how much mask leakage is considered ok?

[zackds]

i am looking through my reports to see how much leakage is going on
although, i dont seem to realize my mask is leaking during the night
the graph shows a pretty consisted leak around 30.00
is that normal or should it not be that high?
also, should there be two different lines in the graph?
there is usually one around 30.00, with another line below it
and, as ive tried different pressures, the leakage just goes up if my pressure goes up
right now im using the dreamwear ff mask

[Pugsy]

There are usually 2 lines for leak from a Respironics machine. The top line is the total leak which is the mask's expected vent rate (all masks have a vent rate that increases as the pressure increases) and a bottom leak line which is approximately any excess leak. I suspect that you sometimes may not see that bottom line because you aren't having much excess leak.
30 L/min sounds about right for total leak at your pressures....probably very little excess leak.

Large leak territory...probably up around 80 or 90 L/min total leak. You are well below that number...leaks not an issue unless tiny leaks wake you up.

Full face masks typically have a higher vent rate than the nasal masks at the same pressures
and all masks have expected vent rates or what is called intentional leak...and they all will increase with increases in pressure. It's just normal.

[AnarchyJane]

I think people are reading my mind, as I was just wondering this same thing. My AHI with the CPAP is 2.1. My pressure is 10 and my leak rate is usually 4

[Pugsy]

I think people are reading my mind, as I was just wondering this same thing. My AHI with the CPAP is 2.1. My pressure is 10 and my leak rate is usually 4

ResMed machines report leak differently than Respironics machines.
ResMed removes the vent rate prior to leak reporting so what you see on the reports is excess leak only....and large leak territory with a ResMed machine is 24 L/min.

Other brands of machines have different lines in the sand in terms of total leak but ResMed is the only one that reports excess only leak.

So when evaluating leak numbers we always have to know which machine brand is providing the numbers.
I see ResMed users telling Respironics users that they are leaking way too much because they are comparing their numbers to the Respironics numbers and it's not a fair comparison. 30 L/min on a ResMed machine is in large leak territory...on a Respironics machine it is usually just a vent rate and not anywhere near large leak territory.