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Hi Jim,

That leak rate looks pretty high to me for such a low pressure, but I'm not familiar with your particular mask's vent flow rate, and I was unable to find that info through a forum or google search. If you look at your mask's manual, it should tell you what it is (you're looking for vent rate, vent flow rate, VFR, something like that). If it's around 35, you're doing okay. If it's in the twenties, your leaks would seem to be a pretty big issue. Your AHI is just incredible. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this! Please post back and let us know what the VFR is for your mask, if you don't mind. Then next time someone else needs it, we'll be able to find it, and we'll also know if leaks are a problem for you.

Thanks! --CG

CollegeGirl wrote:That leak rate looks pretty high to me for such a low pressure

Rats, and I thought I had made real progress on the leak issue. Honestly its much better than it used to be... Maybe a different mask is in order?

CollegeGirl wrote:Your AHI is just incredible. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this!

You and me both Funny the sleep doc I saw today thought it was fine... when I suggested that we should try to lower it more his response was 'Well its a lot better than your original 55.2"...

CollegeGirl wrote:Please post back and let us know what the VFR is for your mask, if you don't mind.

Flow rates for the 407 are:
3 - 18
5 - 24
7 - 28
9 - 32
11 - 36
13 - 39
15 - 42
17 - 45
19 - 48
21 - 50
23 - 53
25 - 55

James - I think that was me that posted that I also have that same problem with MyEncore. I am experience the same missing data as you. Some one else posted that it was do to the fact that I had an M and that the data was showing up for the other machines. I just use EncorePro. --- BT

Thanks for posting those. Yeah, with your pressures (around 7-8) you should be seeing a leak rate around 28-30. Your leak rate is quite a bit higher, around 38. I would definitely be looking for a leak source. If you get the leak taken care of, maybe it'll help out some with that AHI!

And I personally wouldn't be happy to settle for that AHI. As I'm sure you know, 5 and under is considered normal. Until I hit that, I wouldn't be happy. Your mileage may vary.

--CG

CollegeGirl wrote:Thanks for posting those. Yeah, with your pressures (around 7-8) you should be seeing a leak rate around 28-30. Your leak rate is quite a bit higher, around 38. I would definitely be looking for a leak source. If you get the leak taken care of, maybe it'll help out some with that AHI!

I had a really poor sleep last night and since I was wake much of the night I paid extra close attention to leaks. The strange thing is that I didn't notice any all night long but still I had a leak rate around 40. I'm starting to wonder if maybe there is something wrong with the machine or the detector?

CollegeGirl wrote:And I personally wouldn't be happy to settle for that AHI. As I'm sure you know, 5 and under is considered normal.

Yeah I'm not very happy with it at all. Last night was even worse. Since I had such a good night the night before (4.5 AHI) on a pressure of 9cm I decided to move it up to 9.5cm last night. I just couldn't seem to fall asleep on that pressure. Tried ramp once, still no luck (but more hypopneas during the ramp) At 4:30 in desperation I lowered the pressure to 8.5cm. Sleep a little bit but lightly. Woke up a lot, was conscience of obstructions numerous times, and then gave up and got up at about 7:30 (early for me) Strange thing was that 8.5 felt like very little pressure when 9.5 had been keeping me awake. Checked my stats and between 4:30 and 7:30 my AHI was 19.6! Oh my god, that the worse score ever and of course I feel like crap today.

Are you still taping, and doing it correctly? Mouthleaks come when you sleep, while you are awake you can control leaks, when in deep sleep you can not.

I think a FF mask would b useful, there you only need to control mask leaks. If you control the Ff mask leaks you are good to go. Jim