Help Solving A Leak Problem

[fred123]

I am two weeks into my CPAP experience and am having leak problems. I was unable to use the Swift FX since I am a mouth breather. So far I have tried the Quattro Ultra, the Quattro FX, The Hybrid, and the Comfort Jell Full. The leaks on these FFM have been at the edge of my lips. They produce a sound that is somewhere between a clarinet and a oboe...Or maybe a duck caller... When I tighten up the mask enough to stop the leaks, it becomes extremely uncomfortable.. So far the Quatro FX seems the best, but still leaks some.. Any tips or suggestions? ..Fred123

[CruzTerri]

Check out this site, it has some wonderful fitting information for the masks you have: http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/swift- ... ing-guide/

[bap40]

Have you given thought to going with either a nasal mask or nasal pillows and taping your mouth shut to avoid mouth breathing. The less mask the less possible areas to leak. Just a thought.

[fred123]

I tried taping, but all it did was seal my mouth so my cheeks blew up like a balloon.
fred123

[Janknitz]

Fred,

I know this doesn't sound like it will help, but give it a try.

You can seal off your mouth from the rest of the airway by keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth, on that ridge of gum behind the front teeth. In this position the airway is sealed off and you won't leak air out of your mouth. This should stop the lip leaks and it may allow you to tape your mouth for using a nasal mask or nasal pillows.

Don't believe me? Try it when you are awake with the machine on. Lock your tongue up in that spot and then open your lips. You may be able to do this wouthout any air leakage, even if your lips are open.

This will not work on people who have had "Apnea' surgeries to their tongues and uvulas, but it should work for everyone else.

Just keep practicing and you'll be surprised that eventually you can do it all night, even when you are asleep.