Large Leak (LL)

[JackieLee]

What is the top limit on the Large Leak (LL) percentage in the left hand column at the top in the color coded box?

[Pugsy]

We aren't sure what number you are talking about.
Could you be a little more clear about which number you are referring to?

See this thread for something that might help you.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=108724&p=1036669&hi ... t#p1036669

We don't know which column you are referring as what the number means or if you are asking what could that statistic go to.

An image of the report and what you are referring to would be helpful.

[JackieLee]

We aren't sure what number you are talking about.
Could you be a little more clear about which number you are referring to?

See this thread for something that might help you.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=108724&p=1036669&hi ... t#p1036669

We don't know which column you are referring as what the number means or if you are asking what could that statistic go to.

An image of the report and what you are referring to would be helpful.

After reading your post and the llnk you posted I have a different understanding/take on the leak situation.

The number I'm referring to, from the OSCAR chart you posted, is the Large Leak 13.36% in the gray box, followed by the other colored boxes.

Typically the 'Leak Rate' is supposed to be less than 24 so I was wondering if the number in the Large Leak 'gray' box had a high limit number like the Leak Rate number, but now I have a much different understanding.

It's more about the graphs opposed to the numbers!

Another question. I use nasal pillows. How important, when it comes to leaks, is it to have cushions that haven't worn out? Replacing pillows is supposed to be changed every month, minimum?

I'm assuming that means after a month of using, or just a month of limited use but out of the package?

[Pugsy]

I believe that Large Leak number in the gray box is a per hour average similar to the AHI number for the entire night is a per hour average.

Typically the 'Leak Rate' is supposed to be less than 24 so I was wondering if the number in the Large Leak 'gray' box had a high limit number like the Leak Rate number, but now I have a much different understanding.

To be honest I have never paid any attention to that gray box area statistic.
I don't know if there is a line in the sand number that would maybe cause us to worry or not.
I go by the 95% number myself and if it is over 30 L/min I then will take time to examine the leak line itself and see just how much I went into large leak territory and how long I was there.

I use nasal pillows. How important, when it comes to leaks, is it to have cushions that haven't worn out? Replacing pillows is supposed to be changed every month, minimum?

I'm assuming that means after a month of using, or just a month of limited use but out of the package?

The mask manufacturers want you to replace the nasal pillows/cushions/whatever every 30 days not because the cushions/pillows, will fail in 30 days but instead they want to sell more product and make more money. It's a cash cow for them.
In real life those nasal pillows, cushions, etc, with common sense care will last for months and months and months with the exception of the masks that have the memory foam cushions but even those can last 3 to 5 months with common sense care.
I have used a single nasal pillow for at least 9 months and it never started leaking and I would change them out mainly because they turn yellow and look yucky after a period of time exposed to the air. The air will turn the silicone yellow even if it isn't used. I lost a nasal pillow on my dresser one time (got hidden under something on my dresser) and it was never used after I opened the package and it turned yellow...just ugly looking. It didn't effect the function or seal though...so just being out in the air for several months and turning yellow didn't cause it to leak excessively.
I have been trying the F & P Nova Micro Nasal Pillow mask for several months now and I know for a fact that I have use one nasal pillow size medium for at least 6 to 8 months now and it's no more leaky now than when I first got it.

[JackieLee]

Pugsy,

Since reading your post on leaks and seeing your OSCAR chart, the 'leak factor' takes a different look than it used to for me.

To me the AHI is number 1, no ifs ands or buts, because, after all, it's the AHI number that caused our sleep apnea diagnosis to begin with!!

Keep in mind, I just hit my 90 day mark yesterday, 11/11. What caused my 'concern' with leaks is the fact that I've 'heard' that leaks can distort your AHI numbers in a negative way. For example, with a high leak rate, your AHI number may be much higher than what OSCAR tells you!

Again, AHI is the whole reason we were diagnosed to begin with and it's the problem that can cause us heart health issues!!

My concern was, if my AHI is 1.06 in OSCAR, but the leak rate is off the chart, maybe my AHI is truly 7.54?!?!

[Pugsy]

What caused my 'concern' with leaks is the fact that I've 'heard' that leaks can distort your AHI numbers in a negative way. For example, with a high leak rate, your AHI number may be much higher than what OSCAR tells you!

My concern was, if my AHI is 1.06 in OSCAR, but the leak rate is off the chart, maybe my AHI is truly 7.54?!?!

Well.....this is what can happen if leaks are high AND PROLONGED but not necessarily a given that it will happen and even if you do have a period of large leak it will only affect the time spent in large leak. The rest of the time during the night when you are not in large leak your events that slip past the defenses won't be very many and your AHI that is nice and low will be accurate for the bulk of the night when not deep in large leak territory.

Just how high is "off the charts" and how much time do you spend "off the charts"?
Are you seeing many UA flagged events? When leaks get really excessive and might be missing events we usually see UA flags before the machine loses accurate sensing abilities.