Mask leaks around edges

[slibhart]

I have had my cpap machine and mask since mid November. It is a Resmed with humidifier and Mirage Quattro full face mask. I love the feeling of the fresh air and I fall asleep really fast. The challenge comes in sometime during the night when the mask starts to leak around the edges and I get a blast of air into my eye(s) or a leak around the sides. I keep the mask clean, wash my face to make sure nothing is oily and adjust the straps. It gets frustrating.

I lost my health insurance and cannot afford another mask at this time. I would appreciate any hints that any of you can provide. I end up removing the mask somewhere around 2:00 in the morning because of the leaks. I sure would like to make it through the night. Thanks!

[Julie]

You need to first be sure you're not overtightening the straps - that can cause leaks as much as help them. If that's not the issue, then you need to try on different masks in different sizes - if you were fitted badly to begin with you should have some kind of argument for making a change, but not anything about your insurance status vs DME status, or anything else, it's a bit hard to advise.

[fidelfs]

I found out most of my leaks are causes for 2 reasons.

• Over tighting
• The silicone made me sweat and also I have oily face

I learned to trust the mask not tight it much, problem solved.
The remzzz is a good solution to avoid my problem with oily face and no more leaks.

[LSAT]

I also occasionally have that problem with my Quattro. I roll around a lot and often loose the seal. I just tuck it in around the area that leaks while I am wearing it. You can feel the leak stop. Also...If that is the main problem, be sure that you put your nose in proper position first when you are putting on the mask. It's a comfortable mask...I am happy with mine.

[slibhart]

Thanks for your advice everyone....last night was another rough one. I adjusted straps etc....fell asleep and then had a leak around the edge of the mask at some point. Took it off (don't remember doing that) and slept on and off the rest of the night. I will keep trying and get the hang of this thing sooner or later.

[deadhead77]

Where are the leaks,are they around the nose ,cheeks or mouth?

[pb5927317]

I have had the same issue, I either wear a chin strap, or tape a portion of my mouth shut. Its something to do with my jaw moving during the night.

I use cottenelle bath wipes to keep my seal area clean.

[DoriC]

You might need a different kind of bed pillow if you're a side sleeper. Do a Search and you'll find lots of posts on that subject. My husband is using a contour memory foam pillow right now that works OK.

[SleepingUgly]

Slibhart, how old is the cushion? Did it always leak? Does it only leak around the eyes? Is it comfortable on your nose? What size are you wearing? So many questions...

I have had my cpap machine and mask since mid November. It is a Resmed with humidifier and Mirage Quattro full face mask. I love the feeling of the fresh air and I fall asleep really fast. The challenge comes in sometime during the night when the mask starts to leak around the edges and I get a blast of air into my eye(s) or a leak around the sides. I keep the mask clean, wash my face to make sure nothing is oily and adjust the straps. It gets frustrating.

I lost my health insurance and cannot afford another mask at this time. I would appreciate any hints that any of you can provide. I end up removing the mask somewhere around 2:00 in the morning because of the leaks. I sure would like to make it through the night. Thanks!

[DoriC]

You might need just a new cushion. We needed the cushion changed every 3months with the UltraMirageFF for almost the first year because of all the fiddling we did trying to get a good seal. We were lucky to have Medicare so we got new masks. It always bothered me that Medicare was supplying us with a complete mask when all we needed was the cushion which is much less expensive. We're using this last mask since Sept with no problem. I understand the Quattro cushions may be even less sturdy.

[Spirit]

Lots of good suggestions. In addition, try adjusting your mask, full pressure laying down as if you were sleep, change different positions, as you adjust the mask/strap etc.... Worked like a charm for me. Also as DoriC suggested a different pillow makes a wonderful of difference too. I experimented with a few, till I found one that I like.

Good luck !!

[vines]

My Quattro is so tight my head throbs, but if I loosen it at all it starts to leak. Maybe it's not the right mask for someone whose pressure is set at 18. Is there somewhere I can buy just the cushion? I keep it clean, but after 12 months it is probably worn out, huh?

[LSAT]

Any DME will sell you the Quattro cushon...or...get it from out host at CPAP.com.
I think the cushon should be replaced at 3 months or sooner. Most Insurance will replace it monthly.

[pb5927317]

Mine was apparently leaking enough last night that I took mine off during the middle of the night. I washed it good this morning in soapy water, so I HOPE it sticks better.

My first week definitely went better then my 2nd week.

[Slinky]

Goshes, just try running your fingertip along the "seamline" between mask cushion and your face in the area that is leaking. I find this works great for me for those small leaks (doesn't help w/the big "face fart" leaks tho - THEY require lifting the mask off the face a skosh and then letting it back down on the face).