First download to Encore Pro... CONFUSED!!!

cletourn

Have you been able to find what the different numbers mean? An AHI of < 5 is considered normal. An AHI of 0.4 is definitely good.

Are you having any large leaks? Large leaks matter because the machine doesn't recognize events during large leaks.

The numbers you're posting make me think you're using the EncorePro Analyzer. Is that the case?

Have you found the detailed daily reports in EncorePro or the Night Report in the EncorePro Analyzer? While the average over several days is helpful, I look at my daily numbers so I can see exactly what happened the previous night.

I've put examples of the 2 key daily reports I look at. I added some notes about what you're seeing. I also reduced the size of the screen shots - the ones you produce on your computer will be easier to read.

Here's an example of the Night Report from EncorePro Analyzer



Here's an example of the Daily Detail Report from EncorePro:

Hi Sandy,

Very clear explanation of the difference between the two kinds of reports. Thanks.

Glancing at the Encore Pro chart you posted, it seemed to me that you're getting a rather high leak rate while using your Ultra Mirage FF mask at a steady cpap pressure of 11. It's not hitting Large Leak, but those are still pretty high leaks all night, imho.

I think Respironics says that an average leak rate no more than 40 liters per minute is ok. I personally would want to see it down a lot lower. But it can be a trade-off, I know...and if you're doing ok even with a higher leak rate, that's what matters.

Have you noticed leaks springing out around the cushion perimeter? You may be sleeping through them and not noticing them; but even so, a lot of little leaks could disturb sleep, causing arousals without actually waking you up all the way. Just thought I'd mention that possibility.

If you happen to be using the "Standard" cushion and the size of your mask suits you, you might ask your DME if you can try the "Shallow" cushion in the same size whenever you're due for a cushion replacement.

One message board poster reported that a nurse who works phone support for resmed told him she believes the "Shallow" fits more people better than the "Standard." Shallow and Standard refer to cushion shape rather than size -- shallow being a little shorter and a tad wider. For example, the cushion in your particular mask might be a Small Standard, or a Small Shallow. Any of them (size or cushion shape) can be used in the same mask frame. Shallow fits me better.

Hi rested gal,

I really appreciate your input. I am having trouble with the fit of my mask. It leaks terribly under my eyes unless I smash it against my face. I've received many recommendations in another post about this, but I'm still struggling with it. Trying the shallow cushion was a suggestion, but I haven't been back to my DME yet.

rested gal wrote:I think Respironics says that an average leak rate no more than 40 liters per minute is ok

How do you know this? I've tried to find info on acceptable leak rates and I can't. The only thing I've found is the vent flow for my mask. I've also learned from other posters that the machine doesn't record events during large leaks. But how does a leak qualify as "large"?

Respironics says an average leak rate > 40 is not ok. But my numbers look good. So, how can > 40 not be ok? I don't understand

While my numbers look ok, I'm still really tired. I do have other things being investigated regarding my continued fatigue, but I still would like to understand leaks better. I'll appreciate any insight you can offer.

Thanks

Sandy

SleepySandy wrote:Respironics says an average leak rate > 40 is not ok. But my numbers look good. So, how can > 40 not be ok? I don't understand

The machine can only record data if it can figure out what's going on. The more leaking you have going on, the harder it is for the machine to tell if you're breathing or not, and how well you're breathing.

Many people post that their AHI seemingly goes up once they fix their leaks. It's not, it's coming down, it's just that the machine is finally able to sense what's happening.

I just checked the vent flow rate for my mask and it's 39 at 11.

So, wouldn't that mean my leak rates really are:
Max Leak: 24 LPM
90% Leak: 14 LPM
Average Leak: 11 LPM

And those are all less than 40. So isn't that ok?

I checked all of the data I have and my average leak rates have always been in the 40's. I've been operating on the answers I got in this thread:
viewtopic.php?p=144024&highlight=#144024

So now I'm thoroughly confused

I'm really not trying to be difficult. I just want to understand leak rates, particularly if they could be affecting my therapy.

Put simply, you're leaking some. It could be affecting your therapy. Your leaks aren't huge, but they could be better. The 40 includes the intentional leak rate of the mask. What you ideally want using your math above, given your 39 intentional leak is:

Max Leak: 0 LPM
90% Leak: 0 LPM
Average Leak: 0 LPM

In other words, Encore should tell you:

Max Leak: 39 LPM
90% Leak: 39 LPM
Average Leak: 39 LPM

Or very close to it. Some people are very sensative to noise while they sleep, or their therapy is compromised with the leaks, and it could be contributing to your fatigue.

[quote="SleepySandy"]cletourn

Have you been able to find what the different numbers mean? An AHI of < 5 is considered normal. An AHI of 0.4 is definitely good.

Are you having any large leaks? Large leaks matter because the machine doesn't recognize events during large leaks.

The numbers you're posting make me think you're using the EncorePro Analyzer. Is that the case?

Have you found the detailed daily reports in EncorePro or the Night Report in the EncorePro Analyzer? While the average over several days is helpful, I look at my daily numbers so I can see exactly what happened the previous night.

I've put examples of the 2 key daily reports I look at. I added some notes about what you're seeing. I also reduced the size of the screen shots - the ones you produce on your computer will be easier to read.

Here's an example of the Night Report from EncorePro Analyzer



Here's an example of the Daily Detail Report from EncorePro:



Hi SleepySandy

Thank you for all your help! I do have the charts you showed and I really appreciate your explanation. Huge help! Thank you again to everyone on this board!!!