Recurrent Corneal Erosion due to Mask Leaks

Has anyone else suffered from Corneal Erosion due to air leaks from a full face mask? I have tried 6 different masks all leak into the corner of my eye causing dry eye which leads to Corneal Erosion. I had to have most of my cornea removed from my right eye and have had to stop using CPAP until I come up with a solution. I tried the nasal pillows and they didn't work all of the air came out my mouth, used a chin strap and it didn't stop the air flow.

Google Onyx sleep masks.

Stu California wrote:Has anyone else suffered from Corneal Erosion due to air leaks from a full face mask? I have tried 6 different masks all leak into the corner of my eye causing dry eye which leads to Corneal Erosion. I had to have most of my cornea removed from my right eye and have had to stop using CPAP until I come up with a solution. I tried the nasal pillows and they didn't work all of the air came out my mouth, used a chin strap and it didn't stop the air flow.

I like these Onyix eye shields.

http://www.eyeeco.com/product/iproduct_ ... hiled.html

Mine have lasted over a year. Don't get the new 'improved' ones, the bridge over the nose doesn't work well with most full face masks.

You also need to make sure the leak into your eyes isn't from the inside. There is a passage from the eyes to the nose to allow tears to drain. It is supposed to be one way but for some people it allows air to go up it.

Another mask to try is the Hybrid. It is the reason I switched because the masks always leaked at the bridge of the nose.

Have you tried a hybrid mask that is a nasal pillows mask that also covers the mouth such as the InnoMed Hybrid Full Face CPAP Mask with Nasal Pillows or the ResMed Mirage Liberty Full Face CPAP Mask with Nasal Pillows. These would move any leakage away from your eyes and would also cover your mouth so you would not leak air as with a regular nasal pillows mask. Also, I am currently using the Philips Resperonics Amara View which is of a similar design but without the nasal pillows. It would also keep air leaks away from your eyes.

Try the total face mask.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... dgear.html
Pressure is equalized, and airflow is engineered until it feels like no breeze at all inside.
Not my favorite mask, but I would totally use this mask to save my eyes.

The Total mask is known to be extra leaky...

It depends on the fit. Get the right size first; then adjust headgear correctly.
The right bed pillow would be more important than with a smaller mask.
I think an inflatable cushion on that mask would conform to more faces.
{{{--is anybody listening?}}}

How could cpap air get onto the corneas? Do some people sleep with their lids open?

herefishy wrote:How could cpap air get onto the corneas? Do some people sleep with their lids open?

Masks are not designed to always seal (on everyone) as well as we would like.
Eyelids are not strong enough to block out an air stream directed onto/across them,
---especially when you are asleep and your muscles are relaxed.
This opens the eye just a crack, allowing air to hit the eye itself.
Or some people have a nasolachrymal duct that conducts air backwards,
to exit through the puncta, under the eyelid.

You need to figure out whether you have air leaking through your nasolacrimal duct. That's a little passage that goes from the corner of your eye into your nose. For some people, CPAP air goes up the duct into your eye. Does the air bubble out through from under your eyelid, or is it blowing in from outside?

There are some nasolacrimal duct plugs that can be installed. However, there can be problems with these, so don't go to them without a good discussion with your doctor.

A total face mask will solve nasolacrimal duct leaks, but they do tend to have leak and fitting problems for some.

An oral mask will also fix nasolcrimal duct leaks if you learn to use them without the nose plugs. The Oracle oral mask is about the only one. It tends to dry out your mouth and throat, and the sensation of not breathing through the nose is unpleasant for some people.

Hi Stu,

I am sorry you have this difficult condition to deal with on top of stopping treatment. It has to be frustrating searching for solutions while fatigued and untreated.

Because you have already experienced fairly serious physical issues with CPAP use, have you talked with your doctor or investigated alternatives that insurance would cover like the new Inspire treatment? Perhaps this is an option to investigate after determining if the air is leaking through the nasolacrimal duct or perhaps you have endured enough eye damage and surgeries and feel the need to just pursue other options. Since the Inspire is relatively new and not offered by the forum sponsors, I'm not sure how much you can really get from this forum on the subject here. Your doctor may not even be aware of this treatment option, so you might have to delve deeper.

I do hope you can find a solution that doesn't damage your eyes and treats your sleep apnea.

Kind regards,
GB

Stu California wrote:Has anyone else suffered from Corneal Erosion due to air leaks from a full face mask? I have tried 6 different masks all leak into the corner of my eye causing dry eye which leads to Corneal Erosion. I had to have most of my cornea removed from my right eye and have had to stop using CPAP until I come up with a solution. I tried the nasal pillows and they didn't work all of the air came out my mouth, used a chin strap and it didn't stop the air flow.

They had to put plugs in both my tear ducts I have stopped using the CPAP altogether as my sight is now more important than CPAP. Thanks for the suggestions I have now tried every masks on the market and the provider doesn't have a solution.

chunkyfrog wrote:Try the total face mask.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... dgear.html
Pressure is equalized, and airflow is engineered until it feels like no breeze at all inside.
Not my favorite mask, but I would totally use this mask to save my eyes.

I would ask the ophthalmologist about using the Total Face mask first. Can't be used by those with high eye pressure as it will raise the pressure, but there may be other issues as well.

Stu, an xpap may just not be a solution for you. I don't know how bad your apnea is but you may be a better candidate for oxygen instead of cpap particularly if your apnea is severe. I get you though. I've had to make a choice to pass by certain treatments for other stuff because of the effect on my eye (I'm already blind in one eye). Sometimes, you just have to decide whether living longer is worth being blind while doing so.

I doubt that you have used this mask...I f you had tried it you wouldn't have this problem.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... dgear.html