Husband new to CPAP, a couple of questions.

[Guest]

Hello all. My husband was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea a week ago and is using a CPAP machine. The last 2 night he is trying a different size mask of the same model (airfit) and the hose connection to the mask seems to be leaking all over the place. Its only happening when he is fully asleep and the pressure is going as high as it is set to constantly. He is also lightly snoring at times when its happening. But he tells me the leak rate from last night on the machine is 44%, and he thinks under 60% is ok? The hissing noise wasn't this loud the first 5 nights, I can feel air escaping where the hose meets the little elbow pipe, and where the elbow connects to the mask. And with the air pressure staying at full pelt, surely this is not right? Or is it normal? Can anyone shed some light on this?

[Pugsy]

Log in under your husband's account...petermills so we can see what equipment he is using.
I think F & P Icon and if that's correct....leaks up to 60 L/min are acceptable.
Now if you are seeing 44% and not 44 L/min then that is a problem...make sure if the value is % or L/min.
I forget which mask he is using. There are normal vent holes in every mask where there is normal venting to wash out exhaled carbon dioxide. I can't tell from what you are saying if this is maybe what you a talking about.
Look up his mask online and find where the vent holes are and see if that is what you are feeling.
During the night when he is asleep his pressure will increase and along with that pressure increase the air coming out the vent holes will have more force behind it.

Snores usually mean the airway might be trying to close off. He might need a little more starting minimum pressure to do a better job preventing the snores.

[stage0]

In additon to finding out where the normal vent holes are on the mask, the manufactuer's web site will tell you about acceptible leak rates.
I agree with Pugsy, that a mask leak that is too high will take away from the effectiveness of the machine and that snoring while on cpap is an indicator of partial airway closing.
Air that lead from the mask from places other than the designed ports tell me that he hose is not connected well or defective. Bear in mind that the swivelling elbow will allow some air to escape too
Also look at your husbands facial features...if the mask is not fitting well to his skin; consider a mask cushion...PadaCheek sells these.