Leak rate question

[darthlucy]

On the S8 Elite, does the leak rate reported on the machine include the intended leak rate of the mask, or is it the total leak rate? Trying to figure out what my goal should be for leak rate, and if the intended leak rate is already accounted for, the reported leak rate should be close to 0 if all is right with the world, right?

[DreamStalker]

On the S8 Elite, does the leak rate reported on the machine include the intended leak rate of the mask, or is it the total leak rate? Trying to figure out what my goal should be for leak rate, and if the intended leak rate is already accounted for, the reported leak rate should be close to 0 if all is right with the world, right?

Neither.

S8 reports the residual leak rate = total leak rate minus leak rate designed for mask at your specific pressure.

Yes ... you want to shoot for zero leak rate on S8.

[Goofproof]

But your machine must be set for the mask you are using of the leak rate has no meaning. Due to patient error and that design limitation, many patients won't have a true clue about leak rate. Jim

[Slinky]

Since the S8s do subtract the selected mask's designed leak rate my understanding is that any leak rate .24 or less is good w/the S8s.

IF not using a Resmed mask it is tricky to guess-timate what your true leak rate really is. The only Resmed mask I used had no literature w/it detailing its designed leak rate at the varous pressures which makes it even harder to select which Resmed mask setting to use w/a non-Resmed mask.

I decided for my own purposes if I was using a nasal pillows interface I chose the Swift setting. I've never used a full face mask, just nasal pillows or nasal cushion so I've used the Standard setting (which Resmed told me allows for .24L/s) for a nasal cushion interface.

As much as I like my Resmed S8s I don't think this Mask Selection feature was one of Resmed's brighter ideas.

[darthlucy]

As always, excellent info. Thanks all!

[Guest]

But your machine must be set for the mask you are using of the leak rate has no meaning. Due to patient error and that design limitation, many patients won't have a true clue about leak rate. Jim

Patient error? My S8 Elite came with the wrong mask set from the DME, which I fixed.

I also fixed the time/date as they were wrong, too.

In fact, after reading the various experiences with DMEs here, I realized that this will be a little test. They claim they will be requesting my data card to check up on me. Will they ask about the time/date change? I bet they don't. I guess I need to invest in the software ...

[plaws]

But your machine must be set for the mask you are using of the leak rate has no meaning. Due to patient error and that design limitation, many patients won't have a true clue about leak rate. Jim

Patient error? My S8 Elite came with the wrong mask set from the DME, which I fixed.

I also fixed the time/date as they were wrong, too.

In fact, after reading the various experiences with DMEs here, I realized that this will be a little test. They claim they will be requesting my data card to check up on me. Will they ask about the time/date change? I bet they don't. I guess I need to invest in the software ...

[lily]

I'm using the same equipment as you and my leak rate is 0%. I was told that this is as it should be. If you are having problems with leakage you can experiment with the placement on your face. My mask is just a tiny bit too long (but the smaller size was a bit too small) and I find if I move it down just a little I get 0 leakage, but it took me about a week to find the perfect position for it. That being said, I use a chin strap and placing it down a bit further on my face is a little less comfortable and took some getting used to. I suppose it's a trade-off.