Newbie, keeps getting mask seal leaks. Need help!

Hello,

Just got my new machine and mask last week. Overall, i have been noticing a difference in my sleep as im not up every 2 hours like i use to be and having to go to the bathroom.I have the Airfit F30 mask. My pressure is at 16. Every night besides the first night i have had the machine i have gotten a result on my sleep report for mask seal. Now when i test the mask before i go to bed, it always shows up as which my specialist said was what i needed. The only part of the mask i feel air coming out of is the nose and i thought that may have been normal because it was happening in my specialist office and he didn’t say anything about it. I thought maybe if the pressure was lower the air wouldn’t come through the nose? Sorry for rambling on. Appreciate any help you guys can give me with this issue. Thanks.

Before anyone can help, You need to learn how to properly post your results from the machine using the free software (Sleepyhead or Oscar).

Leaks tend to be everyone’s main issue. Not to discourage you but I’m 2 years in and on my 8th or 9th mask. My current mask I would only consider decent but it’s the best one yet. My headgear has worn a permanent bald spot on my head and also has created a noticeable dent across the top of my head. The straps leave marks across my face until about noon every day. All this and I still don’t really sleep well.

They say some folks nail it on their first try. Pray you are one of those. Good luck man.

Welcome, and congratulations on starting therapy for your apnea. You are already seeing improvement, with fewer bathroom breaks. That's great!

A couple of quick thoughts about the leaks: try watching a video or two about fitting your mask. One mistake people sometimes make is to over-tighten their mask, making it more difficult for the area that touches your skin to conform to your facial contours. Another idea is to look for a mask liner for your mask. Although they are designed to prevent skin irritation and red marks, mask liners sometimes also reduce leaks.

Let us know how it goes, would you?

try the airfit f20 . this is a personal observation as its the one I have had with the ( fewest leaks ) . I too have gone thru several masks trying to find the best one for me , so good luck in your mask journey . my bathroom trips have been nil to none in the last 3 months too so keep at it , cpap therapy has its benefits .
mike

Thanks for the advice. Was also experiencing discomfort and dryness in my nose with the mask since the seal is under the nostrils, so it may just be that the mask isn’t for me. Appreciate your guys responses and help. Will take a look at the F20.

Another mask suggestion to try is the "AirTouch F20" It's a full face mask with a memory foam liner instead of the silicone liner. I find the memory foam to be more comfortable on my face and less leaky.

Have you tried a nasal mask? Don't know if that's an option for you, it's not for me because I'm a mouth breather.

I can't help very much because I notice you have the Resmed Airfit F30 which was a great mask for me with zero leaks but... it may not be the right fit for YOU. It could be a frame/cushion sizing problem, or it isn't adjusted properly or... it's just not the right mask for you & you need to search for a new mask. I currently have the new Resmed F30i which I prefer over the F30 because of the hose placement. I have to have the hose on my head to be comfortable with my therapy. Otherwise, I would have kept my F30. Good luck finding the perfect mask for you. Don't be afraid to ask for something different, and don't be shy about doing it as often as needed until you find the mask you like.

Chris8243 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 07, 2020 8:53 pm

Another mask suggestion to try is the "AirTouch F20" It's a full face mask with a memory foam liner instead of the silicone liner. I find the memory foam to be more comfortable on my face and less leaky.

Have you tried a nasal mask? Don't know if that's an option for you, it's not for me because I'm a mouth breather.

I am a mouth breather myself.

Becca8104 wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 07, 2020 10:08 pm

I can't help very much because I notice you have the Resmed Airfit F30 which was a great mask for me with zero leaks but... it may not be the right fit for YOU. It could be a frame/cushion sizing problem, or it isn't adjusted properly or... it's just not the right mask for you & you need to search for a new mask. I currently have the new Resmed F30i which I prefer over the F30 because of the hose placement. I have to have the hose on my head to be comfortable with my therapy. Otherwise, I would have kept my F30. Good luck finding the perfect mask for you. Don't be afraid to ask for something different, and don't be shy about doing it as often as needed until you find the mask you like.

Yeah, i was looking at the F30i as i received an email from resmed and it showed me it. I like to sleep on my side and it seems to have good reviews. Plus, it seems to have larger size than the F30 did.

I absolutely LOVE my F30i mask. I recommend you try that one for sure. I did try the F20 and Mirage Quattro, but again, the hose on the nose thing & they both leaked & I needed liners which shifted & itched. I also discovered I don't like my nose completely covered as it hurt the bridge of my nose. That's why the style of the F30i is perfect. However, you SHOULD try the F20 or any other FF mask you think you might like. You might be interested in the Dreamwear FF. just because it wasn't a good fit for me doesn't mean it won't be for you. A lot of people love & swear by the Dreamwear line of masks. Again, keep trying new masks until you find the one you like best