Large leaks

[wardmiller]

For several months I have had large leaks at about 3 a.m. I use a full-face mask and sleep from about 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly. Sometimes I can stop the leaks by just wiggling the mask, sometimes I must push and hold in on the mast to stop it. Tightening the head straps always stops it, but then it is too tight when I put it on the next night.

The leaks always start around 3 a.m. I've recently washed the mask and cushion, plus changed the filter. My AHI has been below 1 most of the time. My pressure settings 17/13 for the past four years.

What's going on? How can I stop it?

[greatunclebill]

how often do you get a new cushion?

[wardmiller]

how often do you get a new cushion?

Not on a schedule. The one in there is maybe 3 months old.

I ordered a new mask, cushion and straps. Should arrive this week.

[snoozysue]

I have found the Pad-a-Cheek Anti Leak strap very useful with the Quattro mask

[Sheriff Buford]

Your facial muscles will relax as the night goes on. I get my leaks around that time too.

Sheriff

[wardmiller]

Your facial muscles will relax as the night goes on. I get my leaks around that time too.

Sheriff

I've heard that before here. What do you do about it? My leaks at that time (3 a.m. or so) are substantial and prolonged.

[wardmiller]

I have found the Pad-a-Cheek Anti Leak strap very useful with the Quattro mask

All I see is a unexplained blob when I looked at them in Pad-a-cheek. How do you use them? Why do the help at 3 a.m.?

I have a looped strap between the two cheek straps and under my chin. This helps to keep my mouth shut. Are the leak straps similar?

[Sheriff Buford]

Your facial muscles will relax as the night goes on. I get my leaks around that time too.

Sheriff

I've heard that before here. What do you do about it? My leaks at that time (3 a.m. or so) are substantial and prolonged.

I have to adjust the mask tightness for the leaks that occur at 3:00 am. If I didn't have to do that, then my mask would be real loose. You mask should "float" on your face. It should not "dig in" to your face. If you have your mask too tight.... and you still get leaks, you may need a new cushion or a different mask (if the cushion is ok). Years ago, I tried the Mirage Quattro, but I couldn't keep the mask from leaking. There's a article called "Taming the Quattro". It tells you how to properly put the mask on. It's good advise for all masks, but if you need to have an article like that..... what does that tell you? Anyway, I think Padacheek.com sells some anti leak straps that may help. At the end of the day, if you can't stop a mask from leaking, then that mask is not for you.

Sheriff

[wardmiller]

Sheriff, I've been using the ResMed Quattro for six years. During that time I've occasionally changed cushion, mask and straps. The major leaking at 3 a.m. has just occurred in recent months.

Early on I tried several other masks and my current mask was the only one that suited me.

Every place I read, they say the straps should not be tight. If I don't snug them up, it leaks everywhere. Tightening stops the leaks. I think none of the masks fit the contours of my face unless it is snug. Especially when I'm on my side, where I always sleep.

The new (replacement) mask should arrive this week. We'll see if starting over solves the problem (for while).

[old dude]

Sheriff, I've been using the ResMed Quattro for six years. During that time I've occasionally changed cushion, mask and straps. The major leaking at 3 a.m. has just occurred in recent months.

Early on I tried several other masks and my current mask was the only one that suited me.

Every place I read, they say the straps should not be tight. If I don't snug them up, it leaks everywhere. Tightening stops the leaks. I think none of the masks fit the contours of my face unless it is snug. Especially when I'm on my side, where I always sleep.

The new (replacement) mask should arrive this week. We'll see if starting over solves the problem (for while).

This non-recommended over tightening is the only thing that works for me too. It's uncomfortable and sometimes leaves awful marks, but it is what it is.

I've always thought that the near universal dogma about not over tightening the mask should come with the disclaimer that YMMV. It might save a number of patients the guilt of going against what they perceive as settled medical advice. These things are very individual and often you just have to do what you have to do.

[djams]

The major leaking at 3 a.m. has just occurred in recent months.

Nothing else has changed? Like a new pillow?

[wardmiller]

The major leaking at 3 a.m. has just occurred in recent months.

Nothing else has changed? Like a new pillow?

Nothing else has changed.

[snoozysue]

I have found the Pad-a-Cheek Anti Leak strap very useful with the Quattro mask

All I see is a unexplained blob when I looked at them in Pad-a-cheek. How do you use them? Why do the help at 3 a.m.?

I have a looped strap between the two cheek straps and under my chin. This helps to keep my mouth shut. Are the leak straps similar?

Hi
I wear it slightly more horizontal than shown on the site. I find it just keeps everything in place and leak free as it is wide and seems to hold things in place better than just relying on the Quattro headgear.
My pressure goes to 18 and I usually have no leaks.

[wardmiller]

I have found the Pad-a-Cheek Anti Leak strap very useful with the Quattro mask

All I see is a unexplained blob when I looked at them in Pad-a-cheek. How do you use them? Why do the help at 3 a.m.?

I have a looped strap between the two cheek straps and under my chin. This helps to keep my mouth shut. Are the leak straps similar?

Hi
I wear it slightly more horizontal than shown on the site. I find it just keeps everything in place and leak free as it is wide and seems to hold things in place better than just relying on the Quattro headgear.
My pressure goes to 18 and I usually have no leaks.

"I wear it slightly more horizontal than shown on the site."

Can you please give the link to the picture? I have no idea how it is worn. All I've seen is a picture of a folded up strap.

[LSAT]

http://padacheek.com/PAC_AntiLeak_Strap.html