side sleeping and mask leaking

HI All,

I think I am doing pretty good on CPAP, been about 1 month. I still haven't figured a good way to sleep on my side without my mask leaking. I tried the padacheek for 2 days, and I really didn't like it. The hole for my mouth seemed too small, I tried opening it, and it still seemed small. Also, the padacheek liner seemed to continuously leak between the layer of fabric and my skin, often blowing air over my eyes. Am I doing something wrong with the pad cheek?

I also notice that in the morning it seems hard to get a good seal on the mask after sleeping all night (without the padacheek). Is that normal due to oils building up on the face? Is there anything to do about this, maybe turning down the humidity on my system? Thanks.

Do you clean your face before bed? I found that doing a good cleaning and using a toner or astringent has helped me. I am definitely a side sleeper and I've figured out how to position myself to minimize leaks. In addition, the face cleaning right before bed helped a lot.

Have you looked at the Pap Pillow (made for side sleeping pappers)?

Yes, someone else suggested that, and I have been washing my face immediately before going to bed. It just seems like in the morning, after sleeping all night, the mask is hard to seal.

Madalot wrote:Do you clean your face before bed? I found that doing a good cleaning and using a toner or astringent has helped me. I am definitely a side sleeper and I've figured out how to position myself to minimize leaks. In addition, the face cleaning right before bed helped a lot.

blakesq wrote:Yes, someone else suggested that, and I have been washing my face immediately before going to bed. It just seems like in the morning, after sleeping all night, the mask is hard to seal.

Madalot wrote:Do you clean your face before bed? I found that doing a good cleaning and using a toner or astringent has helped me. I am definitely a side sleeper and I've figured out how to position myself to minimize leaks. In addition, the face cleaning right before bed helped a lot.

Well, the only other thing I can think of that fixed it for me was the new pillows I bought. They are regular pillows (the cpap pillow did NOT work well for me). If you think it might be helpful, I can try to look and see exactly what pillows I bought.

Your face muscles relax overnight and it seems like the face has shrunk. In most cases, if you have a goiod seal to start with...it lasts all night.

You didn't mention your pressure settings. knowing that might help with the advice.
When you look at your SleepyHead graphs what does the leak line look like. Do the leaks correspond to higher pressures?

Is it possible you have the headgear adjusted to TIGHT? That seems to be a common problem.

Have you tried a different mask yet? Many DMEs allow you to try more than one mask your first 30 days. If you are not to far past 30 maybe you could convince them to provide a better choice for you.
Let them know the leaks could affect your compliance, which could affect there getting paid.

I keep unscented baby wipes handy, to wipe down the silicone and my face if it needs it.
It's the price I pay for young looking skin.

You could try using a different mask liner. I use RemZzzs liners, and prefer them to the PadACheek liners. Do be sure to clean your face well before masking up, don't use moisturizer at night, etc. This should be done even with the use of liners. If you need to use moisturizing cream, try using it in the morning.