Lost here

Hi,
I am new to this forum. I have recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea(week and a half ago). My DME fitted me for a Snapp mask. Initially, it seemed to work fine, but now it seems to leak, any suggestions?

For any previous posts about the Snapp mask, use the cpaptalk search function at the top of this page. For keyword, enter Snapp. Then search by post (not topic) so you get only the ones with Snapp references.

If it didn't leak at first, maybe now the problem is that it is oily (or your skin is) and you're losing the seal. Make sure both mask and skin are squeaky clean and see if there's any improvement.

You could go back to your DME with the mask. Tell them you'd like to try a different one because the Snapp leaks. I'd suggest you request the Puritan Bennett Breeze. If they don't have it on hand, they can order it for you. If they are not a good DME and won't let you try other masks, stop using them and order all your stuff from https://www.cpap.com. (It's cheaper and faster anyway.)

What machine did they give you? Does your machine give you event data? Leak data? If it does, you can see how effective the treatment has been so far and if leaks are a problem. If the machine you were given does not have this capability, you could tell your DME you'd like to swap your current machine with a machine that gives stats. (NOT just compliance stats.)

It is your DME's job to see that things are going well for you. You're paying a premium for using a DME because of the service they are (theoretically) supposed to be providing. Use them. Call them regularly. Ask them how to prevent leaks. Ask them for suggestions. Have them keep delivering new masks until you find one that works for you. It could take 5 or more tries before you find the one you like best. If you're like most of us and find your DME is not helpful, fire them. You will be able to get better information, education and suggestions through this site, and less expensive equipment with immediate delivery through cpap.com.

Good luck.

One other thing to consider is that some of the headgear straps do strech out a bit as they get broken in. You might need to re-adjust the headgear to get a better seal.

Do you have any other symptoms to go with it? If you use humidifcation sometimes you get what is called rainout. That is when water condenses in your hose or mask. I have had the water condense in my mask and get the area that seals to my face damp. That proved to be enough to disrupt my seal and cause leaks.

When you get a chance I would recomend editing your profile. There is an option to add information about the equipment you are using. Sometimes having that information filled in makes it easier for people to offer suggestions about what might work best for you.

In any event, welcome to the forum! It is strange I am always so happy for people that find the forum, but at the same time I am sad that they needed the forum in the first place. I am more happy than sad though because everyone here is so nice and helpful that finding the forum is a great step towards finding the solutions they will need to be successful with cpap.

I would suggest the same thing as the previous poster, though a little more light heartedly.
Most DME companies will let you come to thier location and actually get to touch/feel/play with the different masks out there. There are tons of different types of masks and headgear. Pretty much everyone will do best with something different.
Give them a call, and talk to them. They should be able to help you figure out just what is going on. It can be a bit of a lengthy process since, again, there is rarely one solution that will work for two different people! It's trial and error.

I appreciate all of your help. I will follow through on the suggestions