Newbie question on numbers, especially leaks

[jparson]

I am having issues with understanding the leak rate as well and want to make sure I am understanding what you guys are saying. I am using a ResMed S8 with the Mirage Liberty FF mask. Am I understanding correctly that the ResMed is subtracting the standard leak rate that it shows for my mask before displaying the results? So, if I am getting leak rates of .14 L/s the actual leak rate could be .45 L/s? I guess what I'm asking is what is my ultimate goal? Zero L/s or the standard leak rate that is listed in the mask's manual? I hope this makes sense. I know what I'm trying to ask, but not sure I'm making it clear.

Thanks,
Jason

[echo]

Hi Bonnie,

Sorry I got lost on the leak discussion, but I have another suggestion: considering your recent heart attack and the severe desaturation you had without CPAP, is anyone monitoring your current O2 desaturation while on CPAP? If I were you, I would either buy, rent, or borrow a pulse-oximeter to control that your O2 levels are staying up, especially since you don't feel tired and therefore can't use that as a measuring stick. On the other hand, maybe you will notice that get an energy boost anyway, and that you just hadn't realized how tired you really were.

Anyway my point is, if you want to be safe, go for the overnight pulse-ox. Your doctor can order one, or you can pick one up online.

[Bonnie corgi lover]

I was already thinking about the pulse oximeter, so thanks for your push in that direction. I will put that before buying a card reader and software. Oxygenation is really the bottom line for me.

I do feel a bit of an energy boost now, guess I didn't realize how bad I was feeling. Thanks to everyone for all your advice. Just reading the forum and collected wisdom is like taking a college course!