Sleep Study with Mask Leaks

When a mask leaks frequently, is it still possible to get accurate results on a sleep study?

Hi Yoga,

The machines that most sleep labs use do not have leak compensation. Where I worked the Tech could see the leak value. We used mostly all Respironics masks and I had a chart that would show the vent flow from each mask. I could tell that at 10cm that a certain mask would give me a certain leak rate. We also were required to list the leak value in the progress notes.

It was not unusual to have to enter the patient's room to adjust the mask from leaking.

The answer to your question is yes, if you have a constant large leak, your titratiion could be skewed. This type of problem, I do believe, is not widespread, but I am sure that sometimes it does happen.

Titrator

Thanks Ted.

The lab that I went to used Classic Comfort (you've got to be kidding) masks.

The mask leaked all night in my eyes.

I would suspect that many labs use this mask because it is cheaper than most.

Well I'm using the comfortclassic nasal mask and it's working very well for me I have not had any leaks yet

The sleep labs get thier masks free of charge from the manufactur reps. It is the companies best interest to have the sleep lab use their masks so that people will request them from the DME.