Why am I leaking ???

[emak]

Been on CPAP about a month or so...I still can't go a full night without pulling the thing off without even remembering doing it. I've got maybe 3 full nights successfully.... I've got a mirage quattro full face mask. So basically all of a sudden after less than a month my mask won't stay sealed too well...it keeps farting out the bottom or blowing into my eye. So annoying that I tend to say screw it and sleep without it. Pulling it really tight didn't really help and was annoying. Could I be doing something wrong?

[alnhwrd]

Make sure that you have the correct size of mask and that you wash your face every night before putting your mask on. Also, make all of your adjustments in the smallest possible increments, it may take only the smallest of tightening or loosening to get it just right. If none of that works, you can try a gasket of Mack's Silicone Ear Plugs. This is a semi-soft lump of putty designed to be used as an earplug but readily adapted for reducing leaks on a CPAP mask. You can get it in any drug/variety store such as Walgreen's, Rite Aid, Walmart, etc. Just take a lump of putty, break it in half, then roll it into a rope about 1/8 inch thick. Apply it to your cushion all the way around it to form a seal or gasket. On my UMFF I use extra along the chin. Then just smoosh it down on your face and clip your mask in place. This stuff made all the difference for me in the beginning. I hope this helps and you get to sleeping better soon!

[RafterRattler]

I've been using a Quattro since it came out (I'm on my third), and I'm pretty sure now that it's just the nature of the beast. The straps stretch over time and the cushion flattens such that it requires readjustment more frequently than you'd expect. I tighten mine about every week, and when I hand wash the strap or get a new mask or cushion, I have to start all over again. I my mind, there's nothing abnormal with what you are seeing. You're right though, making it too tight won't work either. I find that it's a delicate balance.

Also, putting on the Quattro seems to be an event for me. I can't just slap it on and go to sleep. I need to put it on sitting up. I first move it around on my face until it feels just right, then I clip the straps and move it around some more until it is in just the right position below my eyes. Once I think I have it in the sweet spot and it 'feels' right, I can then connect the hose and lie down. I've also found that I need to twist the forehead dial down so that the mask is as close to my face as it can be. Any clicks up cause leakage into my eyes.

As far as learning to live with it, It took me (and many others) several days or weeks and several different masks to finally get used to CPAP. I also used to rip the mask off in the middle of the night. I even turned the machine off in my 'sleep'! I personally think sleeping with the mask (without tape, sealants, etc.) is a learned skill. You have to keep doing it until it becomes second nature and an unconscious act.

Don't give up. The quality of life improvement will be worth the effort!
Mike

[Wulfman]

Been on CPAP about a month or so...I still can't go a full night without pulling the thing off without even remembering doing it. I've got maybe 3 full nights successfully.... I've got a mirage quattro full face mask. So basically all of a sudden after less than a month my mask won't stay sealed too well...it keeps farting out the bottom or blowing into my eye. So annoying that I tend to say screw it and sleep without it. Pulling it really tight didn't really help and was annoying. Could I be doing something wrong?

First of all, have you done the "Teflon tape fix" to both ends of the elbow, yet? If you haven't it'll "feel" like it's leaking EVERYWHERE.
Proper size and strap tension are important with that mask, too. If you crush the seals by making it too tight, you'll have leaking problem. I adjust mine with the top straps VERY loose and any/all tension on the lower straps. That allows the seal in the area of the bridge of the nose to expand and make a better seal. Also, make sure there the forehead support is in the full, upright position.....no angle....when you loosen the top straps.

Den

[RafterRattler]

Been on CPAP about a month or so...I still can't go a full night without pulling the thing off without even remembering doing it. I've got maybe 3 full nights successfully.... I've got a mirage quattro full face mask. So basically all of a sudden after less than a month my mask won't stay sealed too well...it keeps farting out the bottom or blowing into my eye. So annoying that I tend to say screw it and sleep without it. Pulling it really tight didn't really help and was annoying. Could I be doing something wrong?

First of all, have you done the "Teflon tape fix" to both ends of the elbow, yet? If you haven't it'll "feel" like it's leaking EVERYWHERE.
Proper size and strap tension are important with that mask, too. If you crush the seals by making it too tight, you'll have leaking problem. I adjust mine with the top straps VERY loose and any/all tension on the lower straps. That allows the seal in the area of the bridge of the nose to expand and make a better seal. Also, make sure there the forehead support is in the full, upright position.....no angle....when you loosen the top straps.

Den

Wulfman, are you using the Quattro as well? Your sig says you are using the UMFF. The Quattro doesn't have a forehead angle adjustment - just a dial to push it in or out away from the forehead. I've found that I like it better than the UMFF...

Mike

[Wulfman]

Wulfman, are you using the Quattro as well? Your sig says you are using the UMFF. The Quattro doesn't have a forehead angle adjustment - just a dial to push it in or out away from the forehead. I've found that I like it better than the UMFF...

Mike

Yes, I have one and have used it periodically.....however, I prefer my UMFF. The forehead adjustment knob, when turned all the way to the RIGHT puts the forehead support in the full-upright position (at least, as far as it can be adjusted).

Den

[carbonman]

It's the Quattro/UMFF club.
I have both now.
On the Quattro, I dial the forehead adjustment all the way out.
Then when I get it on if there are any eye leaks, I just give it
a couple twists, that brings it closer to my face and seals the leaks.
This works really well in the middle of the night, a quick twist and I'm good.
I put the Q on last night, 1 adjustment and it was good until I got up.
.....wish every night was like that.

I started w/a large Q, it was too big. From that experience, I got a
med. Q and UM. Both have worked very well.
It is so much better than glued lips.