Aircurve Question

[Shamus54]

I'm having an ongoing air leakage problem here (over a month) on my AirCurve machine. Most nights I get a RED face on the sleep indicator, but I can't figure out where the mask or tubing is leaking? Both mask and tubing have been replaced, and I'm using the same type (mirage quatro) that I've used for over ten years I also continue to use more water than expected for the past few months. Could my water chamber seal be leaking air? At wits end here...

[Sleeprider]

The other source for leaks is at the water chamber. Make sure the humidifier chamber is sealed tightly against the seal that conducts air from the machine to the humidity chamber, and that the outlet seal is firmly in place. Inspect the lid seal. If there are leaks at the machine in the humidity chamber, you should hear it. The only other place is the mask.

A leak in the mechanical system will be constant, while mask leaks fluctuate. If you are able to download and install the free OSCAR program, the nature of the leaks would be obvious for you.

[Shamus54]

The other source for leaks is at the water chamber. Make sure the humidifier chamber is sealed tightly against the seal that conducts air from the machine to the humidity chamber, and that the outlet seal is firmly in place. Inspect the lid seal.  If there are leaks at the machine in the humidity chamber, you should hear it.  The only other place is the mask.  

A leak in the mechanical system will be constant, while mask leaks fluctuate.  If you are able to download and install the free OSCAR program, the nature of the leaks would be obvious for you.

I have checked to see that the seals for both the connection and lid seal are in place and no obvious damage... I've installed my new spare chamber and will check it tonight to see if anything changes. As for any abnormal amount of noise, I really haven't noticed... It's got to be something not quite right though, somewhere???

Are you saying that OSCAR can tell me whether the leakage is from the mask, hose, or chamber?

Thanks!

[Sleeprider]

Oscar can show us the extent of leaks, when they occur and whether they are likely related to mask leaks or system leaks.

[Shamus54]

Oscar can show us the extent of leaks, when they occur and whether they are likely related to mask leaks or system leaks.

Okay, it appears that these issues are within my AirCurve machine itself... I've swapped out masks, tubing, and water chamber, and the leakage and excessive water usage continues. Now the fun begins with trying to get my DME to correct the issues, or replace the unit itself... Very discouraged here right now!

[Sleeprider]

I think you misunderstood. Post a chart, and we can tell you if the leaks are likely mask or air-circuit. The most likely source of leaks is the mask, and it is very unusual for a machine to malfunction in that way.

[Shamus54]

I think you misunderstood. Post a chart, and we can tell you if the leaks are likely mask or air-circuit. The most likely source of leaks is the mask, and it is very unusual for a machine to malfunction in that way.

No i didn't misunderstand, I was just curious as to how Oscar could tell where a leak was coming from...  As for my assertion that the problem is with the machine and not user controlled items like chamber/tubing/mask, I have eliminated all of that. Remember, I have been using these masks for over ten years, and know how to correct a leaking seal or headgear issue. My AirCurve will soon be out of warranty, and I'm going to ensure my machine is working correctly or get a replacement from my DME before the warranty ends... lol  I have been using my ResScan 5.9 software to check on details for several years now with both the S 10 and S 9 machines. I do plan on downloading Oscar Software at some point though...  Thanks again, I'll post after I get some answers from my Sleep Doctor and DME folks!

[SarcasticDave94]

I'm not an OSCAR expert like Sleeprider, but as for leaks and OSCAR, if you're good at it, you'll look at the leak chart patterns and be able to determine a mask leak. There won't be a specific OSCAR flag saying "your leaks are mask based" or similar. It's reading the leak chart patterns that tells us what's going on

[Shamus54]

I'm not an OSCAR expert like Sleeprider, but as for leaks and OSCAR, if you're good at it, you'll look at the leak chart patterns and be able to determine a mask leak. There won't be a specific OSCAR flag saying "your leaks are mask based" or similar. It's reading the leak chart patterns that tells us what's going on

I had pretty much decided that my leakage wasn't from chamber/tubing/mask, but posted to see if anyone had experienced this issue. As it turned out, I took my machine in today and they told me the leak was coming from behind the machine where the tubing hooks up to a rotating disk... Gave me a brand spanking new one!

[Sleeprider]

This "air outlet adapter and seal" is the part and it costs less than  $10.  I mentioned it earlier.  Usually it only needs reseated.  Glad you found the problem.