Question about leaks.

[Lisha]

I have a question about leaks. I read somewhere about different masks have specific amout of leaks per the outflow. How do I find out that number. Per onkor my leak rate max is about 50 but mostly a bit above 25. Thanks


Lisha

[Pugsy]

Mask paperwork usually includes the intentional vent rate or intentional leak rate as we might call it here.
This vent rate is directly related to the pressure used. Higher pressures will have a higher vent rate.
Look at your paperwork for a graph that shows this. Compare with your pressure.

When looking at reports I look more at the actual leak line and where it is than I do the overall averages or max numbers unless they are grossly high. Look for large spikes above the baseline and look for time length for that spike on the leak graph itself.

When using APAP the pressures may vary depending on pressures attained so the intentional vent rate may vary. So it is hard to get an exact "number" that is the line where leaks are "excess". I won't even try to explain how the machine comes up with what it thinks it wants to designate as the line that it bases things on. It gives me a headache thinking about it.
Short version is that it is close but not absolutely perfect. If you want the long version, there is a long drawn out thread somewhere...

Onkor reporting is Total Leak.... Intentional vent/leak rate plus any excess leak.

Here is that graph for vent rate for the Swift FX. To be used as general guideline.

[Lisha]

Thank you. That was very helpful. I will look at the increased leak number in relation to increased pressure from my auto cpap. Thanks for the graph.


Lisha