Total Average Leak Rate on PR System One (Spiky Graphs!)

Just got the Encore View software last week and using my ResMed Micro nasal mask, it seems as if I am averaging between a 35-38% total leak rate each night (zero large leaks). My pressure is an 8 straight CPAP and that would be a 28% manufacture rated CO2 vent leak. My AHI's are between 1.2 and 2.0 each sleep session. I am convinced that part of the total leak rate I am getting is from some mouth breathing throughout the night. The graph line is up and down a lot and not much flat lining for a significant amount of time. Is 35-38% leak rates effective CPAP therapy? SHould I try a chin strap? Mouth taping intimidates me a bit. I really don't want to get into a FFM because I have read that its hard to get the leaks down with them.

Thanks

That doesn't sound to bad for PR SYS 1, is the leak line spiky(not so good) or wavy , more normal if I remember a leak rate of double what mask is rated for is time to worry, so in the 30s is ok. If it shows large leak, it is a problem.

DadscreepyCPAPmask wrote:Just got the Encore View software last week and using my ResMed Micro nasal mask, it seems as if I am averaging between a 35-38% total leak rate each night (zero large leaks). My pressure is an 8 straight CPAP and that would be a 28% manufacture rated CO2 vent leak. My AHI's are between 1.2 and 2.0 each sleep session. I am convinced that part of the total leak rate I am getting is from some mouth breathing throughout the night. The graph line is up and down a lot and not much flat lining for a significant amount of time. Is 35-38% leak rates effective CPAP therapy? SHould I try a chin strap? Mouth taping intimidates me a bit. I really don't want to get into a FFM because I have read that its hard to get the leaks down with them.

Thanks

Certainly you can try a chin strap. Those don't work for most so it's your call. Spend some time here reading & searching using your mask name & leaks for keywords to get other ideas.

Some are just thinking out of the box like adjusting your straps for your highest pressure BEFORE going to sleep. Using an ace bandage to keep your jaw from dropping. Even using tights or nylons to keep your mask from blowing away from your face without making the straps too tight.

I use knee high nylons

SOme graphs:

Last one

Dad,

Your charts could have been mine before I started getting control of my leaks. Your baseline looks good and it looks like at least some of your apneas are being cased by leaks. I would suspect you have a mask issue, being the hose pulling on the mask, a lousy mask, head gear stability problems or all of the above. I've had stability problems with every mask I've owned, because I move around a lot while I sleep and cause the mask/head gear to slip around and sometimes even fall off regardless of being loose or tight. Every style mask I've had problem.The less the mask and headgear move the fewer leaks you will have if you've adjusted everything correctly. You will never get zero leaks or a flat line, but it can be improved. By you data you do move around somewhat. Since I just rip my mask off if I get a large leak and fiddle with it in my sleep for smaller ones and I had so many other problems. I finally "filmed myself while sleeping and discovered where some of my issues were. I don't recommend this unless you get as desperate as I did, but I built a custom headboard for my hose to ride on, which stopped the yanking on the mask, I adjusted my sleeping arrangements so I was more comfortable and thrashed around less and I shaved my head so the mask and headgear would stay stable on my head and face which worked perfectly. I hope you don't have to go to these exstreams. Good luck.

Graphs look spiky, definitely a leak problem, you might check the wiki for mask specific fixes, or maybe hanging the hose if it being tugged on when you move around. I like mask liners also, they seem to cut down on leaks for me. Good luck, you are off to a good start.

I am using this https://www.cpap.com/productpage/flexib ... -lift.html and I have it hanging directly above my head. I don't think hose managment gets any better than that. As far as the Micro mask, I have tinkered with it until the cows come home and I rarely notice it leaking in the night. The Swift FX, well, thats another story. Just when I think I got it right, BAM!! Large Leaks in the middle of the night. CPAP use is so damn frustrating no wonder why people throw in the towel.

If you think it could be mouth breathing you could try a chinstrap, or even an ace bandage to see if that's the problem, maybe another mask, , if headgear is slipping try a little Velcro on it, don't think a towel will help FF masks aren't so bad, probably more comfortable than you think, I like the new quatro fx, it's not heavy. Keep trying, you'll get there!

DadscreepyCPAPmask wrote:Just got the Encore View software last week and using my ResMed Micro nasal mask, it seems as if I am averaging between a 35-38% total leak rate each night (zero large leaks).

Just a quibble, but an important one nonetheless.

The units for the "average leak number in Encore Viewer are L/min not percents (of some unknown total) In other words, your Encore Viewer software is showing that your average leak rate (including the intentional leak rate) is between 35 and 38 L/min on the nights shown.

I don't have my owner's manual in front of me right now, but since my IPAP = 8 cm, I'm pretty sure that the intentional leak rate for the Swift FX at 8 cm of pressure is about 29 L/min. So that means you're average unintentional leak rate is averaging about 6 to 9 L/min on the nights shown.

robysue wrote:

DadscreepyCPAPmask wrote:Just got the Encore View software last week and using my ResMed Micro nasal mask, it seems as if I am averaging between a 35-38% total leak rate each night (zero large leaks).

Just a quibble, but an important one nonetheless.

The units for the "average leak number in Encore Viewer are L/min not percents (of some unknown total) In other words, your Encore Viewer software is showing that your average leak rate (including the intentional leak rate) is between 35 and 38 L/min on the nights shown.

I don't have my owner's manual in front of me right now, but since my IPAP = 8 cm, I'm pretty sure that the intentional leak rate for the Swift FX at 8 cm of pressure is about 29 L/min. So that means you're average unintentional leak rate is averaging about 6 to 9 L/min on the nights shown.

Agreed, but is that 6 to 9 L/Min good or can I realistically shoot for lower?

If the intentional leak rate for the mask is 29, the lowest you would be shooting for is 29. Of course that means 0 leaks. Many of us do that everynight. However a leak of 6-9/min is not bad at all and the machine can compensate for that. You really want the leak line to be as straight as possible. Your AHI is within normal limits. The question is, does the leaking wake you or disrupt your sleep? If it does, you need to fix it.

Brenda

bdp522 wrote:If the intentional leak rate for the mask is 29, the lowest you would be shooting for is 29.

I consistently run LOWER than the intended leak rate on my PR S1 machine. For example, my intended leak rate for my mask at my pressure is 37-40. My nightly average leaks over the last month have been 30-36.

jbn3boys wrote:I consistently run LOWER than the intended leak rate on my PR S1 machine. For example, my intended leak rate for my mask at my pressure is 37-40. My nightly average leaks over the last month have been 30-36.

But is it good for you to consistently run LOWER than the intended leak rate? I thought that you needed the intended leak to clear out the CO2 that you are breathing out...

Lyn