RE: Chart Analyzing
Until the leaks are controlled the chart is meaningless. These leaks are among the worst I have seen and the CPAP has no control or reliable sensor connection to your airway. The mask is clearly wrong for you and you might as well be wearing it upside down. Not intending to insult you, but it’s worthless as an interface, and the data produced is as good as that mask seal.
RE: Chart Analyzing
Sifuhall, you are doing the right thing by trying more masks. I hope one of the two you’ve ordered will be “the one” for you.
Before using a new mask, try going on line to find videos about fitting that particular mask. Give anything new a fair trial, and for masks, be ready to try different adjustments. Sometimes looser is actually better than tighter.
If these two just don’t work for you, continue your quest. Finding the right mask can be a challenge, but it’s also essential to effective therapy and sound sleep.
Let us know how it goes, would you?
RE: Chart Analyzing
Ditto to what Sleeprider and Dormeo have already said. I went through 5 masks before I got the one that worked for me. That process took me about a year. In hindsight, I think it was just a matter of getting used to wearing a mask on my face, and most of those old masks are probably OK.
Keep at it and do your research about fitting the mask on your face and what size you need. It will be well worth it. Some DME's offer a return policy if the mask you ordered is not right for you.
Good luck and let us know how you are doing.
It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you get there.
RE: Chart Analyzing
Hi sifuhall. I'm surprised you're getting such high leaks from a Simplus, which is widely regarded as one of the better full face masks. While you're waiting for your new masks, try adjusting the Simplus to see if you can minimise the leaks. Your machine should have a "Check mask fit" feature which will blow air at a constant pressure while you try various adjustments. Here is some text from the manual:
Check Mask Fit
The optional check mask fit feature can be enabled or disabled by your home care provider. This feature allows you to
check the fit of your mask prior to starting therapy. This is done by measuring the amount of leak. Put on your mask
assembly. Refer to your mask instructions if needed. Navigate to the Check Mask Fit screen under “My Setup” and
press the control dial to initiate the check.
The device will deliver a test pressure while the screen counts down 40 seconds. A green bar indicates good fit, while
a red bar indicates improvement is needed. After the test, normal therapy will start and the screen will either display
a green checkmark or a red “X”. The green checkmark indicates that the leak found allows for optimal performance
of the device. The red “X” indicates that the leak may affect device performance, however, the device will remain
functional and deliver therapy.
In addition to the mask, check that there are no leaks from the hose or any of the connections.
As SleepRider mentioned above, when the leaks are too high the machine can't properly diagnose or treat respiratory events, so the AHI result is pretty meaningless. It's always necessary to get the leaks under control, then make other adjustments.
RE: Chart Analyzing
I like to hand fit or test my masks first then use the straps to hold the mask in that position. And read the Mask Primer