BlueSky1958 - Therapy Thread

[BlueSky1958]

Any thoughts on my chart numbers related to leak?

[OpalRose]

Some reading for you:  

Even though this wiki article mentions older pap machines, the information still applies to the A10 algorithm.

http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...SCAR_leaks

[snorin2]

The "my air score" to me seems pretty indefinite because it relies on so many factors but mainly hours sleeping, I think.  If you refer to it every day and you're cruising along at 90 and then drop to 60---well- you can look around and see what's up.  But I don't use it and shouldn't criticize.  Perhaps another poster will have experience with it and comment on your score.

I often hit the "info" button on my cpap to see the AHI and if it's high, I check Oscar.  I suppose it's the same thing.

An Oscar Leakage score over 30, I think, is troubling.  I often have continuous and constant high leakage rates (over 30) and I am concerned.  At the very least, it must be hard on the motor and limit the CPAP's lifetime.

If I have even the smallest real obvious leak at the start, it drives me nuts and I have a hard time getting to sleep.

Do you notice the leaks!!!  Are they blowing into your eyes--if so you have to stop that happening.

For me I don't notice these large leaks at all.  That's my problem--I can't find the leak.  And--damn the motor, I am concerned at how this can effect the treatment (cpap).  I am guessing this may be your question too.

Give us a little more info and perhaps someone can assist.

[BlueSky1958]

Besides the charts and numbers, what I can add is that I'm using nasal pillows. I chose the Large size because the mediums felt like it was too invasive into my nostrils. When I shift to my side, I find the pillow can shift too, causing air to seep out from various points. If I'm in a deeper sleep, I suspect a lot of air can get out before I wake up enough to readjust it.

I received an AirTouch F20 foam full face today so I plan to give that a try tonight, although I'll admit I'm resistant to using a FF mask for all the typical reasons.

[Crimson Nape]

I'm a side sleeper.  Since a pillow has a compressibility factor, I've become accustomed to slightly offset my mask towards the pillow as I change sides.  This allows the mask to return to its neutral position when it's released.

- Red

[snorin2]

I gave up on the nasal masks as I am a mouth breather.  I tried the f20 air fit but it seemed to rub on the bridge of my nose and I finally switched to the very costly F20 touch.  I now think it could be my forever mask.  It is very comfortable.  Some people think it should be worn tightly; others very loose to get the benefit of the memory foam.  The memory foam molds when your skin warms it up, I have been told--so you have to wait a minute to let that happen.  Do not over-clean; it's fragile and will only last 30 uses if you're rough with it.  Good idea to wear it every other day to let the foam rest--I believe (YMMV).  But I have large leaks with the cushions that I have babied for 90 uses!  I hope you will keep us informed as to how you do with the leaks with this cushion.

[BlueSky1958]

If I'm reading you correctly, if you turn to sleep on the left side, you're slightly shifting your nasal pillows to the left on your face, so when the pillow puts upward pressure on them, they re-align with your nostrils. If this is correct, it is also what I'm doing to compensate (although it equally often results in a leak requiring more adjusting.)

[Crimson Nape]

It is more a pressure exerted on the mask and not a physical movement. Basically, it is about the same pressure as what the pillow will put on the mask. It also helps to be near the edge of the pillow, too. This can allow some of the larger areas of the mask to hang off. I forgot to mention that I use a memory foam pillow. It is somewhat more dimensionally stable than one with fiber filling or foam chunks.

- Red

[BlueSky1958]

I have a memory foam pillow as well, and have been wondering if its a bit too firm and that contributes to the pressure on the face rig (as well as keeping my head relative to neck in too high and angle which could add to apnea problems).

[BlueSky1958]

My large leak went from an average of maybe 13-16 down to 1.77 last night using FF mask (foam style). So it would appear the full mask had a clear positive effect on leakage.


Average Leak Rate
Last night 1.77
average 8.90

95% Leak Rate
Last night 10.80
average 36.00

% of time above Leak Rate threshold
Last night 1.06%
Average 16.48%

My apnea numbers:

AHI

Last night 1.74
Average 3.04

Obstructive Apnea (OA) Index
Last night 0.62
Average 2.07

So on the whole, this style mask seems to be addressing the leakage I was getting with nasal pillows, and also impacting my apnea too, correct? More detaisl in attached file. Also notice the pressure numbers went up a bit which i guess should be expected with a better seal.

I did notice this....when I first put it on it repeatedly "hiccuped" for the first 5 minutes like the air flow was pulsing or convulsing through it. As I settled my breathing it went away. Also noticed a was getting leaks that seemd to be the result of the pressure from the bottom corners of the mask (My exhaling added to the air pressure = leak)