Very large leak rates

[boomba212]

Hello,

I've been a CPAP user since 2015 but never looked at my data myself until the last few days. I have a Philips System One and usually use a Fisher & Paykel Simplus full face mask. Looking at my data in both the Philips software and Oscar, I see that I have been having crazy large leaks all the way from 2016 and never knew until now (this graph is from Oct. 2015 - July 2019):
   

Here is the leak rate graph from one night a few nights ago:
   

Skimming through the data, I'd say I have an average of about 85% time in Large Leak.

So, I don't really know what to do. I know I am a huge mouth-breather. My first theory was that maybe I am opening my mouth outside the mask. Last night, I readjusted my mask to be lower on my face. This helped a little-- the Large Leak time dropped from 90% the night before to 64%. Tonight I will try to adjust the mask some more. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks so much.

[Melman]

See the mask primer (link below) for suggestions. I used to have a problem of my mouth opening to the point that I broke the bottom seal of the mask. A chin strap prevented that but I found it uncomfortable. I now use a soft cervical collar which prevents my jaw from dropping and also prevents my chin from tucking to my chest causing airway restriction. An anti-snore wedge would do the same.

[boomba212]

See the mask primer (link below) for suggestions. I used to have a problem of my mouth opening to the point that I broke the bottom seal of the mask. A chin strap prevented that but I found it uncomfortable. I now use a soft cervical collar which prevents my jaw from dropping and also prevents my chin from tucking to my chest causing airway restriction. An anti-snore wedge would do the same.

Thanks, I might check out the collar. Yeah I don't like chin straps either.

[snorybob]

boomba 212:  

1st & the best idea is Melman's mask primer. 2nd is a DIY gizmo. I had the same problem with my f20 ffm. 

Use 2 clips from an Amara View mask, (take out the plastic nudges inside the hooks), insert a velcro (5 to 7 '') then sew or glue 2 pieces (3/4'') sticking velcro pieces.

Put on the mask, attach gadget with the hooks inside /out on bottom straps & adjust velcro snuggly but not too tight. 

It's like a mini chinstrap (more comfortable),won't keep you from mouth breathing but when your chin drops, the mask follows (won't slide up)thus your lips stay inside the mask. It's simple, easy to do & works for me, cost +- $10.00 (clips) & the time to DIY. (15/30 min.)

To maybe avoid skin irritation, wrap the velcro in a kleenex held with medical tape (fast & cheap change when oily or dirty).

With the mask primer(good adjustments) & this device, I've dropped my leaks from 30/35 to 3/10 L/min.

Hope that this alternative can help you!   


                          sb.

[boomba212]

boomba 212:  

1st & the best idea is Melman's mask primer. 2nd is a DIY gizmo. I had the same problem with my f20 ffm. 

Use 2 clips from an Amara View mask, (take out the plastic nudges inside the hooks), insert a velcro (5 to 7 '') then sew or glue 2 pieces (3/4'') sticking velcro pieces.

Put on the mask, attach gadget with the hooks inside /out on bottom straps & adjust velcro snuggly but not too tight. 

It's like a mini chinstrap (more comfortable),won't keep you from mouth breathing but when your chin drops, the mask follows (won't slide up)thus your lips stay inside the mask. It's simple, easy to do & works for me, cost +- $10.00 (clips) & the time to DIY. (15/30 min.)

To maybe avoid skin irritation, wrap the velcro in a kleenex held with medical tape (fast & cheap change when oily or dirty).

With the mask primer(good adjustments) & this device, I've dropped my leaks from 30/35 to 3/10 L/min.

Hope that this alternative can help you!   


                          sb.

wow, thanks so much for the detailed instructions and idea! i will try it out if nothing easier works first. :-)

[boomba212]

See the mask primer (link below) for suggestions. I used to have a problem of my mouth opening to the point that I broke the bottom seal of the mask. A chin strap prevented that but I found it uncomfortable. I now use a soft cervical collar which prevents my jaw from dropping and also prevents my chin from tucking to my chest causing airway restriction. An anti-snore wedge would do the same.

Thanks-- do you happen to know if this is a good and comfy cervical collar (or do you have another one that you would recommend?):
(I'm not allowed to post links yet but it's the FUTURO Soft Cervical Collar, Adjustable, White on the CVS web site.)

[Melman]

The FUTURO is probably fine. I have the OTC cervical collar which costs only $10 at Amazon. I like it but it's the only one I've tried. I don't think which one you get matters much as long as it's the right size to fit loosely around your neck and is not too tall or short

[boomba212]

The FUTURO is probably fine. I have the OTC cervical collar which costs only $10 at Amazon. I like it but it's the only one I've tried. I don't think which one you get matters much as long as it's the right size to fit loosely around your neck and is not too tall or short

Thanks. So you are able to sleep without it bothering you? Does it make your neck hot or itchy or anything?

[Melman]

It doesn't bother me but some find soft cervical collars uncomfortable. There are anti-snoring wedges that support the chin but just have a strap that goes around the neck. Some find them more comfortable. I believe one is called Dr. Dakota. Unfortunately you won't know until you try.

[boomba212]

It doesn't bother me but some find soft cervical collars uncomfortable. There are anti-snoring wedges that support the chin but just have a strap that goes around the neck. Some find them more comfortable. I believe one is called Dr. Dakota. Unfortunately you won't know until you try.

Cool, thanks for all the help!