Results with and without chin strap use

[Pugsy]

Thought the newbies might like to see what happens with and without a chin strap in relation to mouth leaks.
I have a couple of good examples.
June 27 report was with a homemade sweatband chin strap worn around the head gear instead of under it. (just a trick I stumbled on that gives me more stable results with pillows staying put)
June 29 was just an experiment to see how much I leaked without the sweatband chin strap or taping.
The leakage is quite apparent and therapy effectiveness is also quite apparent. Just a little leakage can really affect things. The unintentional/acceptable leak rate for my mask at 12 cm of pressure is 33 L/min.

[SleepGuy]

Good to see you found something that works. I don't have a data capable machine but looking back on the first few years I was clearly in denial about how much I was mouth leaking.

Since using a chinstrap that works for me the results have been noticeable.

[Pugsy]

Someone reports broken image link to one of my reports. Let me try again.

[ozij]

Now they're both there - on both posts....
O.

[drubin007]

must be nice...

I have been using a "newly acquired" chin strap and at first the results were getting better and better (best night was 0.02L/s) but since then been climbing up again

still trying to get to where you are at... and that ahi rate of .08?

[Pugsy]

still trying to get to where you are at... and that ahi rate of .08?

Believe me, I have had many more nights with the "other" number.
I still think that since you are using a ResMed machine that your HI numbers might be slightly inflated. Your machine and mine have slightly different definitions of the events that occur. If we look at just your AI's, those are quite acceptable most of the time. Since you aren't feeling any different from pre-cpap treatment, I know it is frustrating.
You probably need a sturdier chin strap that won't move around so much. The ResMed leaves a lot to be desired but the price was right for the trial, huh?

[rested gal]

Nice comparison graphs, Brenda.

still trying to get to where you are at... and that ahi rate of .08?

drubin, if you're comparing your AHI using a ResMed machine with Brenda's AHI from a Respironics machine, you might want to mentally cut your "HI" (hypopnea index) in half first, then add that reduced HI to your AI for a "revised" ResMed AHI.

Here's why I'd look at the HI that way:

Chart posted by Velbor showing the differing definitions used by the different manufacturers:
April 2, 2009
viewtopic.php?p=356255#p356255


High HI affecting AHI rating. Should I be worried - topic started by ChrisC
Mar. 30, 2009
viewtopic.php?p=355205


Alternative ways to decrease the AHI - topic started by christo
Dec. 21, 2008
viewtopic.php?p=324087#p324087


I need to stop chasing 0 AHI. - topic started by fortomorrow
Dec. 4, 2008
viewtopic.php?p=319432#p319432


Hubby's AHI sucks... - topic started by Debjax
Feb. 15, 2009
viewtopic.php?p=339278#p339278

[drubin007]

thats a lot of links!

Brenda knows... I have been on cpap for about 2 months now and feel the same as when I started. (not in denial, but do question why I was put on a cpap in the first place, besides the snoring that would wake up neighbors 3 blocks away). Do not have the sleep studies to confirm anything; will demand them when I go for my follow up...(early next month I assume, have not scheduled yet). Never felt the symptoms many users here do, so all I have to go by is numbers. To that end, I have adjusted the epr setting, the flow rate and record it daily (since I do not have software yet). Brenda sent me a chin strap to try to see if it helped my numbers. Initially it brought the leak rate way down, but it is creeping up again.

[Muse-Inc]

...The unintentional/acceptable leak rate for my mask at 12 cm of pressure is 33 L/min....

How do I find the leak rate for my mask? Is there a secret alchemical thing I hafta to do to find out?

I have a Respironics OptiLife and my pressure is set to 11.

[twokatmew]

Muse, the instructions that come with your mask should list the flow rates at various pressures for your mask.

Pugsy, that sure is a noticeable difference using a chinstrap as opposed to not. Still, your AHI is pretty good with or without. Better than mine, anyway.... I see that your auto manages to keep the AHI in check by raising the pressure. I'm not sure I can bring myself to tape my mouth. I'll have to see what I've got 'round here to rig up a makeshift chinstrap and see how that goes.

[Pugsy]

How do I find the leak rate for my mask? Is there a secret alchemical thing I hafta to do to find out?

I have a Respironics OptiLife and my pressure is set to 11.

Optilife rates are listed here if you can't find your paperwork. 10 cm of pressures is 23.1 L/min so 11 would be just a wee bit more.

[Pugsy]

Pugsy, that sure is a noticeable difference using a chinstrap as opposed to not. Still, your AHI is pretty good with or without. Better than mine, anyway.... I see that your auto manages to keep the AHI in check by raising the pressure. I'm not sure I can bring myself to tape my mouth. I'll have to see what I've got 'round here to rig up a makeshift chinstrap and see how that goes.

I tried the ResMed chin strap (only one DME had). It did help but it wouldn't stay put. The sweatband is a cheap Walmart sports sweatband found in the sports equipment aisle. About $3. Just enough tension to remind my mouth to stay shut plus when I wear it on the outside of the headgear it stabilizes the nasal pillows. It is not overly tight on me but then I have a small head. Terry cloth and wide enough for support but not so wide as to cover more than is needed to be covered. Taping will give me similar leak rate unless the pillows are trying to move around.

I start feeling crappy if the AHI's go over 4. Feel really good at less than 1.

[FatiguedMe]

Wow some difference there. May I ask how do you get the daily hours of events to show up? Or is that only on a different machine? Just curious.

[Pugsy]

May I ask how do you get the daily hours of events to show up? Or is that only on a different machine? Just curious.

I believe the Daily hours and events data is a function of the APAP machine. I don't believe straight CPAP will show it. This is probably why you don't see this data if you are using the Pro CPAP model.

[Muse-Inc]

Thanks for the info! Gotta talk to my doc's CPAP Techs -- I didn't get any paperwork with my masks! Oh, wait, I got a small booklet with the latest one; it had fitting instructions...maybe it was in the back..the part I never looked at because I didn't need fitting instructions. duh...sometimes I am so clueless <thanks apnea> gotta laugh or ya cry