Expected Typical Mask Leakage

[Engransan]

Expected Typical Mask Leakage
I have a Resmed Liberty mask which the manufacturer lists with a normal leak rate of 40L/Min at my pressure. I assume that my S8 Autoset II compensates for this leak rate before measuring the abnormal leaks displayed in the Efficacy Data. My displayed leakage is 0.4- 0.5 most nights. Am I correct in my assumption?

[bdp522]

If you have the machine set correctly for the mask(mirage full face setting) then any leak shown would be over the intentional(exhaust) leak rate. If your leak is shown in L/s .4 or .5 is too high. If the mask exhaust rate is 40 L/M add the .4 L/s which is 24 L/M giving you a leak of 64 L/M. This means your data may not be correct and you certainly aren't getting proper benefit from using the machine.

Brenda

[Engransan]

Thanks Brenda, I have been wrestling with this mask for quite some time. Being a side sleeper doesn't help the situation. I finally changed the pillows to large last night and they seem to work better. Now if I can only tweak the mask a bit more without overtightening. Thanks to this forum I have been able to turn it into an interesting project rather than just a nightly frustration. I have also been trying to connect a card reader that I purchased about a month ago but my Rescan software doesn't like it for some reason. It goes on and on.

[phyl]

Brenda...My L/s is .4. I am using a nasal pillow. Can increasing the pressure compensate for leaks at this level ?

[bdp522]

Raising pressure will likely cause more leaks. If you use a nasal mask you need to be sure you aren't mouth breathing or mouth leaking. Try taping your mouth closed for a few nights(I do it every night). You could try a full face mask if taping doesn't sound like something you want to try. Tweaking the mask is the best way to get mask leaks under control. If you can't get your mask adjusted to where it doesn't leak, try another mask. The mask is the hardest part to get right.

Brenda