Problems with leaks and mask comfort

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
corwin1968
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Sep 24, 2015 6:37 am

Problems with leaks and mask comfort

Post by corwin1968 » Mon Oct 05, 2015 8:57 am

I'm using an Aircurve 10 VAuto with settings of 24/20 and a Simplus full face mask.

The first week or so went well but now I'm struggling with leaks. In order to stop leaks, I have to have the mask so tight that it hurts and the horizontal straps keep riding up under my earlobes. I usually get leaks anyway, they just take longer to develop and wake me out of a deeper sleep.

I have my first appt. with my sleep therapy support clinic this Friday and I would like to walk in with some ideas for addressing this issue. It may simply be mask adjustment because I'm constantly having to tighten the straps to prevent leaks. And at 24, leaks actually result in a loud whistle and/or the seal flapping and making a helicopter sound. It's not just a simple hissing of air being released. THAT I might be able to tolerate, at least once I'm asleep.

popcpoo
Posts: 38
Joined: Wed Jun 24, 2015 5:02 pm
Location: Central OK

Re: Problems with leaks and mask comfort

Post by popcpoo » Mon Oct 05, 2015 11:29 am

As strange as it may sound, try loosening the straps. I also use the simplus mask. If you use the mask fit function, wait until it comes up to full pressure, then tighten the straps until the leaks stop. The seal will inflate once the machine comes up to pressure. I used to pull my straps tight until I had no leaks, and straps left marks on my face every morning. When I get up now, I don't have the lines on my face.

library lady
Posts: 1116
Joined: Wed Feb 05, 2014 11:10 am
Location: Rochester, MN

Re: Problems with leaks and mask comfort

Post by library lady » Mon Oct 05, 2015 8:16 pm

It takes a lot of trial and error to get mask leaks and comfort under control. If the straps are too tight or too loose, excessive leaking occurs. The straps should be snug enough to hold tight without hurting you... use mask fit option, and read the instructions in your manual. Some YouTube videos have good instructions, and are helpful because you can see the fitting process. Another factor in getting a good seal is facial oils, which can prevent a good seal. Wash your face really well before masking up, and avoid using moisturizers, etc. Some people use lanolin to protect from mask irritation, which is maybe the only thing you want to put on your face at night. I was unable to get leaks well controlled until I learned about mask liners, which if nothing else tame the leaks and keep the noise down... I won't put the mask on without a liner. That is another thing you could try. Two good sources are Pad-A-Cheek liners at http://www.padacheek.com and RemZzz liners available from many DMEs and several online sources, including https://www.cpap.com , the sponsor of this forum. I think I've seen them on Amazon as well.

_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine
Mask: AirFit™ F10 Full Face Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments:  Sleepyhead
Now using AirFit F10 mask; Quattro Air is backup mask. RemZzzz mask liners with both.

corwin1968
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Sep 24, 2015 6:37 am

Re: Problems with leaks and mask comfort

Post by corwin1968 » Mon Oct 05, 2015 9:37 pm

library lady wrote:It takes a lot of trial and error to get mask leaks and comfort under control. If the straps are too tight or too loose, excessive leaking occurs. The straps should be snug enough to hold tight without hurting you... use mask fit option, and read the instructions in your manual. Some YouTube videos have good instructions, and are helpful because you can see the fitting process. Another factor in getting a good seal is facial oils, which can prevent a good seal. Wash your face really well before masking up, and avoid using moisturizers, etc. Some people use lanolin to protect from mask irritation, which is maybe the only thing you want to put on your face at night. I was unable to get leaks well controlled until I learned about mask liners, which if nothing else tame the leaks and keep the noise down... I won't put the mask on without a liner. That is another thing you could try. Two good sources are Pad-A-Cheek liners at http://www.padacheek.com and RemZzz liners available from many DMEs and several online sources, including https://www.cpap.com , the sponsor of this forum. I think I've seen them on Amazon as well.
Thanks for the links! I've never heard of mask liners so that's something to keep in mind.

I did a little experiment and I now think it's simply the high (24) pressure that is causing the problem. I put on my mask as described in the manufacturer's video (ie, snug but not tight), turn on the ramp up feature and then watched the pressure and my leakage. I started getting leakage at around 17. When the pressure was in the high single-digits and low double-digits, the mask could be very lightly snugged up and there was no leakage.

Is turning down the pressure something doctor's consider in a case like this? My event numbers have been excellent:

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