Need help improving the seal on my mask

ready2sleep · Post by **ready2sleep** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 9:45 am

I only have it about 3 mos, and it doesnt seem to seal as well as it used to, I am getting frustrated and taking it off when it starts to leak. I thought I had read somewhere in someones imformative posts that there were some things I could possibly do to improve the seal? Thank you in advance.

WindFlyer · Post by **WindFlyer** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 9:50 am

First and foremost keep the mask clean. Washing the face at night is recommended also. Usually the silicon face cushion should last and be able to seal longer than 3 months. I've used mine for as long as a year without a great deal of trouble. Snugging the straps can't hurt to improve seal, but it's a matter of comfort then because you don't want em' too tight, so use caution. The other thing is to experiment. Sometimes a tug on the strap on one side, or a push or a nudge to move the mask position on the face can help stop little leaks. I always recommend masking up before you go to sleep and just sit and watch TV with the mask on and play around with adjustments and soforth while you're still awake. Then when you're ready to lay your head down for sleep you've got all the adjustments made.

So basically that's it- keep it clean, keep it snug, and don't be afraid to move it around a bit.

Masked sleep is the best sleep of all! You won't regret it!

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 10:06 am

IF giving your mask a nudge one way or the other doesn't help try pulling it a short distance (1/2" or so) away from your face to let the air pressure fill the cushion up again and then letting it back on your face, maybe a gentle nudge or two one way or the other again and that should do the trick.

Washing the cushion daily w/baby shampoo and washing your face each night before bed helps prolong the cushion's life as well.

Newbies have a tendency to keep tightening the straps due to leaks and sometimes LOOSENING the straps a bit works instead.

Keep in mind the contours of our face changes when we lay down from sitting up and when we change sleep positions like from back to side or vice versa. Sometimes we get better results fitting the mask comfortably while sitting up, never minding a minor leak and then making the final adjustment if any is needed whilst laying down. I've had a minor leak sitting up and NO LEAK when I laid down w/o making any further adjustments. What works seems to vary from one position to the next.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 10:31 am

I use baby shampoo (not actual shampoo but the baby wash) and a vinegar and water mixture (I keep it in a spray bottle). I wash the cushion with the baby wash rinse then spray the vinegar and rinse. Then I blow dry with warm air from a hair dryer. This works for me in keeping the cushion "tacky". I also shave a night so my face is usually pretty clean before bed.

TM

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 10:34 am

Try soaking your mask in a 3:1 water/white vinegar solution for about an hour, rinse well, and dry. Washing or shaving your face also helps.

lvwildcat · Post by **lvwildcat** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:17 pm

How often does your insurance allow a new mask? I know mine is every 3 months for mask and 6 months for headgear-so maybe it's time to get a new mask

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 8:24 pm

Insurance should be buying you replacement cushions and masks at regular intervals, if without insurance you might try:

1. Drop and hold the mask cushion in boiling water with tongs, sometimes it brings it back into to shape. If it is torn or has a wear crease in it you can try putting some scotch tape or masking tape on the inside of the cushion flap, this can stiffen it up some.

2. I always use Dawn liquid handsoap, I like the citrus antibacterial type. It works great for breaking down skin oils, they even use it to clean wildlife in oil spills.

lvwildcat · Post by **lvwildcat** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 8:46 pm

snoredog-not to start a debate but I was told NEVER to use antibacterial soap because it breaks down the silicone over time. Anyone else heard that?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 10:28 pm

lvwildcat wrote:snoredog-not to start a debate but I was told NEVER to use antibacterial soap because it breaks down the silicone over time. Anyone else heard that?

this message brought to you by the mask manufacturer association. Do you honestly believe a mask Manufacturer wants you go prolong the life of your mask?

Fact: I've been using that soap for nearly 5 years, my first UMFF I got 2 years use from the same cushion. I only bought another one and a spare cushion because they were jacking up their price due to that internet policy change.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Dec 02, 2006 8:14 am

lvwildcat wrote:snoredog-not to start a debate but I was told NEVER to use antibacterial soap because it breaks down the silicone over time. Anyone else heard that?

First, I only got my equipment, ane hence joined the CPAP-using community, yesterday. FWIW, the instructions provided by my provider:

"Wash thoroughly in non-lanolin antibacterial soap." Does it matter? Don't know yet.

2mrchio · Post by **2mrchio** » Sat Dec 02, 2006 8:17 am

Also getting used to posting here (never joined a forum that allowed postings as 'Guest' - and thought I had already logged in).

The previous post was by me.

Mask

Additional Comments: Machine:Resmed S7 Elite; Oracle Mask(YES! My DREAM mask!!)