Mustache Causing Leak?

Barks1 · Post by **Barks1** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 3:06 am

Hi I have been using my machine for 3 months now and am wondering why I have a 31 average leak and a 34.8 average 90% leak. My question is would it be my mustache causing this? I don't feel any leaks around my mask at night. But I do sleep on both sides at night.
Any ideas guys?

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 6:31 am

Since you didn't tell us what your pressure is, we can't tell if that's a high leak rate or not.

http://www.internetage.com/cpapinfo/leak-rates-1.html

I would say that it's something you're going to have to determine for yourself.

Den

robertintx...here · Post by **robertintx...here** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 8:34 am

I have a full beard and stach and have no problems...
I'm currently using a Comfort Classic (med) mask...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 8:59 am

My experience has been, the shorter I keep my mustache and vandyke trimmed, the less my mask leaks.
Maybe, just try trimming fairly short.

Barks1 · Post by **Barks1** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 5:19 pm

Thanks guys.

My pressures range from 6.5 to 10 a night.

goose · Post by **goose** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 6:39 pm

When I was using the ComfortGel I trimmed the upper hairs on my 'stache (right up under the nostrils)....Was no big deal. I did it more for comfort than leaks......I had problems with eye leaks not mustache leaks....

You'll need to find the sheet for your mask to determine what the leak rate should be. 31/34 isn't anything that the machine can't handle (mine is 33 and the data sheet says it should be 26/27 at my pressure of 10). Wulfman's link will take you to a list that he has compiled.....

I've been obsessing over the leak rate because I can't seem to find what's causing it.....
I've just accepted that it is what it is.
Nothing I have tried has changed the leak stats.....
I haven't given up, but I'm not obsessing over it anymore......
Good luck!!!!

cheers
goose

Barks1 · Post by **Barks1** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 7:44 pm

Goose me too.

I haven't found where the leaks are coming from. The mask is as tight as I can make it.

I have noticed the it about the same every night.

Nelson · Post by **Nelson** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 5:41 am

Barks1 wrote:Goose me too.

I haven't found where the leaks are coming from. The mask is as tight as I can make it.

I have noticed the it about the same every night.

It is my understanding that there is a certain level of leak (actually 'leak rate' as opposed to a 'problem leak') that is normal for all masks. The masks I've had all have vents to allow carbon dioxide to escape. That venting is normal but would be reflected as a leak rate (and should be fairly steady).

So...it is 'true leaks' that you want to avoid...but a certain level of 'leak rate' is normal. The leak rate will vary depending on the style of mask as well as the pressure that you are using. I've found what my stable and acceptable leak rate is. When it starts to rise it might be that the straps have loosened and need adjustment, or it might be that the mask is nearing the end of it's effective life. I've found that the seal starts to let go at 'about' six months. Your mileage may vary! I'm sure that some of the more experienced members of this forum can restate this in a more scientific fashion.

Barks1 · Post by **Barks1** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 1:29 pm

Thanks Nelson that makes sense.

Mask	Humidifier

Mask	Humidifier

Mask	Humidifier

Mask	Humidifier