset the machine. No doubt it would have made a bit of a noise which could upset your wife, and that is more serious than upsetting the machine. Smile

Mouth leakage can often be seen in the charts by a flat-topped graph, which is exactly what you have at 01:10. To overcome this, there are a number of potential remedies including:

- The tongue-stick method (practice holding your tongue against the roof of the mouth to form a seal);
- Chin strap;
- Soft cervical collar;
- Tape your lips together;
- Get rid of the pillows mask and get a full face mask.