Annoying face fart issue

[greatnitz]

Well, I've been using my CPAP for a few weeks now, and it seems that I have a consistent issues with a face-farting mask. From looking at my sleepyhead logs, this seems to happen about 5-6 hours into sleep. The face farting issue will get to the point where there's nothing I can do to stop it, so I end up taking off the mask so that I can finish with a peaceful sleep. I'm finding that this is happening on most nights, rarely do I wake with the mask on. The issue, I believe, is with drool...I hate to admit this but I'm a droller when I sleep. What I believe is happening is that the seal on the mask is getting a little moist and starts slipping...allowing for the air to escape and make the face fart sound. Has anybody else experienced this? If so, how did you resolve it?

Darren

[jamiswolf]

Hi Darren,
Some people will put a layer of soft fabric between mask and skin. That may help. Something like T shirt material. Also they make silicone "gaskets" (pad-a-cheek) but my understanding is that they work better for high pressure leak issues.

I use an auto machine and find it leaks at higher pressures just as I'm getting into deep sleep. Irritating. So...and this is contrary to the usual advice, I tightened the mask straps a bit and it helped.

I assume you clean your mask daily and wash face before going to bed. That's an important routine and helps with mask seal.

Oh, and one idea you may want to consider is to wear a chin strap. Usually used for mouth leak,s but it might help keep the drool inside where it belongs.
Good luck,
Jamis

[scottjf8]

Padacheek.

[Bobby269]

This can help if your not into making things yourself. http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html

[greatnitz]

Thanks for the recommendation! Found a new one on EBAY

[chunkyfrog]

I keep a tub of unscented baby wipes near the bedside.
A quick wipe down of cushion and face restores a good quiet fit--even in the middle of the night.

[MeToo]

The cause may be the oil in your skin building up during the night. This happens to me occasionally. When it does, I get the top of the bed sheet, quickly pull one side of the mask open, and put the sheet between the mask and my face. I slowly pull the sheet out and enough oil is removed from my cheek and the mask to keep the mask from slipping and farting. I do this for both sided - it takes about 10 seconds total. If you do not have oily skin, this probably won't help a lot.
I tried Pad-a-cheek, but that didn't work as well for me.