Mirage Activa and M series Encore Pro Average Leak %?

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 10:48 am

Just started trying the Mirage Activa mask with my M series Apap...the folks that have this combo...what are the leak % numbers you are getting? Mine seems high, 40-42%, yet my AHI's are around 2.0-2.4. Thanks! John D

Bones · Post by **Bones** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 11:47 am

John,

Here's a link to mask leak rates. Machine makes no difference. Pressure does.

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

Brian

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 2:07 pm

Bones, thanks for the url...but that chart does not correspond to what I have experienced over the past 3 months with the Comfort Gel mask...as an example, I have had an average mask leak rate between 38-39 % according to Encore Pro and Jskinners software, with the Comfort Gel, and the AHI's were about 1.7-2.5., and most of the time with a pressure of 9...according to the chart at your url, 9 should have a leak rate of about 24.5.

So, hence my question to other Mirage Activa owners with the M series Apap.

Thanks, John D

Craig-Tx · Post by **Craig-Tx** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 3:54 pm

I'm using a M-Series CPAP with the Activa at 7 cm H2O.

According to Endore Pro, over the last 2-3 weeks:
Average leak was 34.1,
Average 90% leak 39.9,

Hope this helps.

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 4:08 pm

John - that chart is based on actual manufacturers specifications of how much leak a mask produces when there are no outside leaks present (this is called VFR, or vent flow rate). If you had a leak that high with the Comfort Gel, you had extra leak happening somewhere (though 10 L/min is not HUGE, it would be something I'd try to cut down on). Your AHI, while "normal," would still not be one I'd be content with - and your extra leak could have had some small part in that.

If you look in your manual for your Activa, it should tell you somewhere what the Vent Flow Rate is at your pressure - that should be your goal for leaks - something close to that number.

Nevermind - I just got out my Activa manual (p. 9) and did it for you. At a pressure of 9, the VFR for the Activa is approximately 29. So somewhere between 29 and 34 or so would be great.

Also, what Brian says is correct. The machine should have no impact on your leak rate.

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 4:30 pm

Thanks for the responses....College girl....that's interesting, because CraigTX has higher than normal as well for the pressure he is using.........I realize it's not the machine that would cause the high leak rates, but I was curious if other M series owners with the Mirage Activa masks were getting the same high leak rate readings as I am. It seems Craig-Tx is having high leak rate readings as well. What is your average AHI Craig?

Craig-Tx · Post by **Craig-Tx** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 5:53 pm

I've only been a hose-head for about 3 weeks now. So I'm still adjusting.

My AHI here lately is about 3.5-4. Still higher than I want, but getting better.
However, on better nights I was seeing an average leak rate of about 32.

I don't believe I have many leak issues. Occasionally I do bump the mask and feel a small leak in either of the lower corners. Which wakes me up and I fix it.

Although last night I woke up and the mask was blowing away firmly strapped to my forehead. (Guess you just have to laugh about that one.) I can only guess my nose itched and I moved the mask to scratch, and fell back asleep before putting the mask back? According to encore Pro, It was up there for about half an hour.

And I [/i]rarely have an issue with mouth breathing. The only time I noticed that was when I slept on my side. Woke up with a very dry mouth.