AHI vs Leak Rate

[Jim Bronson]

I've been using my CPAP for about two months, and I've noticed a correlation between late-session leak rates and my sleepiness and energy level the next day. Even though my AHI is always 3.0 or below, if I have a large leak near the end of the session, I feel lousy, but if I have a flatline leak profile for the whole session and no sleep interruption, I feel great. Recently, I've only noticed one such session, but the following day was excellent. The mask fits pretty tightly, but apparently it does leak when I move around. Two questions come to mind:

1) Does the correlation make sense or is there likely something else going on?
2) Would a new type of mask help?

Thanks in advance.

[Sleeprider]

I've been using my CPAP for about two months, and I've noticed a correlation between late-session leak rates and my sleepiness and energy level the next day. Even though my AHI is always 3.0 or below, if I have a large leak near the end of the session, I feel lousy, but if I have a flatline leak profile for the whole session and no sleep interruption, I feel great. Recently, I've only noticed one such session, but the following day was excellent. The mask fits pretty tightly, but apparently it does leak when I move around. Two questions come to mind:

1) Does the correlation make sense or is there likely something else going on?
2) Would a new type of mask help?

Thanks in advance.

I'm curious what got you started on the Resmed Mirage FX when we have the successor Airfit P10 that is so much lighter, quieter and tolerant of side-sleeping? I have used the FX since it was first released, and it's a really good mask that does not require you to crank down the straps to limit leaks. You might be surprised how much better a looser fit might work...I'd still get over to the Airfit ASAP. It cut my AHI rate in half, and leaks have become a non-issue.

Leaks wake you up. It is every bit as disruptive to your sleep stage as a AHI event. The mask you can wear and never be aware of is the one that lets you rest best. Leak free nights are more refreshing than ones that arouse or wake you from blowing air. Leaks obscure the real AHI since the machine does not get pressure feedbacks. So a high leak rate can hide a AHI that is very high as a result of losing therapy pressure.

[zonk]

1) Does the correlation make sense or is there likely something else going on?
2) Would a new type of mask help?

Thanks in advance.

1- Yes it does, any leak, large or small disturb or affect your sleep quality is not good
On the other hand if you're not disturbed and sleep quality is decent, leak does not matter much in scheme of things
Its a futile to aim for zero leak, around or lower 24 L/m is an acceptable leak as far as ResMed machines concerned

2- the proof of the pudding is in the eating, we will never know until we try
I've been using the same mask in my profile for over 4 years, tried few others but they did not come close in term of comfort and seal ...
Everyone is different, one man meat is another man poison

[Jim Bronson]

I'm curious what got you started on the Resmed Mirage FX when we have the successor Airfit P10 that is so much lighter, quieter and tolerant of side-sleeping?

It was prescribed by my sleep Dr. As a newbie, I was not aware of options available, and I'm sure the doc was prescribing what he thought would be the best one, based on my sleep study.

Recently my DME called to say they would be sending me a new and improved mask next month, but I wasn't able to write it down. I'll call them next week and get the model# of the new one and talk it over with the doc. Clearly I have a leak problem, and I'm pretty sure it contributes to my next-morning fatigue level.

[DeepBreathing]

Jim, the problems with masks is that no one type will suit everybody. It really is a matter of trial and error. Every face is different - long, thin, round, fat, high cheekbones, square chin or pointy chin, big nose, crooked nose, facial hair ... the list goes on. Some people swear by nasal pillows - I can't stand them. I like a full face mask but others hate them.

The mask is the most subjective part of this whole exercise. Nobody can tell you what's the "best" - it's something you need to find out for yourself. If possible make sure your DME has some kind of return policy so if it doesn't work after a couple of weeks you can return it and try something different.

[zonk]

If possible make sure your DME has some kind of return policy so if it doesn't work after a couple of weeks you can return it and try something different.

Sage advice
Why I did not think of that

[Gabby]

If possible make sure your DME has some kind of return policy so if it doesn't work after a couple of weeks you can return it and try something different.

Sage advice
Why I did not think of that

Zonk you probably didn't think of that because we don't have the luxury of such a service over here

[Gabby]

I've been using my CPAP for about two months, and I've noticed a correlation between late-session leak rates and my sleepiness and energy level the next day. Even though my AHI is always 3.0 or below, if I have a large leak near the end of the session, I feel lousy, but if I have a flatline leak profile for the whole session and no sleep interruption, I feel great. Recently, I've only noticed one such session, but the following day was excellent. The mask fits pretty tightly, but apparently it does leak when I move around. Two questions come to mind:

1) Does the correlation make sense or is there likely something else going on?
2) Would a new type of mask help?

Thanks in advance.

Kim Bronson I know exactly how you feel and I have been going through it for just over a year.
Leaks are the bane of my life
I have a good pillows mask at the moment the Nuance and I am loving it, and with a new chin strap firmly in place my leaks are looking better.
Keep your chin up and your mouth shut and good luck in finding your mask that suits you.

[Jim Bronson]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm not sure I'd mind the nasal pillow type, but I won't know until I try. I took to the nasal mask right away.

[FieldofDreams]

Jim- I know it's an older thread but if you get a chance can you post an update on how you handled the leakage issues, including experience with different masks? I imagine it may help others like me doing some basic due diligence to ID why we still feel tired with relatively low AHI stats, prior to posting for additional guidance.