Rice95 Therapy

[Rice95]

Good Morning! 




I've been having leaks the past few days. Tightening the gear causes sharp pain under my nose. The mask has gotten flimsy and tightening just causes  pain and leaks anyway. This is the first time I've ever had any mask issues since I've started therapy. It all started when I got new straps, and then attaching them to an older mask. I go through masks once a month, but I can get them on Amazon for 12 bucks so its worth it. I think I must have oily skin and the latex degrades over the course of a month and it just doesn't stay completely sealed as the end of the month approaches. It's time for new headgear too it looks like. It's been 6 months and it isn't as rigid as it used to be I've noticed. 


Therapy going great. No more positional issues!

Blessings everyone


Chart attached

[OpalRose]

I have to replace my nasal pillows monthly, as they start to lose their ability to seal well.

The spikes on the leak rate chart are from mask movement. Your leak rate overall is low, but even small annoying mask leaks will disturb your sleep.

Just watch for sales from some of the online vendors and stock up on mask parts when you can. I find Amazon a good source.

[Rice95]

Thank you Opal as always!

[Rice95]

Good Morning


Would someone kindly check my Leak Rate? I need to know what is acceptable so I can self diagnose for next time. 

Thank you !

[Rice95]

This morning was better. It must have been a fluke. 


Have a great Tuesday everyone! 

[DaveL]

It's no fluke. It's because of the skill you've found in improving your treatment and sleep quality. Hat is off to you!

[DaveL]

Good Morning


Would someone kindly check my Leak Rate? I need to know what is acceptable so I can self diagnose for next time. 

Thank you !

Looks good to me.

My story (it doesn't matter, but maybe it will show you what I think)

I watch my leak trends. As they increase I realize I don't wash my mask often enough. So I wash it and things improve. If they don't I finally replace the insert in the mask or buy a new mask.  I find masks don't last as long as I think they should...

Prevention? I resolve--wash my mask for frequently.  It'll be healthier for me.

Sometimes the offender is the headgear has stretched. BG has suggested washing it  in hot water.

Sometimes the offender is the darn Knightsbridge Dual Band.  (My first try--it was perfect. Now I can't repeat that. Now it's falling down over my eyes by the time I wake up. Don't know why? Maybe I do it up too tight.) Question to Larry--what do you think?

When that happens I go back to my home-made pad under my chin. It's working well for me right now.  AND I can see when I wake up.

[SarcasticDave94]

I myself accept a Max leak rate of about 10-12 on ResMed. It need not be zero but the lower it is the better. 24 is ResMed's leak redline.

[OpalRose]

As Dave stated, 24 is ResMed's leak redline. What that means is if you see a leak rate reaching that mark or going above 24, the machine may not be able to detect apnea with any accuracy.

A lower leak can also be distributive to your sleep and is usually related to mask movement as I see on your leak graph. (See the spikes) But a lower leak rate under 24 isn't going to hamper the machines ability to detect apnea.

I seldom look at the max leak number as it could just be a one time mask movement.

[Rice95]

Thanks to both Daves and Opal! Its been a while since I've corresponded with you all. 


BTW, Good Sunday Morning to you and everyone here! 



This thread length is not ideal for consistent interaction  


I thought I would post my chart this morning. Max leak at 14 which is higher than normal. I find myself pulling it off my face briefly to reset it and that's where I'm getting the spikes. Overall it is not too bad, but I did notice my apneas lining up with mask fluctuation. When the F30i gets cheaper I'll give that one a try. It's very similar to the DreamWear mask I'm wearing now, but may fit my face better. I can get the DreamWear FFM for 12 bucks brand new in factory packaging on Amazon...can't beat that. I replaced my headgear too which may have monkey'd up my seal, but it was WAY past due for replacement. 

I hope everyone is doing great! I'm enjoying partial retirement and good health.

Blessings 

PS Opal you solved my positional apnea!!!!  THANK YOU