Newbie mask question :)

[addison8019@live.com]

Hi all, I'm just about to finish my first week with my first cpap machine (REMstar Auto A-Flex), with a respironics EasyLife nasal mask. So far I can feel a definite positive difference, though not a massive difference yet. My short-term memory has improved, and I feel a bit more 'switched on' which is great, the only problem is getting my mask not to leak! . I have worked out it only needs to be fitted 'loosely' to make a good seal, which it does when the pressure is low, and I am having much more luck with it now, but still I wake up about 5/6 hours in to my sleep with a badly leaking mask, and no amount of re-adjustment will solve the problem for long (unless I tighten the straps to un-comfortable levels then I can't get back to sleep). It seems as if the natural oils develop on my face during the night, which eventually become bad enough to break the seal and it won't re-seal again. That''s my guess anyway, has anyone had a similar experience?

[Chikorita]

I can't help you with your question but I'd like to welcome you to the forum. People are friendly and someone here will be able to help you.

[chearyshe]

Perhaps a mask liner would help with the leaks...either a homemade one or one from http://www.padacheek.com. I hade one myself and it works nicely. HTH

[BRPTsleeptech]

Hi all, I'm just about to finish my first week with my first cpap machine (REMstar Auto A-Flex), with a respironics EasyLifenasal mask. So far I can feel a definite positive difference, though not a massive difference yet. My short-term memory has improved, and I feel a bit more 'switched on' which is great, the only problem is getting my mask not to leak! . I have worked out it only needs to be fitted 'loosely' to make a good seal, which it does when the pressure is low, and I am having much more luck with it now, but still I wake up about 5/6 hours in to my sleep with a badly leaking mask, and no amount of re-adjustment will solve the problem for long (unless I tighten the straps to un-comfortable levels then I can't get back to sleep). It seems as if the natural oils develop on my face during the night, which eventually become bad enough to break the seal and it won't re-seal again. That''s my guess anyway, has anyone had a similar experience?

As a sleep tech without seeing you I would say it might not be sized right or maybe you nee a slightly different nasal mask. Where is it leaking? At the top, into your eyes?, at the bottom where its just annoying.
I would recommend either calling your DME company and talking to them about your issues with the mask, don't be afraid they have tips and tricks or a new mask that might fit better on you. Second if they aren't helpful most sleep labs have a day tech, so I would check were you had your sleep study done and call and talk to the day tech ask for help fitting it to your face explain your issues.

I will tell you that respironics EasyLife isn't my favorite mask to fit, I kinda like the ResMed Mirage FX one its easy for pt to adjust small and I have good luck with it.