CPAP Full Face Mask Leakage

[eddie57]

Hello,

I recently purchased a Simplus Full Face Mask and I've noticed that when my mouth relaxes, my jaw tends to drops a little and there is leakage below the mouth area. Also when I turn to the sides it tends to leak as well. Any suggestions on how to address this? Thanks in advance.

[JDS74]

The best way I know of is a soft cervical collar. It supports the jaw from below without any pressure to move it backwards.
They are available at reasonable cost through Amazon.

[eddie57]

Thank you JDS74. I will give that a try.

[ChicagoGranny]

Use of a firm foam cervical collar keeps the neck in the best position for airway patency and helps reduce jaw drop. My pressure requirements are considerably lower when using a collar.

I like the DMI Universal Firm Foam Cervical Collars -
http://www.walmart.com/search/?query=DM ... %20Collars

The firm works better and lasts longer than the soft. There seems to be no loss in comfort with the firm over the soft.

The cells in the foam break down over time. One lasts me about four months.

Typically the 3-inch width fits a smaller person, and the 3.5-inch or 4.0-inch fits a larger person. Some may need to change the size up or down on the second order. The larger size you can wear, the more support to keep the jaw from dropping. Although I am a small person, the 4.0-inch collar works best for me.

Walmart ships free to your closest store for customer pickup.

- CG

[eddie57]

Hi ChicagoGranny, Thank you for the reply.

How effective would you say the cervical collar is?

Did it help reduce the leakage on your mask?

Also, does it take some time to get used to?

Thanks again.

[ChicagoGranny]

How effective would you say the cervical collar is?

For me, it has been very effective at keeping the jaw from dropping and keeping the head/neck in a position that facilitates an open airway.

Did it help reduce the leakage on your mask?

I never had a problem with leaks before or after using a collar.

Also, does it take some time to get used to?

No, it was just put it on and fall to sleep. I sleep with it every night for maybe five years now.

As far as mask leaks, here is some basic advice -

To reduce unintentional mask leak -

- Make sure the mask is fitted properly. (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- Make sure the headgear is adjusted properly (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- If you use a low ramp pressure or a low minimum pressure, you should fit and adjust your mask at the higher pressures it is operating at for most of the night. You would temporarily change the machine pressure settings while you do the fitting and adjusting. It's best to do this well before bedtime before you are tired and ready for sleep. Don't forget to change your settings back to the ones you prefer.

- Make sure to use good hose management - the hose should not pull on the mask. Notice how your hose is positioned between machine and mask. It should be positioned to minimize any pull on the mask. Hose management is an individual practice. How it is done depends on the mask, the position of the machine, your sleeping position and other factors specific to the individual.

- If you still have problems, learn from the forum what mask liners are available.

- If your mask still has excessive leak, try other masks. Many people report trying several masks before they find one that works well for them.

Note: Links to just about all of the mask manufacturers' instructional videos can be found on the forum host's website - https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks.php

- CG

[eddie57]

Thank you very much ChicagoGranny. Great information and deeply appreciated. Best.

[eddie57]

Hi Chicago Granny. I finally received my cervical collar. This is the first time I try one on. I feel like I am being choked. Is that what it's supposed to feel like? Thanks

[ChicagoGranny]

Hi Chicago Granny. I finally received my cervical collar. This is the first time I try one on. I feel like I am being choked. Is that what it's supposed to feel like? Thanks

For gosh sakes, the velcro is adjustable. Don't put it on so blamed tight.

[eddie57]

Thanks ChicagoGranny. I guess I need to adjust to it.

[ChicagoGranny]

Thanks ChicagoGranny. I guess I need to adjust to it.

Yeah, it's just to keep your jaw from dropping. As long as your jaw doesn't drop below the inside edge of the collar, it will do it's job. So, it doesn't have to be tight. (It also keeps your neck/airway in a the best position to reduce the chance of airway collapse.)

That said, I do wear my collar snug. I just like the feel of something secure that I know will help to keep the apneas away, my APAP pressure low and my mouth from drying.

[eddie57]

Well, I slept with the collar. It wasn't as bad as I imagined. I actually slept longer than normal.. I slept on my side because of the OSA.

Now I have to train myself to sleep with my CPAP machine. Haven't been able to sleep with it unless I take sleeping pills, which I don't like taking for more than a week. Without the CPAP machine I fall asleep in 5 minutes. Best.

[ChicagoGranny]

Now I have to train myself to sleep with my CPAP machine. Haven't been able to sleep with it unless I take sleeping pills ...

I'm not so sure about "training". Most people who have trouble falling asleep with CPAP fall short in one or more of these items:

- Practice good sleep hygiene (Google it and read several sources)
- Eat a good diet
- Have a regular, moderate exercise program
- Try to avoid daytime naps
- Practice total abstinence of caffeine including sources like chocolate (sigh)
- Review all medicines, vitamins and supplements you are taking to make sure none are interfering with sleep
- Use the bedroom for sleeping (and sex) only, and make sure the bedroom and bed are comfortable.
- Learn to appropriately handle emotional stress in your life
- Use CPAP software, such as the free SleepyHead, to make sure your therapy is optimized
- If you still don't feel or sleep well, make sure you have regular medical checkups to confirm there are no other medical problems

CG

[eddie57]

Very good information. Thank you for taking the time to post that. Blessings to you CG.

[ChicagoGranny]

I like the DMI Universal Firm Foam Cervical Collars -
http://www.walmart.com/search/?query=DM ... %20Collars

The firm works better and lasts longer than the soft. There seems to be no loss in comfort with the firm over the soft.

The cells in the foam break down over time. One lasts me about four months.

Typically the 3-inch width fits a smaller person, and the 3.5-inch or 4.0-inch fits a larger person. Some may need to change the size up or down on the second order. The larger size you can wear, the more support to keep the jaw from dropping.

Walmart ships free to your closest store for customer pickup.