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+--- Thread: Very large leak rates (/Thread-Very-large-leak-rates)
Very large leak rates - boomba212 - 08-05-2019
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):
[attachment=14165]
Here is the leak rate graph from one night a few nights ago:
[attachment=14166]
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.
RE: Very large leak rates - Melman - 08-05-2019
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.
RE: Very large leak rates - boomba212 - 08-06-2019
(08-05-2019, 04:37 PM)Melman Wrote: 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.
RE: Very large leak rates - snorybob - 08-06-2019
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.
RE: Very large leak rates - boomba212 - 08-06-2019
(08-06-2019, 12:12 PM)snorybob Wrote: 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. :-)
RE: Very large leak rates - boomba212 - 08-08-2019
(08-05-2019, 04:37 PM)Melman Wrote: 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.)
RE: Very large leak rates - Melman - 08-08-2019
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
RE: Very large leak rates - boomba212 - 08-08-2019
(08-08-2019, 10:55 AM)Melman Wrote: 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?
RE: Very large leak rates - Melman - 08-08-2019
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.
RE: Very large leak rates - boomba212 - 08-08-2019
(08-08-2019, 11:21 AM)Melman Wrote: 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!