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+--- Thread: More Newbie questions: how is too high for mask leak? (/Thread-More-Newbie-questions-how-is-too-high-for-mask-leak)
More Newbie questions: how is too high for mask leak? - Palmtrees - 08-31-2019
I keep getting notifications that my mask is leaking 6 Lpm or 4Lpm. Yet, I have the green smiley face... how high is too high? Anybody?
Also, I am using a nasal mask, chin strap, and even tape sometimes for the dry mouth -- a full face mask would make more sense, right? I tried three...first one killed the bridge of my nose, second one leaked so badly....shooting air up into my eyes, etc. Third one was the best...under the nose full face by DreamWear...but it still leaked! I guess my lower jaw is a bit narrow and receeding and the minute I fell asleeppp.....lllleeeaaaak! Argh! And the back strap was awful....being a woman, I have hair. Lots of hair. Hair all tangled up in the blinkin' strap....Argh!
So... back to the under the nose nasal mask. So, how much leak is too much?
RE: More Newbie questions: how is too high for mask leak? - upsman - 08-31-2019
I believe 24 L/m is the upper threshold for Resmed machines.
RE: More Newbie questions: how is too high for mask leak? - Palmtrees - 08-31-2019
Oh, OK. I'm doing alright then. Thanks!
RE: More Newbie questions: how is too high for mask leak? - upsman - 08-31-2019
(08-31-2019, 10:15 AM)Palmtrees Wrote: Oh, OK. I'm doing alright then. Thanks!
Yep. Nothing to worry about there.
RE: More Newbie questions: how is too high for mask leak? - SarcasticDave94 - 08-31-2019
In this scenario, I'd agree with upsman. ResMed uses 24 L/m as it's leak redline. Above that, the leaks hinder the machine from adjusting pressure accurately for occuring events.
FWIW that ResMed smiley or frowny face will drive you crazy. There's a probable method to ResMed's madness for determining whether the smiley or frowny shows, but at times it seems arbitrary to me. Personally, I'd stick with the OSCAR chart for accuracy. You say you've seen reported 4-6 L/m, if it hovers there that should be OK. Obviously less is better, maybe focus on a different aspect for now such as comfort.
RE: More Newbie questions: how is too high for mask leak? - jaswilliams - 08-31-2019
As the others have said the leak level that the Resmed is happy with is anything less than 24 L/M but you won’t get the red frown face for leaks until your leaks are over the 24 l/m red line for 30% of the time
RE: More Newbie questions: how is too high for mask leak? - Big Guy - 08-31-2019
(08-31-2019, 02:25 PM)jaswilliams Wrote: As the others have said the leak level that the Resmed is happy with is anything less than 24 L/M but you won’t get the red frown face for leaks until your leaks are over the 24 l/m red line for 30% of the time
The 30% of the time must be the trigger for a frown face.
I've had leaks as high as 42 L/M and still no frown face.
RE: More Newbie questions: how is too high for mask leak? - Palmtrees - 08-31-2019
Thanks... was just wondering. I have a brick...so I'm thinking that the smiley face/frowny face is not something to rely on too much. I did download OSCAR and it happily told me that I have a brick! LOL!
Working on getting something better. First have to check with doc, get prescription, fight with DME, etc. Learning the ins and outs. Medicare. Fairly new for me as I started on it recently.