Major mask leak

[SamStamport]

SleepyHead often reports significant periods of major mask leak. Please see image.    

Should I be concerned about this?

[OpalRose]

The Phillips Respironics machines report "Total Leak Rate".
This includes both the intentional leak rate and excessive leaks.

The intentional leak rate is built into your mask venting (so you are not rebreathing CO2)
The excessive leak can be from an ill fitting mask or simply mouth breathing.

Here is a link to the beginners guide to SH.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...SleepyHead

Scroll down to the "Leak" section under contents which explains it in depth.

As far as your data, there doesn't appear to be any large leaks reported.

[Sleeprider]

You are using a nasal mask...any interest in using nasal pillows which are easier to seal?

Looking at the posted chart, the leaks seem to be on the high side of a tolerable range. Do you perceive mask leaks or pressure escaping through your mouth?

[SamStamport]

Thanks OpalRose. The link was very helpful.

Sleeprider: I think I might give nasal pillows a try.

Last night was unusual. It's the longest I've used the machine in a long time. A stressful event occurred yesterday that I was probably processing in my dreams. (I had weird dreams last night.) I woke up thinking I was breathing through my mouth. As I said this was an unusual night.

I tried the full face mask. The nasal mask has fewer leaks for me.

[Sleeprider]

Nasal pillows are the lightest interface and easiest to seal. I think you may like them. I don't see anything in the data posted that requires immediate attention, and would not want to make recommendations on an atypical night anyway. With regard to leaks, you can see the periods of highest leak correspond to decreases in the flow rate amplitude. This may be the effect of leaks or events, but we'd have to zoom in a little closer to narrow that down.

[SamStamport]

Thanks. I'll try the pillow.