Mask Leaks?

Hello,
Im new and am learning how to do this. I couldn't use my mask all weekend. No matter what I did, it leaked right at eye level and there was a constant flow of air into my eyes. But the CPAP machine always showed good mask connection. I cant sleep like that. I tried fitting it while sitting up, I even tightened it so much my eyeballs burst out and it didnt stop leaking. Do all full face masks leak? I have an appointment to see tech for other options. Thanks for any help!

Is there any chance that you were experiencing the normal vented air that is bouncing back into your eyes from either the bed covers or your arm?

All masks "leak" in terms of the vented air that flows out of the vent holes but that air doesn't normally go towards the eyes unless something is causing the deflection.

Perhaps a different mask would be a better option for you but no matter which mask you use....look for those vent holes as that is an on purpose intentional leak area but it shouldn't go back towards the eyes or face at all.

It is not the vented part. I made sure it wasnt. It is leaking by nose, where it touches the skin. thanks for your help.

Mask liners can help. Padacheek makes nice ones.
Also sometimes if I have tightened my mask too tight it leaks at the nose. It isn't intuitive, but sometime looser is better for leaks.

Yeah you can over tighten a mask very easily and get huge amounts of leaks. But then again it may just not be the mask for you.

When you adjust the mask to stop the nose leak, does it then leak out the bottom?
I have had that problem with every Resmed full face mask I have ever tried.
The damn mask rocks on my face and will NEVER fit securely all the way around.
The only full face mask I have ever had luck with is the Respironics Comfortgel full face mask
(Now Comfortgel Blue). The thick gel cushion is deep enough to allow use with little chins AND noses.

In my case it leaks at my cheekbones because the mask is too high up. It's also a little too big. (Yes, I wear an xsml mask with xsml headgear and they are both too big. Insert zippy-the-pinhead joke here...) When I wore a size small mask, there was one exact spot where it wouldn't leak, and that was with my mouth open. With mouth open it would leak out at the cheekbones and then I would push it down and it would leak out the bottom. With mouth closed I knew when it was centered because it would leak out the top and bottom at the same time!

If you go to our hosts at cpap.com, there are sizing guides for various masks that you print out and then cut out to use them. Check to make sure that you are in the right size, and then get with your dme if you aren't. The xsml masks are special order with mine and I need to give them a little warning.

Who knew I was so special?

Does your DME not have some sort of mask guarantee? I would suggest going back and asking for help with adjustment or switching the mask with one that works. It will probably save you a ton of time.

I have never found a full face mask that did not leak. Some swear by them, but not me. Do you have a full face mask for a reason? Or is that just what they pushed on you? If you need it, that is one thing, but you can also look into other options like nasal masks or nasal pillows masks.

That's why I love the Sleepweaver Elan. The fabric conforms to my nose like a parachute. The exhaust blows on your upper lip, but it's not a leak as it seals nicely around the schnoze

Yes, mask liners can help... I use them as I couldn't control them any other way. You mentioned fitting the mask while sitting up... your face changes shape when you lie down (muscles sag, etc) so it is best to fit the mask in the prone position... I use a FF mask, but there are others you could try for a smaller footprint on your face. I need the FF because I'm a mouth breather, so I would defeat the purpose of cpap therapy to use a nasal or pillow mask.