A question about my numbers.

[PeterC]

Hi,

I just purchased my equipment last week after a 30 day trial. One change that was made after the trial was a switch to a full face mask.

I've noticed a real improvement since the switch, but I've got a question regarding my numbers.

last night my AHI was 6.3. My AI was .3, the HI was 6.0. The leak rate was .22 L/M. These numbers are pretty much consistent night to night.

What should I do to get the HI down?

Thanks.

Peter.

[mdintx]

Peter,

Have you changed the mask type on your machine? Set it to MIR FULL?

If so, your leaks are a little high at .22L/s. Can you feel the mask leaking at night?

[PeterC]

I'll check the mask setting tonight.

I've had a problem with leaks. The first couple of nights were really bad.

The DME fitted my mask, but I found it WAY too loose. I really cranked it down and that stopped most of the leaks, but the mask is very tight. I tried to back off the tightness last night and it was a bit worse than the night before (2.0 l/m).

I didn't get (or can't find) the documentation on what an acceptable leak rate is for this mask. Anyone know?

Thanks again.

peter.

[Wulfman]

I'll check the mask setting tonight.

I've had a problem with leaks. The first couple of nights were really bad.

The DME fitted my mask, but I found it WAY too loose. I really cranked it down and that stopped most of the leaks, but the mask is very tight. I tried to back off the tightness last night and it was a bit worse than the night before (2.0 l/m).

I didn't get (or can't find) the documentation on what an acceptable leak rate is for this mask. Anyone know?

Thanks again.

peter.

A mask that's too tight can leak more than one that's too loose.......and be far too uncomfortable. They should NOT be "tight".
On the other hand, the Quattro masks have been notorious for leaking around the elbow in the front of the mask. If that's where it's leaking (it can sound like it's leaking EVERYWHERE), go up to the Search line and put in the word "Teflon" and read about how to fix/seal that leak.

The mask user manuals (with the leak rate charts) can be downloaded from the ResMed web site.

Bed pillows can make a huge difference with regard to mask leaks, too.


Den

[Pugsy]

Peter, please confirm which unit of measure you are using to describe your leak. It does make a huge difference.
Information regarding leak rate obtained from the LCD display on the ResMed machine will offer it in L/sec. You are mentioning L/min which could be obtained from the software report.

To get L/min you have to multiply L/sec by 60.

That said, your ResMed machine will automatically subtract the intentional leak/vent rate depending on your mask selection so any leak you see being reported on your LCD screen will be excess leak above the vent rate.

0.22 L/sec will multiply out to be 13.2 L/min and while not huge, if this is what you meant to report, it could impact the quality of therapy since this is all excess leak. I believe ResMed says anything above .20 L/sec can impact quality of sleep and thus how you feel as well as therapy. Above .40 L/sec and all bets are off.

[PeterC]

Hi Pugsy,

I’m sorry for the confusion, I’m still trying to get my feet under me with all this.

The leak reading is from the LCD screen on the unit.

I know my mask is way too tight, but if I loosen it, I get air blowing into my eyes (unpleasant to say the least). The DME fitted the mask by having me sit in a chair and look straight up. They then adjusted the mask until there were no leaks. Of course as soon as I lowered by chin, air started blowing out all over the place. I tried sleeping like this the first night, but gave up after a couple of hours.

The next night, out of frustration I tightened the mask to the point that I couldn’t detect leaks when I was lying on my side curled up. This is the position I inevitably end up in while asleep. That worked, but it’s obviously not a great solution.

We’ve tried several full-face masks, and the quarto fit the best. I might be having leak issues with it, but they’re no ware as bad as the leak I had with my mouth open, using a nasal mask.

I’m committed to making this work, but I’m starting to believe there isn’t a mask that will fit my face without issues.

Hopefully that’s not the case.

Thanks for your patience.

Peter.