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Leak Rate Question (OSCAR)
#1
Leak Rate Question (OSCAR)
Hello,

I just started using OSCAR software and I'm trying to track my mask leak rate.  I noticed there are a few different stats OSCAR tracks:

Leakrate Min, Med, 95% Max
Time over leakrate redline shown in a percentage.

I looked up the acceptable leakrate on the web and it says that 24 liters per minute is an acceptable amount.

Here are my stats from a recent night:

Leak Rate Min = 0, Med = 4.8, 95% = 18.6, Max = 43.2
Time over leak rate red line: 11.48%

My questions are:

1) In my example does the 95% value of 18.6 mean that it was 18.6 liters per minute for 95% of the time?
2) How do I know if the time over leak rate red line of 11.48% is good or bad?
3) Do you know what value the leak rate red line is?

I currently use the ResMed P-10 nasal pillows and I have significantly reduced my leaks after taping my lips fully shut.  I used to just use a smaller piece of tape that was probably letting more air escape.

Thanks,

Sleepwreck
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#2
RE: Leak Rate Question (OSCAR)
Welcome to the forum.

You should always post your charts as we frequently see something that you would like to know that you were not asking about.

A 95% value means that it was between that value and zero 95% of the time.
Is the leak over the red line (24.6 I think) bad? it depends on how long and how much and other things like what your AHI is. If you don't have events it is not bad, if it is barely over then spikes a high of 43.2 it is not bad. That said we always try to keep the leaks always below the large leak threshold.
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#3
RE: Leak Rate Question (OSCAR)
(03-24-2020, 07:38 PM)bonjour Wrote: Welcome to the forum.

You should always post your charts as we frequently see something that you would like to know that you were not asking about.

A 95% value means that it was between that value and zero 95% of the time.  
Is the leak over the red line (24.6 I think) bad? it depends on how long and how much and other things like what your AHI is.  If you don't have events it is not bad, if it is barely over then spikes a high of 43.2 it is not bad.  That said we always try to keep the leaks always below the large leak threshold.
Thanks for the reply bonjour,

I have attached one of my most recent charts (it's different than the one in my original post).  I forgot to mention that I have been having a difficult time adjusting the Resmed nasal pillow mask P-10 straps to the correct tension.  I have noticed that if I'm lying on my back the hose pulls the pillows down enabling air to escape.  When I tighten the straps it usually results in nose soreness.

Thanks again,

Sleepwreck


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#4
RE: Leak Rate Question (OSCAR)
The P10 requires support for the hose as that weight can pull the P10 and cause a leak. This can be as simple as a lanyard looped around your CPAP hose and safety pinned to your pillow.
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#5
RE: Leak Rate Question (OSCAR)
If you want to get fancier about hose management, I can recommend two hose stands (aka hose lifts). Both are easy to find on line, e.g., on Amazon.

At home I use the Hose Buddy. It's a very sturdy unit with a base that slips under the head of the mattress. During the day I partially disassemble it so that the bedroom looks less hospital-like.

When I'm traveling (remember that -- travel?) I use a collapsible lift from Arden Innovations. It folds down to about 2.5 x 7.5 inches and is very lightweight. It is a bit springy, and I usually set it up on the side of the bed, at the level of my pillow. While I prefer the Hose Buddy for home, I have to say the Arden works very well too.
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#6
RE: Leak Rate Question (OSCAR)
Thanks for the replies.  I'll definitely check out the Hose Buddy for sure.
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#7
RE: Leak Rate Question (OSCAR)
[quote pid='341807' dateline='1585100774']

I have attached one of my most recent charts (it's different than the one in my original post).  I forgot to mention that I have been having a difficult time adjusting the Resmed nasal pillow mask P-10 straps to the correct tension.  I have noticed that if I'm lying on my back the hose pulls the pillows down enabling air to escape.  When I tighten the straps it usually results in nose soreness.

Thanks again,

Sleepwreck
[/quote]

Hi Sleepwreck

I had the same experience with the Resmed N30, the climate line hose is heavy, and will pull the pillow away from the nose, blowing air to the eyes and creating an audible leak.

One thing that helped me was simply securing the short hose from the N30 mask to the front of my Neck collar with some velcro. That way any tension from the main hose is transferred to the collar and not the hose from the mask.

Don't know if you currently use a neck collar, but this could be yet another reason to try one.
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#8
RE: Leak Rate Question (OSCAR)
Thanks SevereApnea. Can you describe how your neck collar works? Maybe a picture?
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#9
RE: Leak Rate Question (OSCAR)
The P30 I mask has the tube connect on top of the head and I like it very much. I have read some hear air in the tubes that run down both sides of the head but I don’t notice it. It is a nasal pillow like the mask you have.
Apnea (80-100%) 10 seconds, Hypopnea (50-80%) 10 seconds, Flow Limits (0-50%) not timed  Cervical Collar - Dealing w DME - Chart Organizing
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#10
RE: Leak Rate Question (OSCAR)
Thanks I'll check it out!
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