Sudden mask leaks after years of success- what to do?

[jeff123816]

I’m hoping that someone may be able to offer some help. I’ve been successfully using autopap and a Resmed Quatro FX full face mask for 5 years now. No real changes to speak of. All of a sudden, a few weeks ago, I began to suffer multiple mask leaks. On average, about every 45 minutes, I would be woken up by these sudden leaks around the upper sides of my nose with air blowing into my eyes. This went on and on. At first, I thought that I may have a bad mask or that the cushion was especially dirty, so I ordered a new Quatro FX. The leaks continued from the very first night on the new mask. I’ve tried all sorts of things, including reducing the humidity to as low as I can stand. I’ve tightened and loosened the straps. No matter what I do, I can’t stop the frequent leaks and arousals all night. Finally, I went to my DME provider and they recommended that I try a Resmed Airfit F10. They said that it was the newest and most advanced FFM available and especially effective against leaks. They fit me with it and it seemed ok at the office but when I used it for the night, I again experienced leaks, this time, all around the cushion. I had to tighten it to stop them, which was only partially effective, however, when I woke up in the morning, I had extremely severe red marks on the bridge of my nose and the skin around my nose. It was so bad, that the bridge of nose actually bruised. Despite that, I stuck with the mask for almost two weeks, adjusting the straps and trying to balance the pressure against my face with the leaks and I haven’t been able to control the leaks without over-tightening the straps. Nothing has worked and I’ve gone back to the Quatro FX, which, at least doesn’t irritate my skin quite as badly. I’m still waking every 30-45 minutes to adjust the mask.

I’m not sure what to do and what triggered this. As I said, I’ve been using the same type of mask for years without major problems. Now, suddenly, I am struggling. I’ve tried nasal masks in the past, however, my mouth opens at night. Even with a chin strap, my lips don’t stay sealed. Does anyone have any suggestions? I’ve always been rather slim and have lost some weight over the last couple of years (not by choice). I don’t know if that has anything to do with it but it is the only thing that I can think of. Are there any other FFM’s that anyone can suggest I try?
Thanks very much!

[Pugsy]

Have you thought about a mask liner?
You can make your own or buy them ready made.
Remzzzs has a single use version and Padacheek has multiple long term use versions.
You can make them from an old T shirt to give you an idea if they might help.
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/remzzz ... iners.html

Sorry no help with which FFM to maybe try...I don't use them. So no past experience to draw upon.

[Julie]

Losing (or gaining) wt can make a big difference... even a little, and you lose first in your face.

[Sheriff Buford]

I'm sorta in the same... but opposite boat. I could never wear a full face mask because of my face and nose structure. After Pugsy's long (and hard) battle with me to accept small leak rates, I was able to use the F10 with success. Since I retired, I have lost a bunch of weight... no more fast food... Anyway... Over time, I think our bodies change and different problems arise as our body changes. After reading your thread, I'm thinking that your face is relaxing late at night... more than usual (for whatever reason). That's why you may get leaks late at night, but not when you go to bed. I would go to the DME (with my pillow)... try on different masks... lie on the floor with a cpap machine set at your pressure and roll on the floor (as you would at night).

You know.. if you look over there under that big rock.... there lies the Respironics Fitlife Total Face Mask. The mask of last resort! My trusty ole' throw-down mask... er... jist' sayin'

Sheriff

[englandsf]

It occurs to me that FFMs must be the most difficult to seal if your face is "thin". It's shame you are mouth breathing as nasal pillows don't really seem as fussy. Maybe revisit that issue if the F10 doesn't work?

[M'ohms]

Jeff,

I have been using the QFX for over a year, and there have been nights that I developed leaks that I could not adjust my way out of. I bought a stretchy fabric headband that comes in handy for a variety of mask fixes. I put in on over my head and between the vents and the elbow. I can keep the straps looser as the headband holds the QFX against my face perfectly. Since there is no direct tugging at the nose bridge, the cushion can inflate better to seal against leaks. I also use a cushion liner--I can't prevent leaks at all without it.

2 weeks ago, I got the F10 and immediately made a cushion liner for it. This mask fits me well enough, but without the liner, I can't tame the leaks.