Help with smartcard report info

First let me start by saying I have learned a lot of great information from this forum. I was really having a hard time when I first started cpap that I just wanted to quit, but every time I was ready to throw in the towel I would read these boards and get so much great info that I have yet to give up on it. In fact, I am now able to see how much benefit therepy can provide me and am ready to move onto the next step.....understanding the report my DME has given me after reading my smart card. (I understand some of it, but some things are kind of confusing, like the graphs.)

Here is what my report says:

Pressure: 11
Average Obstructive Apnea Index: 1.1
Average Hypopnea Index: 1.0
Average AHI: 2.1
Average Snore Index: 6.7
Average Max Leak: 85.6
Average 90% Leak: 38.6
Average Leak: 32.8
Average Large Leak: 0 mins.


Now this data encompasses the use of 2 different masks. My first mask was a full face mask. I really didn't want to use a full face mask, but the sleep study tech only used this type of mask on me during my second study and basically talked me into using it. She told me I was a mouth breather and the other type of masks would not work for me. Well I hated it! I was ready to quite, but read so much about the nose pillow on this board that I decided to try one. I didn't have to do much to get my DME to give me a new mask and I actually think I am doing good with my new mask (swift) when I manage to leave it on all night. (I am having problems with taking it off in my sleep and breathing with a cold)

I am kind of confused with the reading about leaks. I can not really tell if and when I have leaks with this mask. It only seems like the air is coming from the exhaust.

Any help and insight to what to look at/consider when reading these reports I would greatly help. (Sorry this post is so long. )

TPM,

Actually, those numbers look pretty good. Are they for one night or for a period of time?

Your apneas, hypopneas and snore indexes are good. AHI is a combined total of the apneas and hypopneas. Anything under 5.0 is considered "normal".....so yours is good at 2.1. It's not unusual to get higher leak rates at times, but depending on your mask, an average leak of about 32 probably isn't bad for a full face mask.....but might be high for a Swift.

You might want to fill out your "Profile" with the specific equipment you have so we can get an idea of what you're dealing with.

With your mask, there should have been a little pamphlet that shows what the Vent Flow Rate (or leak rate) is. That will tell you what to compare your numbers to.

I'd say....."Lookin' good".

Best wishes,

Den

The numbers are for a period of time and includes about 2 weeks with the full face mask. The report had seperate detail info for the week prior to the reading of the card and for average leak it went from a low of 28.46 to a high of 31.64. The only thing I was able to find in the papers that came with the mask was a vent flow rate and for the pressure of 12 the rate was 37. Does that have anything to do with what the exceptable leak rate would be?

The machines are built to handle a certain amount of leakage and still do their job of providing pressure. What it all boils down to is if your indicies are good and yours are, then the system of machine and mask are working fine. If there are leaks which bother your eyes or dry you nose or mouth that is another story to be treated for specific issues like mouth breathing. If your leak figures stay as is or there about, you're doing fine.

TerryB