Leaks increasing

[Crazy Eddie]

Mask bits are supposed to last 30 days. Or at least that's the minumum my insurance will pay for replacements.

After only a couple weeks though it seems any mask starts to get worse and start to leak.

The latest example is after I did my 2 week cleanup. Hoses, mask, headgear...the works. All in soapy water in the sink. After that I'm getting rather horrible leaks from my pillows. I used to get by just fine with them just gently resting on my nose. Now they have to be pressed against it a bit. This is getting in the way of my sleep.

Is there something I'm doing wrong or is this just how it is? Soap I used was basic dish/hand soap. I do daily cleanings of the pillows with cpap wipes.

[Steve of Cornubia]

I have been using CPAp for just a few months, so I am hardly an expert, but I have noticed that I get more leaks with a freshly-cleaned mask and these leaks seem to improve after 2-3 nights. My theory is that the seal works best when it has a little skin grease on it, rather than bone dry. Having said that, I have relatively dry skin, so for other users this might not apply. The bottom line is that the best seal is probably dependant on the presence of a little grease to act as a sealant. Too much grease is probably detrimental, too.

[Julie]

Have you tried using wipes made for masks rather than soapy water? I find they really help, and don't need to be used too often. Also, it's better to use a very mild soap or shampoo made for babies rather than regular soap or detergent - it extends the life of the silicone. Keep an eye on headgear too, it can loosen over a short time without your realizing it.

[Mr19]

I had a problem with my nasal pillows after their first cleaning. It turns out there is an inner "cone" that supports the outer cone, and one of mine had become inverted when I cleaned it. I just popped it back into place and they fit nice and snugly again without a lot of pressure.

[jaybeem]

When I talked to my DME about leaks, and he suggested soaking the mask in hot water, 10% vinegar, and dish soap for half an hour, then using wipes---but not baby wipes--on them after they had dried. Then use the wipes nightly, with an occasional soak. I tried it on my mask and it significantly reduced leaks.

The wipes the DME sold me were Mada CPAP mask wipes. $7 to $9.50 at Drugstore.com, Walgreens, or Amazon for 62 wipes. I only use half a wipe at a time. They are 100 percent pure cotton, all natural, and alcohol and latex free, derived from coconut and other plant extracts. The DME tech said that most wipes contain oils, preservatives, and/or alcohol derivatives. Whatever you buy, check the label.

[JohnO]

Is there something I'm doing wrong or is this just how it is?

Are you re-adusting the straps after washing? Sometimes I have to do that to stop leaks.