leaking mask???

snoozeandlose · Post by **snoozeandlose** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 9:33 pm

How can I tell if my mask is leaking when I am asleep. I have used an Ultra Mirage for several years. The DME idiot never told me the masks needed to be replaced. I finally figured it out myself. The last time I purchased one on this site for half the price. The DME person also told me not to wear the mask tightly since it was okay if it leaked. So no wonder I never felt all that good in the morning. Now I wear it really tight and am wondering if I need a chin strap. Last night I duct taped my mouth shut and that seemed to help. How do you know if you sleep with your mouth open (I am single)? How do the Mirage activa's do? I have a Goodknight 420. Thanks!!![/code]

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 9:44 pm

If you can feel air jetting out from the edge in one or more places, it is leaking.

A mask that is too tight is prone to leak. Uncomfortable too! (Just ask any experienced scuba diver.)

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 10:47 pm

snoozeandlose,
I'ld say that single persons even more than others, need software to monitor their therapy.

If the leaks, and open mouth breathing don't wake you, the software can at least let you see they occured (mouth opening also look like a leak to the machine.

You could also try a noise activated tape to record yourself during the night -or recording on a computer. Open your mouth while you're awake, and you'll see how that sound get recorded.

O.

snoozeandlose · Post by **snoozeandlose** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 4:03 pm

So how should I wear the mask? Snugly, but not so tight I feel the plastic frame around the gasket pushing into my face? I have taped my mouth closed and that lasts about have the night. Do you recommend using the Ruby head straps like a number of others? Thanks.

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 7:23 am

snoozeandlose wrote:So how should I wear the mask? Snugly, but not so tight I feel the plastic frame around the gasket pushing into my face?

That sounds about right. I'm afraid some of it is trial and error and/or experience.

I have taped my mouth closed and that lasts about have the night. Do you recommend using the Ruby head straps like a number of others? Thanks.

No suggestions. I'm one of the lucky ones whose jaw doesn't drop when asleep.

coffee_addict · Post by **coffee_addict** » Wed Oct 12, 2005 9:35 am

ozij wrote:snoozeandlose,
I'ld say that single persons even more than others, need software to monitor their therapy.

If the leaks, and open mouth breathing don't wake you, the software can at least let you see they occured (mouth opening also look like a leak to the machine.

...
O.

My software (Silverlining) doesn't explicitly report leaks, that I can tell anyway, just drops in pressure.
I know I mouth breath 'cause I've observed it as I fall asleep but I'd like to track how much.
Has anyone had luck actually tracking how much mouth breathing they are doing with CPAP software and then verified it goes away with some of these techniques to stop mouth breathing?

ehusen · Post by **ehusen** » Wed Oct 12, 2005 9:52 am

Did you say "duct tape"???? That must be pretty nasty pulling on your face when removing it, isn't it? I would suggest using some sort of medical tape. Costs a bit more but a heck of a lot more comfortable and safe.

I use the J&J waterproof tape. Do a search in this forum for "mouth breathe" or "taping" and you will find references to several types that might work. (Tegaderm is another one I've heard referenced)

For me, the only thing that has worked reliably is taping. I'm still a little concerned that some night I will vomit and well, die. But since I've never ever done that in my sleep I figure I'm safe. And I tried well "all" the current remedys for mouth breathing (chin-strap, DIY mouth piece, Dr. Sue's nosebreath, "training", etc.)

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Wed Oct 12, 2005 11:12 am

coffee_addict wrote:My software (Silverlining) doesn't explicitly report leaks, that I can tell anyway, just drops in pressure.

The presentation requires interpretation, but you can see leaks as spikes in the flow graph.

coffee_addict · Post by **coffee_addict** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 8:47 am

WAFlowers wrote:
coffee_addict wrote:My software (Silverlining) doesn't explicitly report leaks, that I can tell anyway, just drops in pressure.
The presentation requires interpretation, but you can see leaks as spikes in the flow graph.

Bummer! I don't think my 420S provides flow data

Thanks anyway

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 10:09 am

coffee_addict, you are right. Now I'm even more pleased that I went with the 420e!

BTW, I don't know that I'm an addict but I am a bit of a coffee snob. The very first time my then new girlfriend (now wife of 23.5 years) came to my place I asked her if she wanted coffee or tea, hoping it was the extract of the bean she was after. When she told me she wanted coffee I went to the cupboard and pulled out a selection of various beans, put together a blend and dumped them in the grinder. Sure impressed her as she has insisted that my coffee always tastes better than her's and has me make it ever since!

The old grinder was eventually relegated to grinding spices and we graduated to a rotary burr grinder.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Oct 13, 2005 4:23 pm

[quote="WAFlowers"]coffee_addict, you are right. Now I'm even more pleased that I went with the 420e!

BTW, I don't know that I'm an addict but I am a bit of a coffee snob. The very first time my then new girlfriend (now wife of 23.5 years) came to my place I asked her if she wanted coffee or tea, hoping it was the extract of the bean she was after. When she told me she wanted coffee I went to the cupboard and pulled out a selection of various beans, put together a blend and dumped them in the grinder. Sure impressed her as she has insisted that my coffee always tastes better than her's and has me make it ever since!

The old grinder was eventually relegated to grinding spices and we graduated to a rotary burr grinder.

Mask

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