Is there any value in using a leaking cpap mask??

[Strugglin2breathe]

Ok, some of you may remember my post from yesterday about whether or not it was safe to use my old CPAP machine and thank you to all for the helpful information. Good news is I cleaned up the old girl and she runs like new. Problem is my mask is missing the silicone cushions and its just the hard plastic piece. This is causing a pretty big air leak due to virtually no seal, not to mention some discomfort. So is there any point in using it for now? Should i try it and see if it does anything for me or just wait until I can afford a new mask? Thanks for the continued advice!

[Snoregone Conclusion]

Does your machine have a mask fit test option?

Also, if you somehow can't get a new mask immediately (maybe you don't have a current prescription to make it easier, but really, you can get them off Amazon readily enough) it's not too hard with a little work to make a cushion seal for a full face mask if you're determined.

Just an interesting I tried last night: I have a section of upholstery cushion I bought, and tested the mask fit option against it, held firmly: my machine was quite happy with it. You may even be able to make a good seal using Foamies, easily bought in the same craft stores you'd find the cushion in.

How hard it'd be on something other than an FFM I don't know, but it seems it wouldn't be hard to replace a dead seal on an FFM, I only temporarily. Foamies are cheap, the full-sized 22"x22"x4" cushion I paid around $20 for. It all depends on how adventurous and cheap you are. Think of it as a mad scientist sleep study where you're the squeaking guinea pig and the mad scientist.

[Jerseyguy]

Ok, some of you may remember my post from yesterday about whether or not it was safe to use my old CPAP machine and thank you to all for the helpful information. Good news is I cleaned up the old girl and she runs like new. Problem is my mask is missing the silicone cushions and its just the hard plastic piece. This is causing a pretty big air leak due to virtually no seal, not to mention some discomfort. So is there any point in using it for now? Should i try it and see if it does anything for me or just wait until I can afford a new mask? Thanks for the continued advice!

I don't know if it is effective at all however you should be able to get just the coushin by it self which is alot cheaper than the mask. Also some people may have old masks they could send you. That would definitely be preferable to not using it or getting very little help. Hopefully someone does. I unfortunately do not.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

[palerider]

Ok, some of you may remember my post from yesterday about whether or not it was safe to use my old CPAP machine and thank you to all for the helpful information. Good news is I cleaned up the old girl and she runs like new. Problem is my mask is missing the silicone cushions and its just the hard plastic piece. This is causing a pretty big air leak due to virtually no seal, not to mention some discomfort. So is there any point in using it for now? Should i try it and see if it does anything for me or just wait until I can afford a new mask? Thanks for the continued advice!

No, it won't do you any good without the seal.

Figure out what kind of mask it is, and order a new cushion from ebay or amazon.

[Sheriff Buford]

Tell us what mask it is. Or.... take a photo of it and post it.

Sheriff

[D.H.]

The newer machines compensate for minor leaks, but it's not possible to compensate for a leak as massive as the one you're describing.

As stated, you can probably order just the missing pieces. However, you might want to price a new mask, as I have to wonder what shape the rest of the mask is in. Generally, you can get better price (than from a DME) on secondwindcpap.com, Ebay, Amazon, or Walmart.com.

[chunkyfrog]

The silicone pIece is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.