How much mask leak is normal?

[OCNorsk]

Given there is a huge amount of air escaping through the emergency breathing hole, I find it hard to believe that a small, temporary leak would affect therapy significantly. The stream of air coming out of my emergency hole in front is at least 10, and probably 100 times the amount of air that escapes from a poor seal elsewhere in my mask. It is the hissing sound or the blowing of air on my face or eyes which irritates me, thus causing me to adjust the fit, not any anxiety I might have about not getting the proper therapy.

OK...so what I'm getting is that there's NOT supposed to be a blast of air (in my case the bottom of the pillows) coming out? Because it's a bit of a gale there. I thought the leak was if the pokey things weren't in my nose the right way. No?

[Jason S.]

OK...so what I'm getting is that there's NOT supposed to be a blast of air (in my case the bottom of the pillows) coming out? Because it's a bit of a gale there. I thought the leak was if the pokey things weren't in my nose the right way. No?

It must work different for a full-face mask. If I lose power, I would suffocate without the emergency vent hole, but in case of power loss with a nasal mask you would start breathing through your mouth. Unless that was taped of course and I guess then you'd be in trouble!

[OCNorsk]

This gets more complicated daily. I was so naive and innocent just 6 weeks ago.

[Gigi1]

I use a swift lt mask and my leak rate is 28%. The doc said anything under 30% is normal.

[OCNorsk]

That's about what mine is, too. Varies. I noticed that as my leak rate goes up my AHI's go down and vice versa.
Don't tell anyone, but I've not been wearing my chin strap and life is much better.

[ChipsXJ]

My mask leak rate is about 37 LPM @ 10 CMH2O. My machine says the Leakge is @ 43.49 LPM. My actual Leakage is 6.49 LPM @ 10 CMH2O. After reading alot of posts on here I believe the machine makes up that 6.49 LPM so I am going to call that good and not sweat the little leaks any more.

[klockemy]

The Mirage Quattro has a fifth pressure point you can use right above the elbow and below the exhaust port ... An additional adjustable elastic velcro strap around the middle of the Mirage Quattro will magically seal the mask ... ...

I will have to give this a go and see how it works. When my mouth relaxes in my Quattro, I make this really odd face and get a leak near the corner of my mouth. I have the mask loosened to the point of falling off, tight as hell, played with the adjustment knob and still get that stupid leak near my mouth and none near my eyes. Stupid fat cheeks.

[DoriC]

How much of a higher leak rate than listed in the manual is acceptable? The leak rate for my husband's Ultra Mirage is listed as about 43 @12.5pressure, but his report can be anywhere from 45-50. Also, occasionally he has a Large Leak for a few minutes(last night 29mins) when he gets restless, the report showed 48 leak rate. He sleeps 8-9hrs. His AHI is good between 0.7-1.9 and he feels good. Is this leak issue something to worry about?