Long time user with increased leakage

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
elizabeth25
Posts: 46
Joined: Wed Jan 28, 2015 6:47 pm

Long time user with increased leakage

Post by elizabeth25 » Thu Aug 06, 2026 6:53 pm

I've been using Cpap for over a dozen years. Sufficiently comfortable and apnea well treated with an average of one event per night. For years the leak rate was 0 to 3% over red line.
A year ago I started taking Zepbound. Not because of sleep apnea, but because of a heart issue exacerbated by too much weight. The year went along and I lost 60 pounds. Now over the last few month the leak rate is 16-25%.
The two masks I've used are P10 and P30i with medium nasal pillows. The pillows seem like they fit well. Masks have always slid around on the back of my hair (a chin length bob) which is less than idea but I don't think it is causing the current leaking problem.
I know there is a possibility that my apnea status has changed. I'm not interested in stopping cpap. I have a deviated septum and having air blow in when I'm horizontal is great for me.
Has anyone had a problem where a mask suddenly starts leaking? Are there other masks I should be considering?
Thanks for any ideas. This group is the best.
Claire

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Thank goodness for Sleepyhead.
Elizabeth25

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Pugsy
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Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:31 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Long time user with increased leakage

Post by Pugsy » Thu Aug 06, 2026 7:26 pm

Have you checked the hose to make sure it hasn't developed a small hole in it?
I had that happen to a hose that I had used for years. Small tiny hole and I couldn't feel a leak anywhere but when I filled the hose with water dripped out in one little tiny spot.

How old is the hose? Do you have a spare hose you could swap out and try?

Are you sure you mouth is staying closed? Might try taping it shut for one night to make sure the leaking is from mouth opening.

How far over the 24 L/min line are you going? How long is it above 24 L/min?

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elizabeth25
Posts: 46
Joined: Wed Jan 28, 2015 6:47 pm

Re: Long time user with increased leakage

Post by elizabeth25 » Fri Aug 07, 2026 1:00 pm

Oh Pugsy, Thank you for that good idea. I will check that today. I've never had a system for replacing the hose, so honestly I have no idea how long it's been in use. But I do know I have several extras, which might be a clue that it's been a while.
I use a mask with pillows because the full face felt too claustrophobic. But I do open my mouth so I started taping years ago. Numerous iterations of what to use for taping but my current and most favorite is a roll of silicone tape from Amazon that I cut pieces off and just use a piece vertically, at the center. Works great.
Thank you Pugsy for all your hard work here and all your experience and cleverness. You are a godsend to all of us.
Claire

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Thank goodness for Sleepyhead.
Elizabeth25