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+--- Thread: Leak Rate -- what does it mean? (/Thread-Leak-Rate-what-does-it-mean)
RE: Leak Rate -- what does it mean? - Sleepster - 11-20-2020
(11-19-2020, 11:44 AM)Parisien Wrote: Which leads me on to asking where is this air coming from -- is the machine delivering too much? And if so, what is the best way to deal with it?
The CPAP machine tries to keep the pressure constant. This means, for example, that when air is leaking out of your mouth the CPAP machine will increase the flow rate in an attempt to keep the pressure constant.
The best solution is a full face mask. You can contact your equipment provider and ask about switching masks. It's very common to have to try several masks before finding one that fits well, so they have policies that allow for mask replacements.
The other techniques mentioned in this thread, taping, tongue sucking, chin straps (available from equipment providers), and soft cervical collars can be used with a nasal mask to stop the leaking, but they are not always successful. Also, mouth-leaking tends to subside for many people as they adapt to CPAP therapy.
RE: Leak Rate -- what does it mean? - Parisien - 11-20-2020
Many thanks for that. I'm first going to try to master the tongue sucking approach, simply because it's the least intrusive. Your comment that mouth leaking tends to subside is encouraging.
In the short term, I'm still not clear about whether I should adjust the settings. Earlier in this thread, OpalRose and staceyburke kindly offered some suggestions, which I think were both for my comfort as well as for improved therapy. Unfortunately, the change seems to have provoked an increase in the leak rate from the 30's to the 40's (based on the limited evidence of three nights). From the comfort viewpoint, I luckily have always slept pretty well, both before and after the CPAP.
I would appreciate any advice on settings. Or maybe the increase in leakage is coincidence?
RE: Leak Rate -- what does it mean? - Sleeprider - 11-20-2020
Add in the EPR, full-time at 2. It will reduce your flow limitations, pressure fluctuations and leaks.
RE: Leak Rate -- what does it mean? - OpalRose - 11-20-2020
(11-20-2020, 12:29 PM)Parisien Wrote: Many thanks for that. I'm first going to try to master the tongue sucking approach, simply because it's the least intrusive. Your comment that mouth leaking tends to subside is encouraging.
In the short term, I'm still not clear about whether I should adjust the settings. Earlier in this thread, OpalRose and staceyburke kindly offered some suggestions, which I think were both for my comfort as well as for improved therapy. Unfortunately, the change seems to have provoked an increase in the leak rate from the 30's to the 40's (based on the limited evidence of three nights). From the comfort viewpoint, I luckily have always slept pretty well, both before and after the CPAP.
I would appreciate any advice on settings. Or maybe the increase in leakage is coincidence?
My suggestion included adding EPR of 2. I didn't see that change in the stats. you posted.
RE: Leak Rate -- what does it mean? - Parisien - 11-21-2020
Sorry -- my mistake. I had set EPR to on, at level 2. What I missed was that it was set on Ramp Only, not Full Time. Hopefully this is now corrected. I'll wait a couple of days, and post new results.
RE: Leak Rate -- what does it mean? - OpalRose - 11-21-2020
No problem, hope it makes a difference for you. Post a new chart after a day or two.
RE: Leak Rate -- what does it mean? - ClearStonePrez - 12-07-2020
Is it reasonable to correlate leak rate spikes and falls with the number of times I wake up and have to drink water? I am waking 2-3 times per hour and the spike and falls in leak rate roughly verify that.
RE: Leak Rate -- what does it mean? - nickgritz - 12-07-2020
it looks like your MIN. pressure is set to 15? . You had it set to 8 last chart. is this supposed to be that high?
RE: Leak Rate -- what does it mean? - staceyburke - 12-07-2020
I know this was suggested before but a full face mask may help a lot. I have used pillows for 10 years (different brands) but I continued to have leaks. I had tried 3 different full face masks and could not sleep with any of them. Last week I got a Resmed F30 and gave it a try (I had to do something after taping, 2 sided mouth piece, soft collar). It has been working well, almost no leaks and my dry mouth is much better. I don't know if this will work for you but I would give it a try. as you know your leaks are bad and they are stopping you from getting the therapy you need.
EDIT I put my Leak rate charts. The top ones are from the F30 the bottom one is with pillows.
RE: Leak Rate -- what does it mean? - nickgritz - 12-07-2020
(12-07-2020, 11:30 AM)staceyburke Wrote: I know this was suggested before but a full face mask may help a lot. I have used pillows for 10 years (different brands) but I continued to have leaks. I had tried 3 different full face masks and could not sleep with any of them. Last week I got a Resmed F30 and gave it a try (I had to do something after taping, 2 sided mouth piece, soft collar). It has been working well, almost no leaks and my dry mouth is much better. I don't know if this will work for you but I would give it a try. as you know your leaks are bad and they are stopping you from getting the therapy you need.
EDIT I put my Leak rate charts. The top ones are from the F30 the bottom one is with pillows.
is this with the hose attached to front of mask? i have been looking to try something other than my f20 full face mask. Right now i am trying out f30i that attaches from top . took some getting used to seeing it is that it doesnt cover the top of nose like the f20 did but i think i finally figuring it out. i have the hose coming down from top of headboard instead of from the side like before. Works better for sure.
is this the first facemask (F30)you have tried?