Locating acceptable mask leak rates

This is a wonderful forum, particularly for those of us who are new to apnea and treatment. I swear the people on this forum seem to know more about this condition than my sleep doctor does.

Brief history: My polysomnography results reflected that I had a respiratory disturbance index of 104.3/hr. of sleep, no stage REM, 58% stage 1, 12% stage 2, and 30% stage awake. My min SaO2 was 73%. Longest apneic event was 28 seconds.

I have now had my BiPAP Auto w/ BiFlex for a week, and am using the Mirage Swift II nasal pillows. My Encore Viewer results say that my AHI is averaging between 3.7 and 5.1 with an overall average of 4.9 (but the average is dropping almost daily for some reason). This is one hell of an improvement for me!

The problem with getting my AHI lower seems to be mask leaks, if I understand all the posts on the subject. I have no large leaks, but my average 90% leak (I don't know what that means) is 45.4 and average leak is 40.2. Nowhere can I find anything that tells me what my leak numbers should be for this nasal pillow system. Also, I figured that with my total time in apnea dropped from approx. 150 minutes per night (pre-treatment) to just over 4 minutes per night, the leaks cannot be a serious issue. Am I correct, or is there still a problem with my leaks that can improve my numbers? Where can I find out what my leak numbers should be?

The official leak rate for each mask can be found in a little brochure that comes with the mask. There should be a hard to see graph hidden in there somewhere.

You can also check the manuf. web site or check here for the unofficial rates.

Mask Leak Rates
http://www.internetage.com/cpapinfo/leak-rates-1.html

Keep in mind the leak increases with the pressure. You should be close but I am never exact.

Good Luck,
GumbyCT

GumbyCT wrote:The official leak rate for each mask can be found in a little brochure that comes with the mask. There should be a hard to see graph hidden in there somewhere.

You can also check the manuf. web site or check here for the unofficial rates.

Mask Leak Rates
http://www.internetage.com/cpapinfo/leak-rates-1.html

Keep in mind the leak increases with the pressure. You should be close but I am never exact.

Good Luck,
GumbyCT

Thanks, Gumby. That was fantastic information. The link you gave me does not include info on the Swift II, but for the Swift I at my max pressure of 14, it says leak rate should be 40.2, exactly what my average leak is! If the Swift II is about the same, something else must be causing my numbers to remain a little high...true?

If you search Resmed's site you'll eventually find a file saying the Swift II and the Swift have the same leak rate.

You're doing great.

Congratulations!

O.

If you are talking ahi numbers yea. It could be the pressure is too high or not high enuff. Could even be sleep position or the type of mask.

Do you have the software? oh It says you do.

How are you feeling? That is most important.