Newbie can't get control of mask leakage

[dooger54]

I have been using my new machine now for almost two weeks. My biggest frustration has been getting my mask to stop leaking. Here is my journey-

First of all I am new to CPAP. This is my first try. I am 61 years old, and have a goatee which I keep trimmed at about 1/8" length. So I keep it pretty short. My pressure is set at a constant CPAP 8.0. Here are my stats for the first 12 nights-

Average leak rate - 29%
90% leak rate - 59%
% of time above leak rate threshold - 54%

I started with the Swift FX nasal pillow. I like how this mask fits, it is the same one they had me use during my titration. I have used both the medium and large pillow, and do not see any difference in leak rate between the two. I am not a mouth breather, but do have a tendency to open my lips when sleeping. So I started with a chin strap, that helped but I still would wake up during the night with air leaking out between my lips. So for two nights I taped my mouth shut, and this helped some but not a great deal. I also tried using a mouth piece to bite my teeth on, again still had leakage.

My average time over the leak rate threshold with the pillows was about 25-30%. Worst was 61%, best was 9%.

So I ordered a Airfit F10 FFM and started trying that last week. My first night was terrible, average time over threshold was 98%. Weird thing is I really can't feel any air leaking out from the sides. My best night was about 72% over.

I am guessing my only alternative now is to shave my goatee and see what happens next. And, yes, I have read all the threads about how to minimize leaks. I have tried to adjust the straps, looser/tighter etc. Nothing seems to make any difference.

I am a side sleeper and do tend to toss and turn frequently. Unfortunately, thus far CPAP has not seemed to help much. My average AHI is around 10, my best night was a 1.8 and worst was a 16.7. I do not feel any different during the day now than before using CPAP.

I don't really find either mask uncomfortable and have never knocked a mask off during the night. But they are obviously leaking.

Good news is I bought both masks with return insurance so I can return them and try another. Suggestions or help ??

[PoolQ]

I have a goatee which I keep trimmed at about 1/8" length also
I am a side sleeper and do tend to toss and turn frequently.

I use a Amara View, but have also used a SimPlus with good results. Not saying you are, but just in case-a strap adjustment is no more than 1/8" to dial it in.
To find where the leaks are, if you can hear them, I move my finger around the seal and listen for a change in the noise or if I can feel the air.

If you don't have leaks when you put the mask on, then the beard and mask are not the problem. The mask is getting shifted when you are asleep by hitting against your pillow. Either rain yourself to sleep with your head on the sides of the pillow or look into one of the CPAP pillows.

Do you have and use sleepyhead? need to look at your data to provide some suggestions on settings that may help

[dooger54]

Yes I use Sleepyhead. What data would you like to see??

[glarnold]

I have a full beard and use a ffm. Finally got rid of all the leaks when I switched to the right pillow for me. Cpap pillows helped, but still had some leaks. The buckwheat pillow sold by one of our folks here was a delight, very little leakage, but not easy to adjust. Then I got a pillow from mypillow.com - and am really impressed. I sleep on my side. The pillow conforms to my head and wraps around the mask, sealing it to my face. No more leaks. Keep trying, 'til you find the one right for you.

[glarnold]

The one advertised at "mypillow.com"

I got the one just softer than medium. They're running tv ads now, 2 for the price of one.

[otrpu]

That pillow might be a good idea. When I have problems getting my regular FFM to seal I switch to my RespCARE Hybrid FFM. It's a combination nasal pillow/mouth seal mask. Has a much smaller area to mouth seal. Also, has a chin flap so I don't need a chin strap. Kit comes with all three sizes. Might take a look at it.

Cheers,
otrpu

[LSAT]

Opening your mouth to exhale is also a leak. Could that be part of your problem? If you think it is, try using a chinstrap or tape your lips.

[dooger54]

Opening your mouth to exhale is also a leak. Could that be part of your problem? If you think it is, try using a chinstrap or tape your lips.

I have a chin strap and still get mouth leaks. So I tried tape for two nights and that helped. But I can't fathom wearing tape over my mouth the rest of my life. So for now I have switched to the Airfit F10 FFM. I may give the Amara View mask a try.

I read reviews of the Hybrid mask and was somewhat discouraged by those. And it doesn't have free return insurance so I am reluctant to try it.