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06-27-2023, 05:02 PM (This post was last modified: 06-27-2023, 05:04 PM by lazytower.)
Concerned with the Leak Rate
I have been using CPAP mid Mid April 2020. After some pressure modifications, my therapy was optimized. Leak Rate was low, AHI was low, I was also losing weight (When I started CPAP, MY weight was 120 kgs (265 lbs), it eventually went down to 103 kg (227 lbs)). I also used to update OSCAR on regular basis. Mid of last year, I went through a bad time, I started gaining weight (now I am at 122 kg (269 lbs)), Since I was gaining weight, I even increased the min pressure from 9 to 12 cmh2o. My CPAP screen use to face the other way so I didnt even look at the red/green smiley faces until recently. My leak rate had red smiley so I updated my OSCAR and realized that leak rate was a lot. My latest mask was bought in January of this year. Attached are some of the data from OSCAR, if anyone could tell me the reason of increased leak rate, that would be very helpful.
Your leak rate has been consistently high for quite a while.
What mask are you using? How often do you change the cushion on your full face mask? The only thing I can assume is that your mask is a poor fit, which allows for air leakage, especially if you move around a lot.
Also, when you lose weight and then re-gain weight, your facial shape changes, and in turn the fit needs adjusting.
You may want to try a different brand if you are unable to get a decent seal on your mask.
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Thank you for the reply. I have been using ResMed AirFit F20 since the beginning. I usually change the mask every 7-8 months. The latest mask was bought 6 months ago.
Welcome back to the forum! That is a lot of leakage! I agree you would do well to investigate other masks/sizes. If you move around a lot maybe a mask with a hose on top would be a help. If you tend to sleep on your side, you may want to assess the pillow too. You also might consider downloading the MyAir ResMed app. It is really basic but gives enough leak data to catch the large leaks if you don't use OSCAR regularly.
I have been facing a similar issue. I have leaked 58L/min total last night. According to OSCAR most of it happened in the early morning hours. I don't yet know how to analyze this data (I am still new to everything with starting CPAP 10 days ago and joining this forum 1 hour ago). I am thinking about mounting a camera and recording myself to find out.
