“Mask leaks”
My husband is using a CPAP machine. He has adjusted well and the machine shows one or two stops (apneas) most nights. However the machine often shows mask leaks. Does this matter and mean his treatment is not effective? He is not overweight and exercises 3 X per week.
Male | 67 years old
Complaint duration: 2 years
Medications: Statins
Conditions: Sleep apnea
6 Answers
SleepMedicineSpecialistSleepApnea
Great question. The simple answer is, it depends. I would need to see his individual data. I'd love to help further. I have a clinic in Wesley Chapel, FL. Please reach out to my clinic for an appointment. 813-929-5226
Occasional leak is fine. If it is continues, that would be a problem and your provider should adjust the mask.
Every mask has an expiration valve and an acceptable air leak based on the mask and the manufacturer. The goal of treatment is to have a comfortable fit and a residual apnea hypercapnia index under five events per hour which is considered normal. You can do your download on your smart device as well as your doctor download it from provider cloud.
The download and the compliance report looks different one the doctor does it on the yearly can be better interpreted by a sleep specialist.
The download and the compliance report looks different one the doctor does it on the yearly can be better interpreted by a sleep specialist.
Every mask has a built in acceptable leak so when the person is exhaling, the air can escape and is called acceptable leak. Talk to your sleep physician to make sure the mask leak is within acceptable range. If not, you can discuss other mask options.
Good quality and quantity of sleep would provide a great daytime functioning. A minimal residual AHI is not a troublemaker. A mild leak is okay, as long as it is not causing arousals and the spouse is not complaining of snoring or a hissing noise.
Less than 5 apneas an hour is considered normal, but having a mask leak does make its use less effective. Proper mask adjustment is imperative to reach full benefit. It is likely the apenas could come to zero if the leak is eliminated. Please consult with a sleep specialist to assess your machine, and replace it if it is found to be faulty.
Ghada Aly
Chief Operating Officer
Ghada Aly
Chief Operating Officer
