Leak Rate Ranges

rozenbob · Post by **rozenbob** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 7:45 pm

I use three masks UMFF (primary), Hybrid, and Swift Nasal.

I now have a Remstar M Series Autopap and was curious as to what are the "acceptable" ranges in Air Leakage for each mask.

First night using the UMFF I had a reading of 44.2.

I have not tried the other masks yet, was going to stay with the UMFF for a few days before swapping

Bob

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 8:09 pm

There SHOULD be a pamphlet with each mask that has a chart that gives the "vent flow rates" at various pressures.

If yours didn't furnish one, there's a compilation of information at this website:

http://www.internetage.com/cpapinfo/leak-rates-1.html

Best wishes,

Den

rozenbob · Post by **rozenbob** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 8:45 pm

Thanks Den,

For some reason, I was expecting lower numbers!

rozenbob · Post by **rozenbob** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 8:50 pm

When using a nasal does mouth taping effect leak rate and/or AHI?

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 9:10 pm

If you don't tape and mouth breathe it will show as a leak and you will lose treatment. As a result your AHI would be higher.

Brenda

greyhound · Post by **greyhound** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 9:48 pm

Taping is not needed if you have a full face mask (such as the UMFF). Some people find it helpful if they have mouth leaks and use a nasal mask.

[edit] Didn't realize you asked the question only with respect to nasal masks.

rozenbob · Post by **rozenbob** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 10:02 pm

If you take two simultaneous night APAP readings with the Swift nasal: One night taped the other not, will this confirm you are NOT a mouth breather is there is little difference in the leakage readings?

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 10:13 pm

Interesting post...I too have the M Series ...and most of my mask leak rates have been over 40%, even though I get a good tight seal. There have been some large leaks during the night, which may explain the larger %'s. According to the paper that came with the mask, I should be getting about 25%...have never been that low. I wonder if the M series measures differently, the mask leaks?

rozenbob · Post by **rozenbob** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 10:19 pm

John,
I thought Leakage was measured in Liters per minute?

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 10:44 pm

If you are mouth breathing and have high leak rates...when you tape your leak rate should go down. BUT you may not mouth breathe every night, I know I mouth breathe sometimes so if I use a nasal mask I tape. I mostly just stick to my trusty hybrid.
I don't think it's a good idea to over think this whole treatment. You need to try something for a week or so THEN look at the data. I don't think night by night gives you a chance to settle in and get used to anything. You need to give your body a chance to become accustomed to this or it will drive you nuts.

Brenda

Mask

Additional Comments: SleepyHead & Dream Mapper>>>PR S1 model 960

Leak Rate Ranges

Leak Rate Ranges

Thanks

Swift Nasal

Mouth Taping

Leakage