Newbie with airleak

SmokeyBear · Post by **SmokeyBear** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 12:27 pm

Hello all,

I have just had my CPAP for 6days now.

I am loving it. I have had an issue arise. The seal I start out with is great.After two to three hours the mask developed an air leak from a poor seal to my face. I repeatedly attempt to get a good seal but with no success, if I get a seal it immediately leaks at the slightest movement. I am not using the pillows option it bugs my nose.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 12:53 pm

You may need to wash the the nasal cushion and your face daily. Facial oils tend to compromise the seals of most masks. Some wash face right before bed and use astringent to remove oils ... everyone is different and you need to find out what works best for you.

Welcome to the forum and best of luck!

SmokeyBear · Post by **SmokeyBear** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 12:59 pm

Thank you for the welcome.

I have been washing my face every night just before bed. This morning I even got up and re-washed my face at 3:15. It has made my face pretty dry. I have been using baby shampoo to wash the mask as was recommended somewhere.

I will try an astringent.

Thank you,

Brad

Bamalady · Post by **Bamalady** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 3:11 pm

Hi Brad and welcome!

You may want to read the thread about silicone putty at the link I will leave. Some folks have reported really good results.

http://tinyurl.com/2yabfe

ratkinson · Post by **ratkinson** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 8:51 pm

Which of the other two interfaces are you using, direct seal or simple?
I use direct seal with my CL. I had a set up which I thought was perfect , but, I to would wake up with leaks. I found that changing my angle (toward my face) and slowly bringing it up until it sealed worke well. It wasn't as comfortable as my initial angle, but, no more leaks. After a couple of days It felt just as comfortable as my intial set up. If you are using the simple cushions I could not get them to work properly for me. Also there are creams you can use to prevent or lesson the nare irritation with the nasal cushions. I used baby chapstick....but there are many, one of which may do the trick for you.

Richard

ColinP · Post by **ColinP** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 8:08 am

Hi there

When I first started, I would get a good seal as I put the mask on, but would wake up later in the night with it leaking a bit. When I found this forum I started adjusting my minumim pressure up to 8 (it was set to run APAP 4 - 20), and found that I had leaks immediately when putting the mask on. I made some adjustments and once I got the mask sealing properly, found that it didn't start leaking in the middle of the night anymore.

So, it's possible that your mask seals well at the start of your sleep because your pressure is low, and that as the pressure adjusts upwards, you get a bit of leaking.

What ever is causing it, I hope you manage to find a solution,

Colin

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 10:34 am

Brad's is a simple, straight cpap - no pressure changed while you sleep.

How are you routing your hose, Brad? Could it be pulling your mask when you turn over?

The pillows bug most of us when we start out - but they were certainly worth it for me. I had read a recommendation to use KY Jelly or Ayr Gel, and used the former - for 4 months actually. I also had to take a break after the first three nights, to let my my nose heal - but never since.

The really interesting thing is that when I first saw picture of nasal pillows I was convinced that it wasn't for me - but a nasal mask just didn't work for me - and I fell in love with nasal pillows.

O.

ColinP · Post by **ColinP** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 1:27 am

ozij wrote:Brad's is a simple, straight cpap - no pressure changed while you sleep.

Oops, I should have checked that. Thanks for you gentle and polite correction.

Mask