what are good leak reates in sleepy head

[Upalot]

What are the leak rate numbers I should be watching. There are several different values listed. Do I need to watch them all or just one specifically? Also what kind of mask liners is everyone using. I am rally trying to improve my leak rates. Thanks for everyones help.Since my leak rates are getting better I have been feeling much better. I will continue to try to improve my leak rate with a better strap and mask liner. My straps are so tight on my bald head the hurt. Anyone have good luck with other strap sytems for the Mirage Quattro?? Thank you to all for your help.

[Pugsy]

If you would add your equipment to your profile I wouldn't have to ask

Which machine?

Different brands of machines report leaks different and without knowing what machine you are using I can't tell you which number to watch and what might be acceptable or not acceptable.

[DoninOrlando]

Upalot,
I use a Mirage Quattro mask and use PadACheek's anti leak strap and mask liner. I've been using the PadACheek liners for years but only recently started using the anti leak strap. Leaks were pretty minor using just the mask liner but the anti leak strap pretty much eliminated the rest. I don't wear it too tight. It is more to keep the mask from shifting and causing leaks when I move around in my sleep. I highly recommend them. To eliminate straps from digging in your head or neck you can get a liner for them, or get a cpap cap, or both. I use one from ebay. Try searching CPAP Soft Cap Headgear on Ebay. My pressures are around 18-20 and it works for me.

[SleepyToo2]

Generally, try and avoid pulling the straps too tight - it distorts the mask and can cause leaks rather than fix them. Each mask will leak differently, so we need to know what pressure you have been prescribed - higher pressures are often more difficult to fix. It sounds like some of the things you have done have helped - try mask liners and Pad-A-Cheek padding. There are many different types of mask, so maybe if the one you are using at the moment doesn't fit quite right, another one will fit better. Many of the regulars on this board have gone through a large number of masks in the hope of finding "the one." For me, "the one" is not always the same, so I have several masks!

[library lady]

Also, every mask has an intentional leak rate built into it, so it's important for us to know which mask you are using. As for mask liners, they were a game changer for me... I use RemZzzzs liners, available at most DMEs and cpap.com, but many people on this forum use Pad-A-Cheeks, available at http://www.padacheek.com. Lately I have started making my own liners from old t-shirts, use a RemZzzz or a downloadable mask liner pattern that you can print out and use. I don't remember the web address, but I googled "DIY mask liner" to find it. I wash them in the machine in a mesh bag, then lay them out flat to dry. I've been ironing them to eliminate wrinkles and help them retain their shape.

[Sclark08]

Excellent ides. What material works best?

[library lady]

cotton jersey is essentially what the RemZzzzs are. I used a huge men's t-shirt that I bought at the Goodwill Store; some people have used old cotton panties, others the kind of jersey baby clothes are made of.

[Upalot]

I put all my equipment up, can you advise on leak rates now please??

[Pugsy]

For the ResMed S9 machines ResMed says they can compensate for leaks up to 24 L/min.
The S9 machines report only excess leak. Vent rate gets subtracted prior to reporting so what you see reported is all excess leak.
Check out the SleepyHead tutorial I have in my signature line. It goes into more detail about leaks and how they are reported.
So with the S9....24 L/min is the number to avoid but hitting 25 or 26 isn't the end of the world...now 35 L/min would be a different story if you stay there very long.