machine or masks cause leaks

I've been noticing that some people talk about new machines and problems with leaks. But machines don't cause a leak, only a mask does, right?

Hey "Squidworth",

The machines generate the air pressure.....the masks have a (stated) "vent flow rate" at a given pressure.......anything above that rate is considered a "leak rate". The higher the pressure, the higher the "vent flow rate" and if the mask isn't fitting well, the higher the the "leak rate".

Den

Masks have a designed vent to deal with exhaling of carbon dioxide. That is the intentional leak described in the mask literature.

If masks are not sealing right on the user's face/nose/mouth, there could be a leak.

If there is a defect in the mask construction (loose connection, etc.), there could be a leak.

If the hose connections (including connections at XPAP and humidifier) become loose, there could be a leak.

If the user of a nasal mask opens mouth, there could be a leak.

It's always good to routinely check the smartcard data for those machines that accomodate this to see how the leak rate (max., 90%, and average, if possible) is doing, especially if you haven't been feeling really good lately.

Also, most CPAPs are leak tolerant... to a point anyway.

However the user may not like the sounds that leaks create

Most leaks are mask leaks. However, you can have a leak at the CPAP connection. And at the HH coupler.