SleepWeaver mask leaks

hoggerjo · Post by **hoggerjo** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 1:13 pm

Hello all,

I am fairly new to CPAP therapy, with about six weeks on the hose. In that time, I've been able to try several different masks, thanks to a DME that is very helpful and willing to loan masks for testing at home. After the first week or so, I settled on the Swift FX nasal pillows, and even though they're mostly leak free and work well for me as a side sleeper, I don't find them very comfortable to use. I have a pretty big schnoz, and with the nasal pillows it feels like it's inflated like a balloon at my prescribed pressure of 9.

Yesterday, I got to take the SleepWeaver Advance home, to try out. I really like the way this mask is designed, and how lightweight it is. Unfortunately, I'm having a hard time getting it leak free. I'm pinching, pulling and wiggling, and usually eliminate the big leaks fairly quickly, with just a tiny amount of air escaping through the fabric (I'm prepared to tolerate that). Then, within a few minutes, it starts leaking again, even if I move very little. It seems even small movements are enough to allow leaks to develop, and once air is blowing out somewhere, it doesn't stop until I wiggle or pull on the mask again. It's only been one (miserable) night so far, and I'm not ready to give up on this mask yet, since I otherwise like it a lot. Any tips or ideas that could help keep this mask leak free would be greatly appreciated!

Since this is my first post, I'd also like to thank everyone for all the great information that is posted here. I've learned a lot about my condition and how to treat it, and I can tell that this forum will be a wonderful resource in months and years to come!

Stormynights · Post by **Stormynights** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 2:12 pm

I used this mask before I got the Elan. I would at times wear an eye mask if I needed it to keep air out of my eyes. Make sure you wash your face before putting it on and don't over tighten it. It should do very well at your pressure. This brand has a different type venting so some leaking is expected. IMO

hoggerjo · Post by **hoggerjo** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 2:16 pm

Stormynights wrote:I used this mask before I got the Elan. I would at times wear an eye mask if I needed it to keep air out of my eyes. Make sure you wash your face before putting it on and don't over tighten it. It should do very well at your pressure. This brand has a different type venting so some leaking is expected. IMO

Thanks, I'll make sure I wash my face before I put it on tonight. I have pretty oily skin, so that could very well contribute to the leaks. I did notice that even when the seal is "perfect", there's a little bit of air venting all around the mask; just a very gentle breeze. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to tolerate that, if I can conquer the big leaks.

EDIT: Btw, how do you find the Elan compared to the Advance? My DME only had the Advance in stock, but I'm sure they'll order an Elan for me if I ask. What would you say the differences are?

Stormynights · Post by **Stormynights** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 2:34 pm

I think the Elan is much better but that is just my opinion. The top of the Elan needs to be pulled down where it only covers the end of your nose and doesn't go all the way to the bridge. You just can't beat the Sleepweaver for comfort. I also think they work better after they have been broken in. Worn and washed a few times. I use Woolite and air dry. A big plus is no rainout. They are going to release a new full face mask soon. My DME doesn't carry them and cpap.com may not carry them but I will find a way to get one when they are released.

hoggerjo · Post by **hoggerjo** » Wed Jul 17, 2013 9:24 am

The second night with the SleepWeaver Advance went much better! Thanks, Stormynights, for the advice!

After washing my face, I quickly achieved a good seal when I put the mask on. Then I slept a full five hours before I woke up to a significant leak. It took a little fiddling to regain a good seal, but after a few minutes I was able to go back to sleep, and slept a couple hours more. If I can fine-tune the adjustment of the straps some more, I think this will be my favorite mask so far.

My mask didn't come with the featherweight tubing, which I believe is included with the Elan, but optional for the Advance. I asked my DME about it, and they will order in the tubing, as well as an Elan for me to try.

Stormynights · Post by **Stormynights** » Wed Jul 17, 2013 10:22 am

That is good. The tube is really nice.

hoggerjo · Post by **hoggerjo** » Wed Jul 17, 2013 10:32 am

Stormynights wrote:That is good. The tube is really nice.

Yes, I'm really happy with my DME so far. They're very accommodating and helpful. Not at all like some of the horror stories I've read on this forum, thankfully! I look forward to trying the featherweight tubing, it should reduce the likelyhood of leaks due to the hose pulling the mask out of position.

I just had a look at the leak numbers from last night, and they're really good; mostly better than with my Swift FX nasal pillows, in fact. There was only the one big leak that woke me up, and the rest of the night was uneventful, it seems. My AHI was up slightly to around 3.5, from my usual around 2, mostly due to a few clusters of hypopneas throughout the night. I'm guessing that's because I'm not used to the new mask, and perhaps not sleeping quite as soundly as usual. Anyone care to comment?

SleepWeaver mask leaks

SleepWeaver mask leaks

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Re: SleepWeaver mask leaks