How to read EncoreViewer reports or Am I a Mouth-breather?

Good afternoon from Cincinnati. I'm within a day or two of completing my 6th week of CPAP therapy. I won't gush about the changes I've felt so far, but they are not insignificant. I was wondering if there is a post somewhere with the how-to's of reading Encore Viewer's report output.

Questions I'd like to be able to answer on my own include:

1) How is my therapy going?
2) Am I experiencing any leaks and, if so, what is causing them and are they interfering with my therapy's effectiveness?

My DME thinks I may be mouth-breathing, based on his Encore Anywhere's output. If I am, it is not waking me up, I don't think. The chin strap he gave me slides around during the night and seems ineffective. I'd rather not get out the duct tape unless I can prove to myself it will help. That's gotta hurt in the morning! My DME also said my machine can/does adjust for leaks. I'm at CPAP 10. If there is an issue, I realize that I've got options including chin strap, taping, or full-face mask.

It would be awesome if there's a post somewhere that expalins to a computer-literate CPAP newbie how to read the report. I have EV 2.0 but I suspect this question is generic to any of the three types of Encore, for the individual user.

Thanks so very very much.

Redeye

Just look at your report full details graph. Mouth breathing shows up as leaks with broad plateaus showing higher leak rates. Small spikes are leaks, sustained higher leaks are usually mouth breathing. No machine can adjust for leaks that exceed flow limitations. You can leak more air through the mouth than the machine can provide, and pressure to the airway is lost. Post some graphs and the people here can probably tell what is going on. Mouth breathing has a characteristic appearance in the data.

Duct tape would not be a good choice. I don't use tape, but if I needed to, would probably opt for a paint tape or denture creme. A full-face mask is probably the most effective way to deal with a mouth breather.