Nasal mask vs FFM leaks

I've noticed something strange and I was wondering if anyone else had the same experience. I usually use a DreamWare nasal mask(with tape placed horizontally across my entire mouth) and I get occasional long periods of leaks ranging from 6-20 but it never seems to disturb my sleep. However, once in a while I switch to a full mask like the AirFit F30i(with a chin strap) and I get extremely low leakage, usually around 1-5, however, I am occasionally awakened and annoyed by hissing and/or the feeling of air blowing on my face.

Why does such a low leak rate from the F30i bother me yet I can sleep right through the higher leakage from the DreamWare nasal? Thank you.

samican wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 11, 2023 3:36 pm

Why does such a low leak rate from the F30i bother me yet I can sleep right through the higher leakage from the DreamWare nasal? Thank you.

I think you answered your own question when you wrote the description of the leaks:

The mouth leak doesn't blow in your face and it probably doesn't hiss as much. It's the hissing and the fact that air is blowing onto your face that is causing you to notice the smaller leaks with the F30i: The hissing and the airflow hitting your face is more troublesome stimuli than the mouth leak is, and that's what's waking you up.