Please help me with my numbers

[vmitchell]

The following are numbers from a week of data (haven't figured out how to do by the day). My machine is RedMed S8 AutoSet Vantage.

pressure 15 (start at
leak 0.58/Ls
AHI 6.6
AI 1.7
HI 5.7

I've been on the machine about 6 weeks and no noticeable difference. I had a TIA 2 weeks ago so am anxious to get this under control. I appreciate your feedback. You people here are amazing!

[Mark_Ferman]

What kind of mask are you using?

[DreamStalker]

Since you have a ResMed machine, I am assuming that you have the mask setting set to what ever mask you have. Your leak rate indicates you likely have a nasal type mask and are leaking air out of your mouth while you sleep.

What mask do you have?

[Snoredog]

nothing in your numbers I see that would contribute to a TIA, being a post-stroke survivor myself;

I suggest:

1. Drinking lots of water don't allow yourself to ever become dehydrated.
2. Consider a daily 325mg Enteric coated aspirin like Ecotrin (check w/doctor, don't bother with that baby 81mg stuff either, might as well not take it).

TIA's can be caused by severe Hypoxia (mine was 65-67% during PSG), over time it thickens the blood and dramatically increases your risk of stroke. I used to have a TIA once a week for over 6 months, finally ending with 2 strokes. Screw the Neuro's they will let you stroke out, protect yourself from one at all costs. Aspirin may contribute to an ulcer but rarely does it ever kill or disable you, a stroke can. The coated enteric coated stuff delays absorption until it reaches intestine. Ecotrin works as well if not better than Plavix. For aspirin to work effectively as a anti-platelet agent, you have to take it every day like clockwork. The effectiveness of the aspirin stays in your blood stream 7-10 days. So it will take that long for it to completely leave your system. Taking it daily keeps that protection going.

TIA's are difficult if not impossible to diagnose as the mimic so many other disorders, always error on the safe side, consider them to be a TIA and your body's way of telling you something is wrong. Has your doctor implemented a stroke risk protocol to rule TIA out? That would include a cardio workup and checking for a PFO via a TEE.

Studies show that the risk of stroke is greatest at 2-6 weeks after a TIA, do NOT ignore any tingling felt to your lips (blood supply to the lips comes off the carotid arteries). Any loss of motor control even if only a few minutes head to the ER. Stroke will feel like nothing you have ever felt before but similar to that of being shocked, you may also hear a "frying" in your head as brain tissue is being destroyed, you may remain conscious but unable to speak or move. No pain involved, just frightening if you know what is happening, all you can hope for is it will stop.

I think the only reason I can still walk today is that I took several "uncoated" aspirin immediately after sensing I had a TIA/Stroke it was not until I was in the ER did the doctor prescribe Plavix (Neuro's are worthless as tits on a boar in my opinion).

[vmitchell]

My mask is a Respironics Comfort Gel. Is a leak rate of 0.58 L/s high? My machine indicates a HIGH leak and I then adjust the mask.

[rested gal]

This is from the manual of a resmed S7 machine. I'd say the same number recommended to stay under still applies:

A net airflow greater than the expected mask vent flow is equal to the leak. Generally, a leak rate of more than 0.4 L/s (24 L/min) is associated with patient discomfort, disturbed sleep, and reduced efficacy of treatment.

[DreamStalker]

My mask is a Respironics Comfort Gel. Is a leak rate of 0.58 L/s high? My machine indicates a HIGH leak and I then adjust the mask.

You either need to change to an appropriate full face mask or work on stopping the air from leaking through your mouth. Search for taping or polident threads that discuss how to tape/glue your lips at night to stop leaks ... or search threads on training yourself not to leak (not everyone is capable of training but it may be worth a try since it costs nothing).