question on leaking

[laurie2025]

I wear the Aura Twilight Headrest nasal mask. I am feeling a bit of air movement around my nose when I breathe out. It's not much. But, it's freaking me out. Is this a bad thing? Is this technically a leak? I'm not sure and I'm hoping someone can help me out. I am using the large pillows, so that is not an option. It's weird though, I don't have a large nose, but the mediums were definitely too small.
Anyway, my main concern is the air flow I feel when I breathe out.
Thanks for any advice/suggestions.

[Snoredog]

you need to check with Rested Gal, my understanding that interface requires a pantyhose modification or 5-6 wraps of duct tape completely around the head to hold the interface to your nose.

[oldgearhead]

So, what Encore Pro have to say about your leak?

http://www.internetage.com/cpapinfo/leak-rates-1.html

[laurie2025]

Duct tape? Gee, maybe I'll try that. Or chicken wire, that might help too.
I would love to check the cpap machine, but I don't yet have a reader or the software.

So, I guess from these answers, I can say I am definitely leaking?
I am already using the pantyhose and the rubberband modifications.
I was hoping that a small leak on exhale only wouldn't be an issue.

[Snoredog]

[quote="laurie2025"]Duct tape? Gee, maybe I'll try that. Or chicken wire, that might help too.
I would love to check the cpap machine, but I don't yet have a reader or the software.

So, I guess from these answers, I can say I am definitely leaking?
I am already using the pantyhose and the rubberband modifications.
I was hoping that a small leak on exhale only wouldn't be an issue.

[HP]

Laurie,

I've got an Aura, really like it, and did the rubber band trick that cured my leak problems when new.

Did you add rubber bands too?

After I put the mask on each night and before I go to sleep, I wiggle each of the prongs to be sure they are set properly in the nostrile. Do you do something like that? I used to notice that sometimes the prongs did not get "seated" properly until I coaxed each one separately.

How long have you been using your removable prong device? I imagine that in time, the rubbery material may lose its plyability, making it more difficult to get a proper seal. I am still using all original parts for nearly a year now. Some people say the insurance companies usually buy a replacement mask fitting every 6 months.

The sound of the airflow exhaling is much different than the sound of the airflow inhaling. I do not know if your machine uses a smartcard. If so, how does the average and 90% leak values look for you?

Just some thoughts. Hope you get this issue resolved!

[Guest]

Laurie,

I've got an Aura, really like it, and did the rubber band trick that cured my leak problems when new.

Did you add rubber bands too?

After I put the mask on each night and before I go to sleep, I wiggle each of the prongs to be sure they are set properly in the nostrile. Do you do something like that? I used to notice that sometimes the prongs did not get "seated" properly until I coaxed each one separately.

How long have you been using your removable prong device? I imagine that in time, the rubbery material may lose its plyability, making it more difficult to get a proper seal. I am still using all original parts for nearly a year now. Some people say the insurance companies usually buy a replacement mask fitting every 6 months.

The sound of the airflow exhaling is much different than the sound of the airflow inhaling. I do not know if your machine uses a smartcard. If so, how does the average and 90% leak values look for you?

It is almost new; I've had it about 2 months now. I do "wiggle" the prongs a bit to get them seated. I have a straight CPAP not auto. I do use the rubber bands. Currently I do not have the software or card reader.

I just hope that my "treatment" is still working, even though I appear to have a leak.

[laurie2025]

Well duh. That was my post, not logged in.

[Guest]

One more thing you can try.

When you wiggle the prongs, one at a time, do it with the cpap machine on. After a few nights of doing this, you will begin to recognize the sound when the leak diminishes as the prong takes a good seat in the nostrile.

There is a chance that you don't have a leak at all. But instead, you are hearing the regular airflow through the mask manifold.

The sound is different for the inhales and the exhales because of the different pressures and airflow directions.

Good luck!

[rested gal]

I wear the Aura Twilight Headrest nasal mask. I am feeling a bit of air movement around my nose when I breathe out. It's not much.

Laurie, I use the same mask -- the Twilight NP (Aura/Headrest...gee, it's had a lot of names. )

Mine's pretty leakproof with the pantyhose leg around it. You mentioned using the "fixes" too.

The way you're describing the leak (yeah, if you're feeling air flow around your nostrils, it's probably a leak) it doesn't sound like enough of a leak to be a problem. The machines compensate for leaks up to a certain point.

You said "a bit of air movement" and "not much", so I wouldn't worry about it.

If it were a big leak, you'd notice that when awake.

That said, some people are more sensitive to even gentle wisps of air touching the face. So, if this is waking you up or bothering you, it can disturb your sleep. But it doesn't sound like it's enough of a leak to be hurting your treatment.

[laurie2025]

Thank you so much. I was worried that it would affect my ability to get a good nights sleep. They are very small 'wisps' of air, I will make sure the nasal prongs/pillows are well set at my nostrils, and will check it when the machine is running.
I appreciate all your help.