Any suggestions to stop leaks?

[cappy]

I have been on CPAP for a little over 4 months now. It is going better than I expected. I am averaging 7+ hours per night and my AHI is down to 4.31 which I count as a win! However, I find that my mask leaks, most of the time when I change positions. The only way that I can seem to stop it is by adjusting the headgear so it is super-tight. I have been trying to sleep with the headgear just tight enough so my mask doesn't leak when I am on my back, but often I turn over and the problem starts.

If I feel any air blowing on my face or in my eyes, I can't get back to sleep. If I take the mask off and try to re-position it while the machine is on, it never gets a good seal. I have to turn the machine off, re-position the mask and then it seems to work. I get frustrated and tighten the headgear, but then the bridge of my nose is sore in the morning. It actually almost looks bruised.

Is there some rule of thumb as to how tight my mask should be? Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Best,
Chris

[Pugsy]

What pressure do you use?
Have you tried a mask liner?
Has it been leaky the entire 4 months?.....is this the same cushion for your mask as when you started? If it is...time for a replacement cushion...long past time.
Have you tried a different mask?

[Julie]

Hi - the mask should not be terribly tight at all, and overtightening can create 'microleaks' in new places. If you haven't got the right size, or the mask just doesn't suit you, you need to look into others (most of us have been through a fair number before finding the right one).

[robysue]

cappy,

Have you taken a look at JanKnitz's Taming the Mirage Quattro.

You may need to practice putting the mask on at times other than bedtime so that you get the procedure down cold and can do it without any thought.

[Xney]

Over-tightening is usually a sign of a poor fit. An old mask which needs a new cushion is another possibility.

[cappy]

My pressure is 11 and set on CPAP with pressure relief of 3. The mask is one month old (I get a new one automatically every three months). Seems like a waste though. I think I only need the silicon insert.

I checked out the "Taming the Quattro" article and I think that the mask is too tight. I am going to try loosening it tonight and see how it goes. Thanks all for the suggestions!

Best,
Chris

[LSAT]

My pressure is 11 and set on CPAP with pressure relief of 3. The mask is one month old (I get a new one automatically every three months). Seems like a waste though. I think I only need the silicon insert.

I checked out the "Taming the Quattro" article and I think that the mask is too tight. I am going to try loosening it tonight and see how it goes. Thanks all for the suggestions!

Best,
Chris

If you are getting a new mask at 3 months and you don't need it...don't let your DME send it. Tell them you will call when you need supplies. Don't let them send 'automatically. Some insurance specifically specifies this. (You should try to have a back up for everything in case of emergency).

[Journeyman]

Wow, just read "Taming the Mirage Quattro". I experienced the same issues, would not change a word.

[Pugsy]

Too tight is a common mistake that people make with pretty much all the masks. Looser seems counter productive but it actually works.
You might also consider a mask liner. You can make your own out of an old T shirt or buy a ready made one.
Remzzz's makes a disposable liner and Padacheeks makes one that can be used for months and months.
Here's a link to Padacheeks
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html

[SnoreBill]

I've been using the padacheeks liner for a couple of weeks now (probably at Pugsy's suggestion) and I'm amazed at how well it tames the leaks (although my goal was to stop sores forming on my nose which it did too). I've been loosening my mask every night for about a week. I realized yesterday that I had gotten the straps kind of unsymmetrical (pulled in more on one side than another). I straightened them out and I'm less susceptible to leaks when on my side. Hose position seems to have a lot to do with it too.

[kgrigio]

I just received my mirage quattro a couple of weeks ago after I did another sleep study. I have been using the same F&P FlexiFit405 mask for more than 10 years (not the same one mind you). I have been having a terrible time sleeping the past year so we thought a new sleep study and possibly a new mask type would help. The sleep study pushed my pressure from 8 to 13, which is fine. The problem I am having is the leaking of the mask. I have followed the instructions that were pointed to above on making the mask as loose as possible, but the problem I am having is that unless I get it fairly tight, the pressure blows out without me moving around at all. I just bought the liner that I read about on here so hopefully that helps. Any other suggestions on stopping the "face farts"? That is waking me up more than anything.

[Julie]

Hi, it's possible that you haven't lifted the mask (from the middle or wherever it makes sense) just off your face by a little bit for a minute once you've just closed your eyes... to make sure the cushion itself has inflated and not just sort of mashed onto your face... that can make a difference.

[cappy]

I loosened my mask last night and it was definitely more comfortable, but it leaked more. I adjusted it with the "mask fit" function on my machine prior to going to sleep. I was awakened a lot and tried to re-adjust best I could. Going to give it another shot tonight. I don't have a lot of patience when I get woken up!

Pugsy, I am going to order a mask liner as well. I am ready to try anything!

Best,
Chris

[Pugsy]

Are you sure the mask is the correct size? Did they actually measure your face and compare measurements to the template or did that slap the mask on and say "looks good"?