New user trying to understand Resmed Autoset data

peterT · Post by **peterT** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 10:06 am

Hi all,

I'm new to the cpap world and am trying to learn all I can to become in control of my own cpap therapy.

I have the Resmed Autoset S8 along with the most recent software and card reader to monitor my data. Could/would someone please tell me how to interpret the data I get in the software output in terms of what to shoot for? I'm unsure of what's considered a good or bad "leak" or "AHI" number etc.. I'm sure this information has all been posted before but I can't seem to locate it. If it has, would someone please post a link to the info?

I was diagnosed with minor sleep apnea and was told positional (not to sleep on my back) was a first line solution. I tried the back pillow thing but found it too uncomfortable then got a new mattress that was no help either and now am trying cpap therapy.

I'm still trying masks and so far have had no luck in finding one I can deal with although I haven't given them much of a chance yet. The only thing I have found is i exhale through my mouth and a chin strap fixed that.

Anyway, I really appreciate any help you could give me!

peterT

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 4:42 pm

Well, what masks HAVE you tried? I really LOVE my ComfortLite 2 w/which I use the nasal cushion, altho I liked the nasal pillow too which is what I used w/it at first. I like the MANY adjustments it allows you to make when fitting it.

I have the Resmed S8 Elite and software and reader and am really pleased w/that too. I'm still "larnin'" so won't try to tell you what everything indicates via the software and reader - except I like to keep track of the nightly Time in Apnea % on the Patient Statistics page.

The xPAPs work on a 24 hour, noon to noon, clock so be sure to download your info before noon - or - just use the Advanced patient menu (hold Left and Right buttons down for 3-4 seconds, that brings up the Efficacy and Usage Data on the LED screen) and write the info down or keep it in a spreadsheet or other type of file. Past noon the nightly info is merged into the averages unless you've downloaded and SAVED it as nightly info in AutoScan.

Others will be along to give you more technical info.

JimW · Post by **JimW** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 9:05 pm

Under the 'statistics' tab of AutoScan, you are aiming, in general, for AHI at or below 5. Leak rate should be as low as possible; in the Autoset, there is a place to set the machine for various masks, and the machine subtracts the designed leak rate of the mask from that detected, so that the rate shown is actual leaking provided the correct mask is set in the menu. My own 95th percentile leak for the 2(+) months I've had my Autoset is 0.30 L/sec, with median leak of 0.02 L/sec. That's a run at the very basic information; ask any other questions you may have, and you'll likely get an answer within a day or so.

peterT · Post by **peterT** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 10:08 pm

Thanks for the replies. I have the ComfortLite ll which I also think may be the one for me. I'm still trying the different nasal interfaces and it's a slow process.

My leak rates are much worse than 0.30 l/sec and that seems to be a problem. As I mentioned above, I'm using the ComfortLite ll and am not sure what to set the machine at as far as mask options. Any ideas?

My AHI is usually at or below 5 so I guess I'm good there.

Maybe I shouldn't worry about it if my AHI is consistently good....or could that number be inaccurate due to mask leak?

Thanks!

JimW · Post by **JimW** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 10:55 pm

Not sure exactly how you'd apply this, but here http://www.comfortseries.respironics.co ... akRate.pdf is a respironics leak chart for the comfort series of masks. Here http://www.internetage.com/cpapinfo/leak-rates-1.html is a chart of leak rates compiled by dsm. The idea, I think, is to match your mask's leak rate as closely as possible with one of the ResMed masks listed in the menu. If I recall correctly, there is also a 'generic mask' option, or something like that. Not sure what leak rate is subtracted with that one, however.

nana · Post by **nana** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 7:33 am

"My leak rates are much worse than 0.30 l/sec and that seems to be a problem. As I mentioned above, I'm using the ComfortLite ll and am not sure what to set the machine at as far as mask options. Any ideas?

Peter, I was told to set my ResMed to Standard setting by the RT in the Sleep MD office.
nana

nana · Post by **nana** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 7:40 am

Peter
I could be very wrong as I use a nasal masks.........one of three, being a Comfort Gel, Profile Lite Gel or a Ultra Mirage II
What I said was correct, but for my nasal masks (other than the Mirage).

peterT · Post by **peterT** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 8:55 am

The Standard setting is what I've been going with so far and last night was able to get my leak rates down.

JimW those are great links! I'm going to try to figure out some way to apply that data to my mask. I was thinking of doing some experimenting. Using each setting for mask type on the ResMed, breathing normally for 10min under leakproof conditions then finding the mask setting which gives a reading closest to zero in my software. Think that would work? I know it would be an approximation but close anyway.

Thanks.

JimW · Post by **JimW** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 10:21 am

Sounds like a good plan. Plus, if you see what the leak rate is with zero leaks for whichever setting you choose, you can subtract that from the rates you get in AutoScan to know how much of the leak shouldn't (ideally) be there.

If you look at the 'night profile' graph, you can see if you had any really large leaks during the night. This is available either through the 'view' menu or by hitting the 5th icon down in the bar on the left of the screen.

Minimizing leaks is good; not helpful to loose any sleep (literally) over it, though, as long as leaks are within reason.