Not sure what numbers mean

[brenkco]

I have just over two weeks under my belt, not feeling that I am doing very well. I just got my averages off my machine System Leak L/min 47.9, AHI 1.2. The past 7 days since using my chin strap the AHI is now 0.9. I am averaging 6 hours of usage per night.

I am not sure what the numbers mean and if I am able to get more detailed data from my equipment to become more pro-active in my therapy. (My sleep study showed more than 70 oxygen events per hour but the Dr. shared no further stats...which I now want to know!)

I have been struggling with mouth breathing and went to a chin strap that has helped. I wake up with my mouth filling with air however. My mask is confortable but I keep wondering if I need a full face mask?

Thank you.

[jules]

First of all the data off the Remstar's isn't super accurate.

What mask, what pressure? Are you changing the mask during the week? If so, how many days for each mask?

You should have gotten some paperwork with the masks that included a graph or chart of the flow rates. You need to take your own pressure and see what the flow rate should be for your masks. The masks may not have the same flow graphs so switching masks during averaging period might be an issue.

Once you have that post again.

[mindy]

Hi,

IMHO, your AHI looks fine. System leak might be high depending on mask (as Jules noted) and also depending on your pressure. You can get more detailed data from the machine you specified (Respironics M-series APAP with A-flex) if you get EncoreViewer software along with the card reader that is able to read the Respironics Smartcard.

As far as a full-face mask: some people like them better and some people hate them. It's like any other mask. If you have a high prescribed pressure, a FFM might work better. I've seen a few nasal masks that are not rated for pressures over about 15.

Mouth-breathing can be a real challenge but many people have overcome that in various ingenious ways. I'd suggest searching the forum and checking on that and trying things.

Good luck!
Mindy

[jules]

I am familar with leak rates on the optiflife but not the other mask being used.

If his/her pressure is low then the leak rate is excessive. In that case the AHI might be under reported.

Knowing leaks are being controlled is crucial to before even starting to talk about AHI numbers. If the leaks are acceptable, then that AHI is SUPER !!!

Pressure information and more information about that other mask is needed.

[mindy]

If his/her pressure is low then the leak rate is excessive. In that case the AHI might be under reported.

Knowing leaks are being controlled is crucial to before even starting to talk about AHI numbers. If the leaks are acceptable, then that AHI is SUPER !!!

Pressure information and more information about that other mask is needed.

Thanks, Jules - I should have mentioned that fact about high leaks and under-reproted AHI!

Mindy

[jules]

yvw

brenkco mentioned mouth breathing and chin strap so leaks have to be the first concern (brenkco has another thread about mouth breathing too)

getting the software would probably be helpful for him/her not just using the LED data.