Important: Get leaks under control

[Spirit]

Hi friends, been a long time since I visit, for reason being cpap treatments went well for a long time. While on my journey using data, I discovered the key reason as to why I began to feel better. Once I achieved zero leaks, AHI decreased rapidly, stayed below 1 persistently for weeks,. I was sleeping much longer, more deeply, longer dreams, within time my health improved rapidly.

Once I found the perfect mask, med Quattro, I didn't touch my mask, meaning I didn't disassemble to wash it, I just wiped off the cushion with towel/water/vinegar, I didn't change mask, I didn't make any adjustments, not even slightly. I just wore the same masks for months, I had zero leaks, possibly up to a year, whenever the last time I visit the forum.

Last week, I put on a new mask, used the same head strap, not new one. Zero leaks. Last year, when I first began using mask, strap was very tight, hurting back of my neck to prevent leaks, strap began to stretch, adjust to my head, now very comfortble. I'll be using same strap till leaks start up again. No washing.

For Quattro users, try one size smaller if mask continues to leak. I am a large man, 6 foot 2, weigh 205 lbs. Large mask constantly leaked, regardless how tight strap was, so I asked to try a medium. Bingo ! did the trick, zero mask leaks.

My method may not be compliant with everyone, but has worked really well for me Now I'm dealing with hormonal imbalance after surgery, mild/severe fatigue, once my hormones are balanced, I'll be zipping along again.

But those of you, that continually have difficulty, try to find what works best for you. Hope this helps someone out there.

[DoriC]

Hi Spirit, good to see you! I remember your early struggles very well, so I'm glad you've become a success story. I agree, solving leak issues is the key. I find that my husband's headgear has to be adjusted every night, it always seems too tight when he first puts in on but I know he doesn't adjust his mask himself during the night so I wonder why that happens?

[sylvie]

I can't seem to get the leaks under control and I'm thinking my nostril size increased due to xPAP, so I ordered a size larger pillows and also ordered a 2 more kinds of masks in one day, because I was so entirely frustrated two days ago. Ever have one of those days? I completely agree that the key is getting the leaks under control. I got the O-rings for the pillows and I'm sure this helps, so I'm very grateful for the tip here.

[Spirit]

Hi Dori, long time friend, hope life is treating you/hubby well? I did have some major struggles in the beginning, whining/crying on a daily basis, Lol !!!! But all the wonderful folks at the forum educate/support me, helping me get my apnea under control. It's not an overnight process, that's for sure. Surely don't have the answer to headgear, sorry. But surely hope answers come your way soon. Thanx for continued support.

[Spirit]

Hi Sylvie, sorry to read your having difficulty. Leaks take time to get under control, I went through 3 different masks, before I finally got leaks under control. Oh yes, I had lot's of frustrations during adjustment phases, but at the same time noticed lot's of improvements as well, even minor one's got me excited Pillows did not work well for me at all, specifically cause I'm a mouth breather. I honestly didn't think I would ever get used to a darth vader mask at bedtime, but now mask is a part of me, don't notice it at all.

Getting sleep apnea under control is lot's of trial/error, don't be hesitant on trying different way's to get a good nights sleep. Another example for me is, I sleep best without a pillow. I've tried various pillows, constantly waking up, adjusting pillows, I haven't slept with a pillow for several months. Good luck to you, read much as you can, ask lot's of questions, don't give up hope, soon you will be in the land of quality sleep, wishing you well friend.

[sylvie]

Thanks, Spirit. You're very compassionate, and lately I've been miserable. I slept in a recliner on my side last night with the small pillows strapped pretty tight and I got only one obstructive apnea (I woke up from a horrible nightmare and knew immediately I had an event). I felt good today and don't even care I had to sleep that horrible way--somehow everything else pales if I have a good night. After reading a thread on the SleepWeaver today, yes...wait for it....I ordered yet another mask today--the SleepWeaver Starter (I'll worry about paying for everything later--misery is driving me to distraction right now). Anyway, I'm betting I'm gonna luv that one.