Can't control high leak rate

[Pakratt]

I've been on CPAP for about a month now and not having any problem tolerating it but I cannot seem to control high leak rate. Of course I sleep through most of it but I am aware of having mouth leakage that I apparently did not have at the Sleep Lab as they did not call for chin strap. When they put me on the CPAP machine and got pressure up to 9 all events went to zero for the rest of the night. However, I have had leakage problems from the first night at home and last night I held my lower jaw up against upper teeth and eventually the pressure would somehow come into my mouth and cause my cheeks to swell up like a blow fish and then it forced its way out through my lips with good force. My AI runs below 1 but the HI has been running between 8 and 10 and this is what drives my AHI. I've called ResMed and talked to their tech and was told the leak rate should not exceed 24 L/m. Last night it was 34.80 and it has been as high as 39.60. They said that this was quite excessive and could easily be causing the high HI. Last night I increased my pressure to 10 but the results were maybe a bit more leakage but still pretty much the same as usual. My question for the group is, do you think a full face mask is called for? I understand they can be more difficult to get a good face seal to prevent leakage. I'm also somewhat reluctant due to what I feel is a more intrusive piece of hardware....also have some concerns as to what happens if power is interrupted. I would appreciate comments from anyone with hands on experience that might have some thoughts?

[carbonman]

do you think a full face mask is called for? I understand they can be more difficult to get a good face seal to prevent leakage. I'm also somewhat reluctant due to what I feel is a more intrusive piece of hardware.... I would appreciate comments from anyone with hands on experience that might have some thoughts?

pakratt, I don't think you can have bigger leak problem
than your mouth. I've been down the got'a have nasal because:
intrusive hardware
claustrophobic
etc., etc.

Switching to a ffm was the best thing I did for my therapy.
I have a mask that fits correctly and it is much easier
to deal w/than all the chinstrapping, mouth gluing,
blow fishing and lip flutter that was going on. ...but, that's me. YMMV

Experiences and thoughts here;
viewtopic/t34880/Size-does-matter.html

Hope this helps.

[OutaSync]

I have that same mask and the only way I could improve my AHI and to stop the mouth leaking, was to tape it shut. I just put lanolin on my lips every night and tear of a 5 inch strip of 2 inch 3M tape and close up that leak. My pressure is a little higher than yours so I also have to wear a chinstrap to keep my jaw from dropping and breaking the tape loose. My leaks have gone from a mountain range to almost a straight line. It takes awhile to get used to, but it's worth it.
Bev

[dsm]

I've been on CPAP for about a month now and not having any problem tolerating it but I cannot seem to control high leak rate. Of course I sleep through most of it but I am aware of having mouth leakage that I apparently did not have at the Sleep Lab as they did not call for chin strap. When they put me on the CPAP machine and got pressure up to 9 all events went to zero for the rest of the night. However, I have had leakage problems from the first night at home and last night I held my lower jaw up against upper teeth and eventually the pressure would somehow come into my mouth and cause my cheeks to swell up like a blow fish and then it forced its way out through my lips with good force. My AI runs below 1 but the HI has been running between 8 and 10 and this is what drives my AHI. I've called ResMed and talked to their tech and was told the leak rate should not exceed 24 L/m. Last night it was 34.80 and it has been as high as 39.60. They said that this was quite excessive and could easily be causing the high HI. Last night I increased my pressure to 10 but the results were maybe a bit more leakage but still pretty much the same as usual. My question for the group is, do you think a full face mask is called for? I understand they can be more difficult to get a good face seal to prevent leakage. I'm also somewhat reluctant due to what I feel is a more intrusive piece of hardware....also have some concerns as to what happens if power is interrupted. I would appreciate comments from anyone with hands on experience that might have some thoughts?

Pakratt,

I liked using nasal prong masks but I too just could not stop the mouth leaks. I went through a year or more with a chinstrap, mouth taping, tried Dr Sue's essentially useless mouthpiece, tried different masks.

In the end I just kept using a UM F/F mask & more recentlt switched to a Quattro which I find to be very good (quieter, better face fit, better design).

I don't even worry about the other paraphernalia anymore. Mouth taping is not a long term solution, I found chinstraps are inconsistent. But once I got used to a F/F mask, things seemed to sort themselves out.

Good luck

DSM

[bdp522]

I've been using Roosters methos of mouth taping for over 2 years now. I tape every night with no problems and little if any leak.

viewtopic.php?t=9653

Brenda