full face masks air leaks

greenleaks · Post by **greenleaks** » Mon Aug 01, 2016 5:37 pm

I am a new user, but this problem is happening every night. When i first put on my full face mask, i adjust it and all is good for the first half of the night. But about halfway thru my nights sleep, I get woken up by air leaks. I have the gel cushion around nose and mouth. This is what starts leaking. Of course I readjust and readjust, but nothing I do will stop the leaking air. And it is a lot of air and noisy. I have taken off my masks several (ok, most times) when this happens because i cannot go back to sleep with this happening. Does anyone know what is going on? I feel that maybe the gel is getting warm and not making a secure of seal as when it is cooler. That is just a guess, due to the leaks start after i have had it on for 4-5 hours. Please help.

ChicagoGranny · Post by **ChicagoGranny** » Mon Aug 01, 2016 6:00 pm

We don't know what mask (or machine) you are using. Please fill out your equipment profile - https://www.cpaptalk.com/ucp.php?i=prof ... pment_info

ChicagoGranny · Post by **ChicagoGranny** » Mon Aug 01, 2016 6:02 pm

Here is some general advice:

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.)

- If you use a low ramp pressure or a low minimum pressure, you should fit and adjust your mask at the higher pressures it is operating at for most of the night. You would temporarily change the machine pressure settings while you do the fitting and adjusting. It's best to do this well before bedtime before you are tired and ready for sleep. Don't forget to change your settings back to the ones you prefer.

- Make sure to use good hose management - the hose should not pull on the mask. Notice how your hose is positioned between machine and mask. It should be positioned to minimize any pull on the mask. Hose management is an individual practice. How it is done depends on the mask, the position of the machine, your sleeping position and other factors specific to the individual.

- 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.

Note: Links to just some of the mask manufacturers' instructional videos can be found on the forum host's website - https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks.php

- CG

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Mon Aug 01, 2016 7:01 pm

Is it possible that accumulated facial oils/sweat are maybe causing things to slide around a bit?

DoninOrlando · Post by **DoninOrlando** » Mon Aug 01, 2016 8:36 pm

As Pugsy mentioned above, this was the issue for me when I started with a FFM. It would keep a seal for 3-4 hours after washing my face before bed. Then the oils generated from washing would cause leak issues. I was able to eliminate it with a Pad A Cheek liner. The liner absorbs the oils and keeps it from making the mask slippery and leaking. I have to wash the PadACheek liner every few days or it still happens. I keep 2 and wash them when I wash the mask and rotate them. But I get at least 6 months from each liner.

full face masks air leaks

full face masks air leaks

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Re: full face masks air leaks

Re: full face masks air leaks

Re: full face masks air leaks