Issue with Mask Leak

[zapped82]

I was diagnosed in early June and received my CPAP at the end of June. I've used the machine every night since receiving it and was doing well but in the past week or so I've struggled with mask leak. I did not to a face to face mask fitting, just was told to try the Simplus mask which I thought was pretty good to start. I received (2) replacement masks which I haven't dug into yet. Since it's been about 26 nights so far I'm wondering if that's truly just the lifespan of the masks or if maybe I need to see if a different mask works better.

Any thoughts or experiences you guys have? I know masks are a keep trying it until you find the right one so I want to try some others as well but it's only my first month and it started off really well so I wanted to give it a chance.

[Julie]

Do you ever use a wipe on the silicone? It helps to renew the shape better than just soapy water. And losing or gaining even 5-10 lbs can make a diff. to mask fit.

[zapped82]

I usually hit the mask with a baby wipe two or three times a week. I have had some weight fluctuation due to vacation and the ensuing diet.... I plan on continuing to lose weight as well which I'm sure will impact it. Right now they set me up with a large mask and although I'm a big guy with a big head I'm not sure how that relates to the shape of my face. I do have to mention I have short facial hair as well which I know is something that will cause problems with mask seal. Again, I had minimal issues initially but starting this weekend, the leaking has gotten to the point where I took the mask off for a couple hours Sunday night because I was messing with it so much. I ended up putting it back on but that's the first time since my first two nights that I took the mask off in the middle of the night and went back to sleep.

[palerider]

I was diagnosed in early June and received my CPAP at the end of June. I've used the machine every night since receiving it and was doing well but in the past week or so I've struggled with mask leak. I did not to a face to face mask fitting, just was told to try the Simplus mask which I thought was pretty good to start. I received (2) replacement masks which I haven't dug into yet. Since it's been about 26 nights so far I'm wondering if that's truly just the lifespan of the masks or if maybe I need to see if a different mask works better.

Any thoughts or experiences you guys have? I know masks are a keep trying it until you find the right one so I want to try some others as well but it's only my first month and it started off really well so I wanted to give it a chance.

When I used a FFM, I wiped it off every night with a squirt of unscented hand sanitizer (purell) on a tissue.

The alcohol in cleaned off facial oils really well, and that cushion lasted for four years.

Also, look into mask liners, padacheek.com makes the best ones.

[zapped82]

Ordered a padacheek liner the other day so hopefully that will help some. Also wanted to try a different mask so I ordered an F20 since it was on sale. Should be here early next week so I can compare which is more comfortable and which works better for me.