Increased leak rates plus zero AHI=Exhausted

[Dr_jitsu]

My first week with my CPAP went great. AHI was about 1.9 and leak rates were low. I felt totally rested for the first time in years (had an AHI well past 35). Doctor had it on auto setting. Meeting with him at the 7 day mark he adjusted my flow rate to 10.

I seemed to not do quite as well as when it was on auto, but still felt 95% rested 6 days a week. I sent him an email but did not hear back (and yes I spent $1450 with insurance). My next appointment is in more than 2 months.

I noticed that my leak rate has been moving up. At first I spent the whole night on my back but have since been moving around a lot and waking up fully (bathroom usually) several times a night. Last night my leak rate was 28.5 and my 95% rate was 63. My AHI was a very suspicious 0.0. Today, I feel exhausted the way I used to.

My averages over the last 6 days have been 19 leak rate, 52.4 95% rate and an AHI of .4.

My numbers over the last 22 days (since I started) were 16.3, 53.4, and 1.6 respectively.

I am guessing that I have been moving around more and that maybe my mask needs to be tightened. However the mask I have does not allow much adjustment/ It is a non pillow nose mask.

I have a Luna G3.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Pugsy]

What machine are you using? Different brands have different levels of leak before it will affect the therapy itself.

If the leaks (even little tiny leaks) disturb your sleep often during the night then you won't get good solid sleep and it most definitely will affect how you feel during the day.

I know if I don't get enough sleep for any reason.....I feel like total dog crap the next day.

[Dr_jitsu]

What machine are you using? Different brands have different levels of leak before it will affect the therapy itself.

If the leaks (even little tiny leaks) disturb your sleep often during the night then you won't get good solid sleep and it most definitely will affect how you feel during the day.

I know if I don't get enough sleep for any reason.....I feel like total dog crap the next day.

Hi Pugsy, thanks for the response. I use a Luna G3. It came from my doctor. I am thinking the issue may be my mask.

[Pugsy]

I am sorry but I have zero experience with the Luna machines. I don't know where the line in the sand is for the machine not being able to compensate for the leaks. It also depends on if the machine reports total leak (which is the vent rate plus any excess leaks)
or excess leak only.

Maybe someone else will know.

[Dr_jitsu]

I am sorry but I have zero experience with the Luna machines. I don't know where the line in the sand is for the machine not being able to compensate for the leaks. It also depends on if the machine reports total leak (which is the vent rate plus any excess leaks)
or excess leak only.

Maybe someone else will know.

I had an incredible first week...then pretty good for almost 2 weeks. Hopefully last night will be an anomaly. It is unfortunate that the Lunas are not as user friendly as the resmeds.

[Dr_jitsu]

Update: I had only been wiping my face mask down, except of my water tank was not doing a full cleaning (3 week period). I soaked my hose and headgear in slightly warm water with dish soap and cleaned everything. Headgear stayed in place last night much better, leak rate was only 10.4, 95% 30 and AHI was .04. I felt more rested today.

I suppose the headgear was slipping because of the oil build up, so cleaning with soap/warm water once a week from now on.

[ozij]

Update: I had only been wiping my face mask down, except of my water tank was not doing a full cleaning (3 week period). I soaked my hose and headgear in slightly warm water with dish soap and cleaned everything. Headgear stayed in place last night much better, leak rate was only 10.4, 95% 30 and AHI was .04. I felt more rested today.

I suppose the headgear was slipping because of the oil build up, so cleaning with soap/warm water once a week from now on.

I'm glad you found that out, and thanks for updating.

I assume that when you say "headgear" you actually mean the mask, i.e. the part that touches your face. Usually, when we say "headgear" we mean the strap part.

[Sleepzilla]

I assume that when you say "headgear" you actually mean the mask, i.e. the part that touches your face. Usually, when we say "headgear" we mean the strap part.

Not to be overly pedantic, but what you've described as a "mask" above appears to be the cushion. The CPAP term "mask" generally refers to the entire patient interface apparatus.

I.e. a CPAP mask is typically comprised of some combination of swivel, tubing elbow, diffuser/exhaust port, frame, headgear (the straps), clips, and a face cushion or nasal pillows.