leaks !

[lindaferrier]

Hi all, i'm new to all this, and not sure if im doing it right.

when the mask leaks, is it enough to adjust straps, or do i stop and start machine every time to get proper seal. Mask is fine at first, but when pressure goes up, it always leaks, then i spend all night adjusting it. with result, i'm more exhausted now, than before diagnosis.

my events per hour are 73.8 with 46.3 desaturations. resmed series 9, starts at 4, which is fine, i can drop off to sleep no bother, but then about 20 mins later, the force is that great it wakens me up. Also is it normal to feel like theres a ton weight on my chest for first couple of hours when i waken.

sorry for all the questions, but its 2 weeks before i go back to clinic.

[ElleCee]

Hi Linda,
sorry to hear you are having these problems.
If your machine starts at 4 what does it go up to?

A suggestion of how to deal with the leaks is...
before going to bed, try your mask on and let the pressure build up to the maximum and then adjust it. When you do go to bed try putting it on as you have taken it off and hopefully it will be fine once you are asleep.
You will get there, we have all had various problems.
Are you using a nasal or full face mask?

Regards
Lorraine

[Tigers Fan]

It sounds to me as if you have an APAP set wide open. Starts at 4, you fall asleep, have an apnoea because the pressure is so low, machine winds up the pressure to deal with the apnoea and goes all the way to the maximum possible, 20.

'Wide open' settings are fine for folk needing only lower pressures but your untreated AHI suggests you need higher pressures as 'normal' setting. For this you need the machine to be limited with Pmin (lower pressure) set close to your 90% pressure P90 and your Pmax a couple of cm above P90. That means back to the clinic asap and if they won't/can't alter your settings, you have to learn for yourself - as so many of us have.

Mask leaks - get the settings sorted first.

OR

You have the 'ramp' feature enabled. Startsd at 4 and ovewr a 20 minute period gradually increases to whatever your Pmin is set to. In this case, it's a matter of becoming accustomed and it can be a tough process!

Mask leaks in this case, as Ellecee says.

[proterra]

Re your leaks, You can have your mask too tight. It want to be just tight enough to get a seal without crushing your head. I find that if I block th e mask ( full face) outlet with my finger I can check if Ive got a good seal by blowing out gently and see if it leaks. also degrease your mask with baby wipes (non scented or antiseptic, ) every day & your face before using.