[Equipment] High leakage for high pressure

[michaeljayb]

Hi,

I've been on cpap for roughly 15 years and my pressure was set at 15 but ive come down to 13. I've had constant problems with leakage, my leakage is around 40L/min. I've tried masks from F&P and Resmed. My masks "farts" if I have it too loose and I have to end up really pulling the straps tight.

I'm looking for any suggestions?

Many thanks!

[SarcasticDave94]

First, I'd monitor the therapy with OSCAR, the free report tool. This includes your leak rate.

If your leaks are at 40, it's much too high to get therapy. The machine cannot track events accurately, and you're likely uncomfortable with a tight mask. I've used Fisher and Paykel masks, from Simplus to Vitera now on Evora Full. All 3 are modestly snug at most. Leaks will most likely increase the tighter you adjust, because you're distorting and crushing the seal.

Things to change? Mask cushion size, model, how you adjust including tension. Do not make it tight. Snug is not tight.

[michaeljayb]

I might reduce pressure to 10 for a few nights to see how that goes. I used to have a F&P Icon and the resmed unit seems to output a lost more.

[quiescence at last]

I use a cloth pad between the cushion and my face, and the farts do not occur. In the trade, I get a slow breeze leak path thru that pad material. But, the leaks are well under the "Large Leak" level. It allows me to leave the straps looser.

QAL

[G. Szabo]

Setting a high EPR (i.e. 3) can reduce leaks somewhat.

[Deborah K.]

We can better help you if you download and use Oscar, our free apnea reporting program that shows us many details of each night's sleep.  At the top of each page, in the black section, you will see a link for Oscar that tells you all about it.

Good luck!