Hello!

[Peaceful sleeper]

Just wanted to say Hi. I am a new user of CPAP and have visited here several times over the last couple of months. Finally received my machine about 10 days ago and have had some good nights, some so-so nights, and a few tough nights. My biggest issue is leaks. A few days back I was having problems with leaks and tightened the headgear straps a bit and had good sleep and less leaks for a couple of nights. I thought I had the problem fixed for good, but the last couple of nights the leaks are waking me up. Last night it seemed like I fiddled with the thing all night. Sleepyhead registers my large leak rate usually around 5.3-6.8 or so for a 7-8 hour period. AHI has been from 1 to 4.81. I don't think that these are terrible numbers actually, I just want to have a restful sleep with some consistency, though. Not there yet. Is it too soon for that?

[palerider]

. I thought I had the problem fixed for good, but the last couple of nights the leaks are waking me up. Last night it seemed like I fiddled with the thing all night.

check out padacheek.com for mask liners that may help you hugely. the owner, Karen, is a member here, and she's a really nice person, really interested in helping people.

I've never heard anybody say anything bad about her, or her company, and that says a lot

[Peaceful sleeper]

Thank you for the idea. I'll check that out!

[OkyDoky]

I also recommend http://www.padacheek.com/index.html When I was using a nasal mask it kept the air from blowing in my eyes. They also stopped leaks on my husband's F10. I also use her strap covers to decrease the left over morning strap marks.

[Sheriff Buford]

Hello back atcha'. Welcome to the forum. On new masks, the headgear may stretch a bit until it "settles-out". Also, you may go thru several masks until you find one that is comfortable and doesn't leak. I went thru 6 or 7. Also, keep in mind that your face may relax at night (your facial muscles will relax). Good luck and work all your issues here.


Sheriff

[ChicagoGranny]

Welcome!

My biggest issue is leaks.

To reduce unintentional mask leak -

- Make sure the mask is fitted properly. (See mask manufacturer's video.)
- Make sure the headgear is adjusted properly (See mask manufacturer's video.)
- Make sure to use good hose management - the hose should not pull on the mask.
- If you still have problems, learn from the forum what mask liners are available.
- If your mask still has excessive leak, try other masks. Many people report trying several masks before they find one that works well for them.

Good luck,

[RogerSC]

Yes, I was going to suggest trying other masks after you've tried everything to get your current mask to work *smile*. Different masks fit different people well. You hear of people changing FFM's and having much better experiences. To help with that, cpap.com has return insurance available, so that if you do run out of things to try with you current mask, you can try others at the cost of the return insurance. Until you find one that works for you. I have the same problem, leaks wake me up, so I keep trying new masks as they come out in search of the perfect one for me.The Swift FX has worked best for me so far, and others have not worked well at all. I got lucky, in that the Swift FX was the second mask that I tried. The Swift LT was the first, but wasn't really comfortable for me. Since then, I've tried several more, and haven't found anything better than the Swift FX.

You can also go to youtube and see the videos there about fitting the particular mask that you're using. I've found that quite helpful, as well. You can find things out that would take you some time to figure out yourself, and that leads to a lower frustration level and better sleep *smile*.

[chunkyfrog]

You can also read the blog about "taming the Mirage Quattro".
The instructions can be applied to most full face masks.
https://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/tamin ... e-quattro/

[Peaceful sleeper]

Thank you everyone for the information above. I have tried your suggestions and read the links. My last few nights have been much better! Leaks are way down. I tightened the headgear that night while lying in bed. It felt great for about a half an hour then I started getting a headache and loosened it a bit. Finally I think I've found the right amount of tension without tightness.

Two other things have helped IMHO. I am remembering to wash off my moisturizer before bed. Big difference in adherence! The other thing is that I think I have generally got used to which positions work best for me. Side sleeping is the best. Been able, for the most part, to get my pillow punched into a manageable pile so it doesn't bother the mask as much.

I did purchase mask liners to try out and will use one tonight to see if it makes much of an improvement. Overall, my first two weeks have been a learning experience, but most importantly they have been successful! I am sleeping 5-6 hours a night and even beginning to dream again. Also much more awake in the day which helps with my job and everything else!
Thanks so much for all of your help and suggestions in all of these threads!