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+--- Thread: New to FFM, question about leaks and OAs (/Thread-New-to-FFM-question-about-leaks-and-OAs)
New to FFM, question about leaks and OAs - manders513 - 12-03-2023
Hi folks,
I'd been using the Dreamwear nasal pillows mask since I started treatment about 9 months ago. However, I had to use a chin strap and multiple strips of tape to keep my mouth closed. While I find the Dreamwear/pillows to be very comfortable, I was getting sick of needing all the accessories. I tried the Dreamwear FFM, but cannot get it to seal at all. So, I bought a F&P Vitera mask and after a few nights of discomfort, I'm doing OK with it now and glad to not be peeling tape off my face every morning. Still waking up very groggy, though.
My question...what is happening in these screenshots? I assume these are leaks, because I see no exhale.
[attachment=56713]
[attachment=56714]
[attachment=56715]
With the nasal pillows (and strap/tapes), I had nearly 0 reported leaks, but my mouth was still opening a bit despite the tapes/strap. Now with the FFM, I see more reported leaks, which I believe is normal, but instances like those screenshots confuse me. My assumption is that the mask is coming off a bit, so the machine doesn't record my exhale? The reason I'm concerned is that this often happens during REM and cuts my REM sleep short as I often arouse slightly/fully as a result.
Thoughts? Solutions?
Oh, one more thing...I have UARS, not OSA. I almost never see OAs on my Oscar report (and never had any in my sleep studies), but I started getting big ones after the switch to FFM. Like, 36 seconds each. Not a ton of them, usually no more than 1-3 per night. After seeing those, I increased my EPAP from 6-7, decreased my PS from 5-4, and increased my IPAP max from 13-16, and that cut out most of the OAs. Just curious the thought process on why the FFM would be triggering OAs.
TY!
RE: New to FFM, question about leaks and OAs - PeaceLoveAndPizza - 12-03-2023
Please post an entire evening with the entire left hand column if you can. That will give a big picture view.
The first zoomed chart shows a typical arousal. Your assessment of it happening during sleep stage changes is likely correct. Either that or a position change or other physical cause. The other two are just normal sleep breathing with a slight hold in the second image and a shorter one in the third. There is a slight leak associated with each. Nothing to worry about there.
The Vitera is working well for you. Well done finding one that does!