Mask Leaks

SleepyMichael · Post by **SleepyMichael** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 5:30 pm

I'm now on BiPAP after a year on CPAP. I'm running 17/14 cm/H2O, with a ComfortGel mask. I'm having a lot of problems with mask leaks. It seems to happen later at night. I'm pretty much a side sleeper, but I do move around a lot in my sleep. I don't seem to have much of a problem when I go to sleep, but later in the night, the mask feels as if it is falling off my face. Many times, I have to pull the top headgear strap down, as it often seems to scoot towards the top of my head. But even where it should be, it always feels like everything loosens up as the night progresses. The thing then stars to squeak and howl and make all manner of unpleasant noises.

Ideas appreciated.

Michael

Quincy · Post by **Quincy** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 8:14 pm

Michael,
I also move around a lot at night and was having trouble with mask leaks and things shifting about. I have been using ResMed Mirage Swift Nasal Pillows for about a year and it all stays put. I only have to tighten the head straps now and then. It's weird looking but works.

NeurosurgeryNP · Post by **NeurosurgeryNP** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 9:51 pm

Sleepy,

I have been using the Activa since I started CPAP 10 months ago. It is a great mask, but I thought that there was something better out there. I spent a few hundred dollars and lots of hours of frustration to find out that the Activa was the best maskf ro me. I tried the Aura, Swift and Breeze to name a few. The Swift was the best nasal prong system for me but awfully loud for me when compared to the Activa. I even tried to break out the Swift again last week but had to take it off becuase it seemed like a train coming through the room when compared to the Activa. So, back into the drawer it went.

My advice to you - I would try out the Activa - it seems to be a well tolerated and popular mask for those on the forum here, even at higher pressures. I am exquisitely a side sleeper and it adjusts well for that - for me anyway. It kind of works on a bellows system to make a seal - you have to have the mask risiculously loose (almost falling off) prior to starting the blower up and when you start the blower up it bellows and seals itself.

Keep us posted. I hope this helps you. Jen

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 10:12 pm

I have never been able to stop any of my masks leaking when the cms is 15 or above.

If i come down to 14.5 I seem to be able to avoid them. At present I run at 15
and put up with those late night squeak leaks.

I have done all the usual tricks
- shaving before bed
- always cleam mask seal after use
- washing face before bed etc

Washing face just before donning mask does help a bit.

Otherthan that - I just wonder if masks are good enough yet to work well at high cms.

Cheers

DSM

Severeena · Post by **Severeena** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 11:21 pm

dsm, I am going to start experimenting on the highest pressure the Hans Rudolph will go without leaking.

I am getting nothing but 0.00L/S every night on my APAP.

Nothing like the present on trying things out.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 8:28 am

I am getting nothing but 0.00L/S every night on my APAP.

Hrmmm...I find this hard to believe. Every mask has a minimum leak, without it, you would die from carbon dioxide poisoning from exhaling.

Everything I see posted by you about this mask makes me think that you are a paid employee of HR that has been strategically placed here to boast the product. I have yet to see many others that like this mask.

This is the most expensive mask out there. Whenever someone has a leak, you boast this. No insurance providers are paying for this mask that I know of, and likely for good reason.

I have tried the HR, was terrible for me. Yes, I used the caliper and didn't rely on DME to do it.

Severeena · Post by **Severeena** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 9:37 am

I just like the mask.

I do not find it heavy on my face. The mask has holes on the bridge part to let the bad air escape.

I am not a paid employee of the Hans Rudolph corporation.

So, how dare you accuse me of this.

I tell people who to call and talk to, and I do this mostly on PM, not to upset the administrators of this forum. I am very careful of this.
I feel that since you are to ashamed to show your name I should not waste my time with a person who is afraid to show him/herself.