Leaking -- how much is too much?

meister · Post by **meister** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 6:57 pm

My ResMed Autorespond (similar to Spirit) says that my leak averages
.64L/s. Is this OK or really bad? Can the machine compensate for this or do I need to take some sort of remedial action?

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 7:00 pm

I believe your leakage is within limits.

SithLord · Post by **SithLord** » Mon May 28, 2007 8:33 am

I'll piggy-back on meister's post .

Per the chart at http://www.internetage.com/cpapinfo/leak-rates-1.html, the leak rate should be 25 L/min for my mask (ComfortGel) and average APAP pressure (9.5 cm). I assume the chart lists the best case you could get for the given mask/pressure combination.

My actual average leak rate is 36 L/min and my 90% level is 46 L/min. This is about 45% and 85% higher than expected. Is this normal? How close should actual be to the chart?

If my leak rate is excessive, what to do about it? When I am falling asleep, I feel no leaks and everything feels comfortable. When I switch sides during the night, I occasionally feel a leak but this is easily corrected by re-seating the mask slightly.

Will my APAP machine correct for leaks?

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon May 28, 2007 10:24 am

Meister and SithLord: you have two different brands of machines so there is some definite difference in leak rate calculation.

Meister, you will notice that your Resmed allows you to choose a selection of masks. IF you use a Resmed mask, then the allowed leak rate for that particular mask at that particular pressure is automatically SUBTRACTED from the REPORTED leak rate. IF you are NOT using a Resmed mask then the machine is just subtracting the allowed leak rate for the mask selection you did choose which quite possibly is NOT the same allowed leak rate for the mask your are using and thus the REPORTED leak rate will NOT be correct. In this case you just have to select the Resmed mask selection that has the closest leak rate at your pressure as the mask you are using.

What I am NOT sure about w/the Resmeds is what leak rate is allowed for the Standard mask selection OR if the Standard mask selection is used the Resmeds do NOT subtract anything from the REPORTED leak rate.

SithLord, the Respironics don't have the above Resmed mask selection so the REPORTED leak rate is the actual leak rate you are experiencing thru the night.

The accepted leak rates at the various pressures included in your mask literature are the leaks designed into the masks at manufacture to allow for the escape of your "used" air, your expelled C02.

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Mon May 28, 2007 10:41 am

Your leak rate should be very close to what's listed as the acceptable leak rate. If your leaks are much higher, you may be mouth breathing or mouth leaking. The mask could also be leaking during the night but you are sleeping through it(check all hose connections to be sure they are secure). If your leaks aren't under control, you aren't getting the proper treatment. The machines are supposed to have leak compensation but I think that is only for small leaks. If you aren't sure if you mouth breathe or mouth leak, try taping for a night or two and see what happens. If nothing else it will rule out mouth breathing/leaking.

Brenda

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 28, 2007 11:58 am

Thx bdp522. Stupid question though. By taping, do you mean duct tape my lips shut for the night or jury-rig a chin strap with tape?

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon May 28, 2007 1:15 pm

The two original posts of this thread are over 2 years old.

I presume a spammer resurrected the thread. (and somebody deleted the spam post)

Den

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Mon May 28, 2007 2:38 pm

In case anyone doesn't know how Den knows that, any post will have a block on it like this:

So, in the future, check that before worrying about it. If it's a spam post that's bringing it back up to the top, just delete the spam post and then it'll go away.

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Mon May 28, 2007 4:36 pm

Here are Roosters instructions for taping;

viewtopic.php?t=9653&start=0

I use Kendalls tenderskin paper tape, Works Great!

Brenda

SithLord · Post by **SithLord** » Tue May 29, 2007 8:39 am

Indeed my leak rate is abnormal. I will try the taping suggestions. But without duct tape .

To "baseline" the expected leak rate for my mask and equipment, is this a fair test?

- Get a really good seal with mask
- Lay in bed on back for 10-15 minutes
- Don't fall asleep

If I review session with Encore Pro or EPA, shouldn't this be a better number for real-life conditions than a table ?

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Tue May 29, 2007 1:05 pm

It won't matter what position you are in or if you are awake or not. You would have to have a perfect seal. Anything over the intentional leak rates that are in the charts that come with the mask is a leak. If you took 4(or 40, or 400) people and gave them all perfect seals the leak rates would be the same. If you feel better experimenting, go ahead. Be sure to post your results.

Brenda