Leakage? with a mask

[parrst]

Okay, I have had my A10 for about a month, and most of that time I am using a dreamwear which is hands down the best set up I have used/seen by FAR! I want to get a mask or mouth device because I have sinus issues some times and even though I have been told the CPAP will power through it, I still want a backup. I have a beard. I have tried two masks so far. The resmed A10 (sucked). It leaked a lot no matter how I adjusted it. And last night a mirage quatro. The quatro seemed to fit well and not have leak issues but both masks at best showed an average leakage of about 10 L/min. These masks both seem to have a lot more air coming out the (for lack of a better term) exhaust ports than the dream wear. But I did set the A10 for mask. I figured that should adjust the numbers for the type of mask. For the most part I am still well below the resmed limit for large leaks, but with the dream wear, I am mostly at ZERO.

Is this normal?

[justMongo]

These masks both seem to have a lot more air coming out the (for lack of a better term) exhaust ports than the dream wear.

The vent rate for a full face mask is greater than for a nasal or pillows mask.

[parrst]

The vent rate for a full face mask is greater than for a nasal or pillows mask.

Should the machine not adjust for this? Is this not why there is a setting for type of mask?

[justMongo]

The vent rate for a full face mask is greater than for a nasal or pillows mask.

Should the machine not adjust for this? Is this not why there is a setting for type of mask?

Exactly so. And ResMed machines report only unintended leak. So, when you register 10 LPM with the Quattro mask, that is the leak rate (typically around the seal.)

Resmed machines can provide therapy with up to 24 LPM leak rate. The issue I have with leaks is that they bother me -- usually by waking me.

Since you have a beard, it may be more challenging; but it can be done. Others with facial hair make it work.

A mask liner might help.

[parrst]

Should the machine not adjust for this? Is this not why there is a setting for type of mask?

Exactly so. And ResMed machines report only unintended leak. So, when you register 10 LPM with the Quattro mask, that is the leak rate (typically around the seal.)

Resmed machines can provide therapy with up to 24 LPM leak rate. The issue I have with leaks is that they bother me -- usually by waking me.

[/quote]

Is an average leak rate of 10 normal with a mask and a beard? I did not notice leaks.

[PaytonA]

Should the machine not adjust for this? Is this not why there is a setting for type of mask?

Exactly so. And ResMed machines report only unintended leak. So, when you register 10 LPM with the Quattro mask, that is the leak rate (typically around the seal.)

Resmed machines can provide therapy with up to 24 LPM leak rate. The issue I have with leaks is that they bother me -- usually by waking me.

Is an average leak rate of 10 normal with a mask and a beard? I did not notice leaks.

At 10 l/min. the Resmed machine can still provide the correct therapy pressure and is still capable of sensing and discriminating apnea events. The moral of this story is that your leakage rate is fine. If you want to work on lowering it more that is fine but not necessary.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

[palerider]

These masks both seem to have a lot more air coming out the (for lack of a better term) exhaust ports than the dream wear.

The vent rate for a full face mask is greater than for a nasal or pillows mask.

that varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

[FrankNichols]

If there are no unintentional leaks with a P10 what should Sleepyhead report as the leak rate?

[eseedhouse]

If there are no unintentional leaks with a P10 what should Sleepyhead report as the leak rate?

I don't know what it should do but my experience is that it will show all leaks but the scale on the graph changes so if your actual leak rate is low it will appear much bigger than you might expect.

[FrankNichols]

Well, I keep reading that ResMed machines only show unintentional leaks, because they compensate (subtract out) any intentional leaks, like the vents. But, I have both an F10 and a P10 and neither ever shows zero, and I can be certain (via testing) that there are times when there is zero unintentional leaks and sleepyhead shows between 7 and 10 cm depending... (on something)