Need Help with a Leaky Mask!

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
jenfa79
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Sep 12, 2008 6:54 am

Need Help with a Leaky Mask!

Post by jenfa79 » Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:35 pm

So I've been doing pretty good getting used to using my machine and mask, but what's happening is I'm waking up in the middle of the night and taking off my mask because I guess (sometimes awake sort of, sometimes not) I'm getting annoyed because of leaks around my nose, I have a S mask and have the straps tight and always make sure the seal is good when I first go to sleep. I'm used to sleeping with it on, and used to not being able to be on my stomach, but this leak stuff drives me nuts, and then I end up with out it on for half the night.

Any suggestions? I know someone said something about using a cream or something to help keep the seal, but I can't seem to find the information, should I go to a large mask even though I have a small nose and features?

Thank you!

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Georgio
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Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2008 5:34 pm
Location: Jacksonville Beach, Fl

Re: Need Help with a Leaky Mask!

Post by Georgio » Thu Sep 25, 2008 2:08 pm

Everyone will tell you something different that works for them. It it were me, I would try a "nasal pillow" type mask and resolve to tape my mouth shut if I mouth breathe. I think everyone here is looking for the perfect mask! Keep trying, and good luck!

Georgio
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grandmma
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Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 9:51 pm
Location: Sydney, Australia

Re: Need Help with a Leaky Mask!

Post by grandmma » Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:31 pm

I have continuous leak problems also, and sometimes go nuts. I've tried various resolutions through these various threads, and whilst you can perhaps improve this, I've never really eliminated the problem. Probably like yourself, I apparently have a very small head, and very fine features. But my nose is also longish, which makes mask fitting a nightmare. I'm continually re-sealing through the night in several spots, and my leak numbers are never low. However, keep in mind that the results are what matters - if your AHI is low (and despite the leak, mine is), and if you feel really well, then I'd ignore the leaks. I've also noted I get better results with the Mirage Activa (0.4) mask than with the Swift (1., although sadly enough I prefer the Swift. And the leak numbers are the same for both. Go figure.

I've not as much experience here as some of the others, but I'd check your results, it may be that the leaks are more or less tolerable if they are good?

Also, it should be borne in mind that if you start each morning by lightly cleaning at least just the outside of the mask where it contacts your face, and each evening with a "squeaky" clean face, it won't hurt either. No moisturiser, no products of any kind other than a drying cleanser (not the moisturising kind.

Good luck.
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DreamStalker
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Re: Need Help with a Leaky Mask!

Post by DreamStalker » Thu Sep 25, 2008 8:58 pm

jenfa79 wrote:So I've been doing pretty good getting used to using my machine and mask, but what's happening is I'm waking up in the middle of the night and taking off my mask because I guess (sometimes awake sort of, sometimes not) I'm getting annoyed because of leaks around my nose, I have a S mask and have the straps tight and always make sure the seal is good when I first go to sleep. I'm used to sleeping with it on, and used to not being able to be on my stomach, but this leak stuff drives me nuts, and then I end up with out it on for half the night.

Any suggestions? I know someone said something about using a cream or something to help keep the seal, but I can't seem to find the information, should I go to a large mask even though I have a small nose and features?

Thank you!
FF masks have more facial real estate to seal. The mask needs to be squeaky clean and so does your face. You must not over tighten or under tighten the straps. Make sure the lower strap does not ride on the back of your neck but rather up on your skull instead. Make sure your hose is not tugging on your mask while you sleep. If none of that works then try a different size mask or a different mask altogether.

Finding the right mask and getting it all adjusted correctly is the hardest part of the treatment. Good luck and not give up!
President-pretender, J. Biden, said "the DNC has built the largest voter fraud organization in US history". Too bad they didn’t build the smartest voter fraud organization and got caught.

CpapedTexan
Posts: 13
Joined: Sat Sep 20, 2008 3:04 pm
Location: Texas

Re: Need Help with a Leaky Mask!

Post by CpapedTexan » Thu Sep 25, 2008 10:52 pm

Hi all,

I'm new to wearing a Cpap, and I'm having the same problem. I use nasal pillows nightly and a full mask on occassion. My nasal passages are small, so sometimes the nasal pillows slip out at night and I have to wake up to put them back in.

I think I wear my mask tight enough without being too loose, but both masks still leak; the nasal pillows also make the inside of my nose a bit sore. The technician gave me a gel to use for the soreness, but finding the right mask may be harder than I first thought.

Michelle

Cpapped xxx

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Additional Comments: Also using the Mirage Liberty FF mask with Nasal Pillows on occassion..

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gasp
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Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:20 pm
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Re: Need Help with a Leaky Mask!

Post by gasp » Fri Sep 26, 2008 9:28 am

DreamStalker wrote:
jenfa79 wrote:So I've been doing pretty good getting used to using my machine and mask, but what's happening is I'm waking up in the middle of the night and taking off my mask because I guess (sometimes awake sort of, sometimes not) I'm getting annoyed because of leaks around my nose, I have a S mask and have the straps tight and always make sure the seal is good when I first go to sleep. I'm used to sleeping with it on, and used to not being able to be on my stomach, but this leak stuff drives me nuts, and then I end up with out it on for half the night.

Any suggestions? I know someone said something about using a cream or something to help keep the seal, but I can't seem to find the information, should I go to a large mask even though I have a small nose and features?

Thank you!
FF masks have more facial real estate to seal. The mask needs to be squeaky clean and so does your face. You must not over tighten or under tighten the straps. Make sure the lower strap does not ride on the back of your neck but rather up on your skull instead. Make sure your hose is not tugging on your mask while you sleep. If none of that works then try a different size mask or a different mask altogether.

Finding the right mask and getting it all adjusted correctly is the hardest part of the treatment. Good luck and not give up!

I like that, "facial real estate"! I'm looking for a mask that is more accommodating to hills and valleys rather than flatland : )

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