AHI under control...Are leaks still important?

My AHI is down from 20 in my sleep test, to 2.6 with 9 nights on cpap.

However, i still can not seem to control my leaks. My quattro full face mask seems to be leaking because of my gaotee, and i have been advised to shave it off. Tried a swift nasal, but it did not work for me at all, as i could not keep my mouth closed.

My question is quite simple: should i be worrying about my leaks, and keep trying on different masks, if my AHI is at 2.6? add to that the fact that i am having good nights mostly, and that my energy is back, and my productivity at work too.

copernicus wrote:My AHI is down from 20 in my sleep test, to 2.6 with 9 nights on cpap.

However, i still can not seem to control my leaks. My quattro full face mask seems to be leaking because of my gaotee, and i have been advised to shave it off. Tried a swift nasal, but it did not work for me at all, as i could not keep my mouth closed.

My question is quite simple: should i be worrying about my leaks, and keep trying on different masks, if my AHI is at 2.6? add to that the fact that i am having good nights mostly, and that my energy is back, and my productivity at work too.

Leaks are always the most important reason to have a data machine. If I were you I would either shave, after all it will grow back, or try nasal pillows.

Work on learning to breath thru your nose esp. while awake. Until then I would seriously consider shaving.

I have a data machine, and i see i have leaks. but are they still important if am getting a good night sleep and feeling better?

i really wanted the nasal pillows to work as i have my eye on the FX. maybe i will give the swift another chance tonight.

Everyone has their opinion on masks so here's mine : ) I like the ComfortLite 2. It has less face presence and for me stays put. It just makes me look like an alien but oh well.

I think it depends on your leaks. There is an 'acceptable' leak rate, recall 0.24 -- maybe other's can help with this. If you're within the acceptable range, then all is fine. If you start leaking like crazy, then all the other numbers get skewed.

I look only at my Ai numbers, and there always below 2.0, most nights anywhere from 0.5 to 1.5. Most nights my leaks are well below .10.

Weird but probably particular to my machine and me: when my leak line is almost flat [0.0], my Ai are usually slightly higher, in the 1.5 range. When I get a slight leak, around .10 range, my Ai actually drop below 1.0!

dtsm wrote: when my leak line is almost flat [0.0], my Ai are usually slightly higher, in the 1.5 range. When I get a slight leak, around .10 range, my Ai actually drop below 1.0!

So you can see how leaks do affect your machine sensitivity and detection.

A high leak rate can skew the AHI numbers... do you know what your leak rate has been? It also can compromise the therapy and your comfort... leaks can wake you up and disturb your sleep. If you are having trouble keeping your mouth closed with a nasal mask, have you considered a chin strap? I use the PapCap chin strap and like it. I was also unable to use a full face mask due to facial hair--my leak rate was never acceptable.

I've noticed that some of the masks with chin flaps (not chin straps) are preferred by bearded hosers.
Notable is the Hybrid by Innomed and the fisher & Paykel full face masks with chin flaps.
Hairy guys may have more to say--grandma's not that fuzzy.

copernicus wrote:My AHI is down from 20 in my sleep test, to 2.6 with 9 nights on cpap.

However, i still can not seem to control my leaks. My quattro full face mask seems to be leaking because of my gaotee, and i have been advised to shave it off. Tried a swift nasal, but it did not work for me at all, as i could not keep my mouth closed.

My question is quite simple: should i be worrying about my leaks, and keep trying on different masks, if my AHI is at 2.6? add to that the fact that i am having good nights mostly, and that my energy is back, and my productivity at work too.

Since you are sleeping well, have your energy back and are more productive at work, don't worry about the little leaks. It sounds as though you are doing fine. Is your wife impressed, yet?

PS Beards are so good looking how could you ever get rid of it. My hubby and I have a deal - he shaves off his beard I cut off my hair : )