First Night..or Day

Hi,
I will be using a CPAP in the morning(I works mids) for the first time. I have read quite a bit on this forum.

I have a quick question about my mask, it's a Resmed Mirage SofGel, I noticed that there is a circular perforation on the front of the mask. If I put my finger over the perforation I can feel air escaping. I assume this is intentional by the designers and not a leak?

Thanks

Yes.. that's the vent. The air flowing through the vent "washes out" the CO2 that you exhale. Without the vent, you'd be rebreathing your air and suffocate. The "leak" from the vent is called "intentional leak" and is factored into the machine's settings. Unintentional leak is what happens when your mask doesn't seal to your face, or when you open your mouth with a nasal mask.

Thought so.

Thanks cowlypso.

What is the matter with DMEs - that this was not pointed out to a new user!!!

A person could think that something was wrong and try to seal up that vent!!