Yet another Leak Rate question...

[Xian]

I am currently using the Optilife, and my 90% leak rate is in the 35 range (very few large leaks if ever). The “normal” leak rate at my pressure (10 cm) is in the high 30 range. My AHI is consistently between 1 and 2. Sounds good, doesn't it?

But after 3 months of treatment, I am still not seeing much improvement. I am still tired in the morning (I snooze the alarm clock for at least an hour before I get out of bed and it often feel like I partied all night…). The only improvement is that I am less tired during the day (except during boring meetings), can stay up longer in the evening if “properly stimulated” (I meant intellectually, of course) and I do no longer wake up to go the bathroom.

Previous comments suggested that I may mouth leak and that the machine would not actually measure what my airway passages experience… I braved myself and used polydent strips to completely seal my mouth (not even a gap for air, I overlapped 2 strips). The next morning, my mouth was still sealed shut and my numbers were exactly the same (and degree of tiredness also). Did not care much to have to clean the goop off…

So, what gives? I think I can recognize a “nose” leak as I have tried a few more masks and could not get them not to leak… The Optilife seems to fit my nose/face geometry fine, so I doubt this is the issue.

Am I being too impatient? Anything else I am not considering? It seems like I should finally feel like a million bucks...

Thanks for the insights…

Xian
PS1 : follow up appointment with my sleep doctor on Monday… That should be fun!
PS2: check my other posting about yet another yuck factor (can you wait?)… May be connected with this posting, but in doubt, I did not want to cloud the issue…

[Linda3032]

In spite of the fact that you tape good, is it possible you are still mouth leaking?

Have you tried a full face mask -- or found one you can tolerate? It might be interesting to see if a FF mask helps you feel more rested.

I definitely think you should feel more rested after 3 months of therapy.

It will also be interesting to see what your doctor says -- and hopefully he won't blow you off by saying to give it 3 more months and come back then so he can make another payment on his car.!

[Xian]

Hi Linda,

How would someone know if he/she still mouth leaks even with the mouth taped (the polydent strip was still in place the next morning...). I was actually thinking of video taping myself during sleep with a night vision camera! (Short of asking someone to watch me, which would be a bit freakish!)

Do you think the new Hybrid would be a good solution? (Less intrusive than a FF mask, but still covering the mouth...)

Maybe I should ask to "test drive" a full face mask or the hybrid... Any recommendation for a FF mask?

Thanks

[GeneS]

Sometimes this is more trial and error than an exact science. Take your best guess and change something. New mask etc. Maby you will get lucky soon. If not try again.

GeneS

[johntee]

Hi Xian... I ran across your post tonight, and I actually had to check to see if *I* had written it!! Your experiences are eerily similar to mine...

I just hit the 3-month mark, and have found not as much improvement as I would like... I use the OptiLife, with what seems to be not-terrible Leak rates. I haven't tried mouth taping though (fear).

Have you had any improvement, or changed anything that I might try? Any suggestions from your sleep doctor follow-up?

I had initially used the Hybrid, and could never get a decent seal (although I never knew where the leaks were coming from) despite *many* tricks and tips, so I wouldn't recommend that mask as a change for you to try...

Was just hoping that you could be my guide through my own dark night....

Thanks,
John

[DeltaSeeker]

Xian,

My sleep center did loan me a Hybrid for 2 weeks. They will loan any of their masks for trial (unfortunately didn't have a Liberty). The RT said if I liked it I'd be the first one in his knowledge that did since most complained of the pillows popping out. But, with proper fitting and fiddling around I absolutely love it! I just received my "permanent" one from the DME today and will be returning the one to the sleep center. I did have to have my insurance check around for a DME that carried a Hybrid or Liberty but it was worth it. Since the Hybrid has all sizes of masks and pillows included there was no need to go for a fitting - they just shipped it to me UPS.

Best of luck finding a solution. Just hang in there and keep trying!!!

Linda