LOW AHI, but high LEAK RATE

[Par301]

I have looked at some posts concerning high leak rate, but not found the correct one that addresses my concern. My AHI is usually around .55 to 1.30, But I am seeing high leak rates on my Oscar chart. Should this be of concern? My machine is a Dream-station, mask is an P10 nasal pillow. I recently tried a Swift FX and it seems to have lowered the leak somewhat, but is not as comfortable as my P10. I am not tired and seem to be sleeping well, (except for damn prostate getting me up twice per night), and I don't need to take naps. So all in all things are good. Just thought I would ask to see if this is a concern or not. Let me know if you need more info to help!

Thanks for any input,
Par301

[LSAT]

The term "high" can mean different things to different people. What machine are you using? What are your pressure settings? How "high" are your leaks?
With the low AHI and sleeping well, I wouldn't be too concerned.

[Pugsy]

So where are you seeing a high leak rate being reported in OSCAR and how much is it?

[palerider]

I have looked at some posts concerning high leak rate, but not found the correct one that addresses my concern. My AHI is usually around .55 to 1.30, But I am seeing high leak rates on my Oscar chart. Should this be of concern? My machine is a Dream-station, mask is an P10 nasal pillow. I recently tried a Swift FX and it seems to have lowered the leak somewhat, but is not as comfortable as my P10. I am not tired and seem to be sleeping well, (except for damn prostate getting me up twice per night), and I don't need to take naps. So all in all things are good. Just thought I would ask to see if this is a concern or not. Let me know if you need more info to help!

Thanks for any input,
Par301

Post some pics, that gives us some actual, clear data to respond to.

wiki/index.php/Sleepyhead:Organize

Also, make sure you've turned *OFF* the 'flag leaks over leak threshold' for your machine, since your machine does not have a set high leak threshold.

[Par301]

Here is a screenshot. I knew I forgot something.

[Pugsy]

There are no large leak flags showing on the events graph (see the LL line) so where are you thinking you are having large leaks?

BTW....I wouldn't classify an AHI of 6.5 as low.

That's an April 20 report....got anything more recent with a lower AHI????

[palerider]

Same thoughts here,

Not a LOW AHI, but the leak rate is good enough.

[Par301]

Here are the last two days. Which is most important, large leak or leak rate ?

[Par301]

hopefully right screen shot. Which in the most important to monitor? Large leak, or leak rate?

[Pugsy]

Your time over red line threshold statistic is in error because it is using the wrong number for its calculations.
You don't have any large leak issues at all.
Look on the events graph....if you don't see any large leak flags up on that LL line then you aren't having any large leaks.
I see one very brief gray flag for LL at about 4:20....you barely went into large leak territory and I would ignore that short of a time and just barely stepping into LL territory anyway.

The software defaults to a red line threshold for a ResMed machine and you aren't using a ResMed machine.
Respironics machines report leaks differently and have a different threshold where large leak territory begins.
Respironics red line threshold isn't fixed like the ResMed red line. Instead it moves around a bit depending on the mask used and the pressure used.

Either turn off that particular statistic or change the red line threshold to something more in line with where your large leak territory begins.
Preferences/CPAP tab...either turn it off by unchecking the show red line thing or change the 24 L/min to something more in line with where your machine's threshold is with your mask at your pressure.
It's probably up around 80 L/min.

[palerider]

Large leak varies with pressure, and where it actually is, is undocumented.

I *always* recommend turning OFF the large leak flagging, it will be turned off by *default* in future versions, *except* on Resmed machines, where it will be set to 24lpm.

[palerider]

hopefully right screen shot. Which in the most important to monitor? Large leak, or leak rate?

Well, both. Large Leak says "your leaks are too high" when they're flagged.

Leak rate shows you what your leaks are as the night goes on, so you can work on them.

[Par301]

I have started wearing a chin strap to help with large leaks. I think maybe I am opening my mouth. I toss and turn during the night due to back pain. I think I may also move up to medium pillows instead of small to see if that helps. If there are any other suggestions please feel free to add them. thanks to all!

[centrum]

I never had large leaks in 7 years... Useless statistics. Seem to have large leaks registered, you need to have the mask completely off from your face. You have mouth leak, and it's not easy to get a good treatment when the air simply go out from your mouth. Cervical collar, chin strap, mouth taping are some solution.

[palerider]

I never had large leaks in 7 years...

Very good, keep it up.

Useless statistics. Seem to have large leaks registered, you need to have the mask completely off from your face.

Completely untrue.