First OSCAR Report - Leak Rate

[jfkaess]

I've been using CPAP for more than 15 years, but just recently through youtube, discovered OSCAR. 

I currently am using a Dreamstation 2 with a P10 Nasal Pillow mask. I also have a Wellue O2ring.

Last night was my first time to put an SD Card in and get the data for an OSCAR report. I've read the entire User Guide, and i think I've figured out how to understand the data in the report. I was successful in adding the O2ring data to the Dreamstation 2 data in OSCAR.

The only thing at this point which i am unable to grok is the Leak Rate chart. Because it's a respironics device, it has 2 lines which seem to be completely parallel with each other throughout the night, but they bounce up and down all night long. I'd appreciate some guidance on whether this chart is showing a problem or not, along with any other advice.

I expanded the flow rate chart as i saw on youtube, and while there were a few things i noted, overall, i thought it looked pretty good.

[Crimson Nape]

Hi jfkaess! -

On a Philips machine, you get both the total leak and the mask's leak rate. A Resmed only reports the mask leak is reported.

- Red

[jfkaess]

Thank you for replying. I guess that my question is: what am i looking for in this graph. Is it normal that the total and mask track completely with each other? What does the variability in the leak rate going up and down so much mean? Is it showing a problem?

Bottom line: what do i want this graph to look like if everything is fine? Is there a rate that is too high?

[Crimson Nape]

The theoretical maximum leak rate a CPAP can handle and still provide therapy pressure and sense events, is 24 l/min. If you exceed this value, it will show up in the "LL" (Large Leak) line in the Events graph at the top of the Daily screen. The two lines on every Philips chart that I've seen always track parallel. The separation is supposed to be the mask's designed leak rate.

- Red

[jfkaess]

That's very helpful. One last question: 

When you say the leak rate above 24 means the machine may not be able to maintain the therapy pressure, is that the top line or the bottom line? My OSCAR report shows no events Large Leaks (LL).

Thyank you for your help.

[Crimson Nape]

Besides providing pressure, a blower has to provide a volume of air too. I'm unaware as to which limit was considered when this limitation was published. Volume and pressure go hand in hand. If you look at an air compressor's rating, you will see that it can produce more CFM at a lower pressure as opposed to its maximum pressure rating for CFM.

- Red

[multicast]

Currently you're using your machine as a leaf blower and the therapy is literally blowing in the wind. Do you suffer from dry mouth in the morning? Is an FFM an option?

Mike

[jfkaess]

I have a beard, so no, a mask won't work. Hence the nasal pillows.

[OpalRose]

jfkaess,

This is from the "Oscar Guide".   It shows the difference between ResMed and Respironics Leak Rate Graphs and how the machines reports leaks.  

Comparing to your leak graph, you are not in large leak territory, but you are experiencing enough leaks to disrupt sleep.

http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...#Leak_Rate

When you post your chart, please remove the calendar and pie chart.  This then frees up some important statistics we like to see on that left sidebar.  

Include these graphs in your chart:  Events, Flow Rate, Pressure and Leak Rate.  Respironics machines don't report a Flow Limitation graph.  

When taking a Screenshot, follow these guidelines:

Set your display to the Standard view.  
(View > Reset Graphs > Standard)
Take a screenshot of your Daily screen.
   * For Windows or Linux: Use the F12 key
   * For a Mac: Use Fn+F12

[jfkaess]

Thank you!! That's the kind of information i need to try and figure this out. I'll upload a new screen shot with the correct info after i go through the data from last night.