Mask issues

Hey guys I have been using my cpap machine quite successfully for the last couple of years, and it has made a huge difference to my health which has been great. I currently have a high pressure setting of 19 and have been using the mirage soft gel nasal mask since purchasing the machine. My current problem is now I'm noticing the mask is leaking quite often and due to the high pressure I am sometimes waking up with a dry sore throat. What would you guys recommend for a mask replacement? Is there anything I can do to get a bit more life out of my current mask? Thanks for any feedback

Joshaldo wrote:Hey guys I have been using my cpap machine quite successfully for the last couple of years, and it has made a huge difference to my health which has been great. I currently have a high pressure setting of 19 and have been using the mirage soft gel nasal mask since purchasing the machine. My current problem is now I'm noticing the mask is leaking quite often and due to the high pressure I am sometimes waking up with a dry sore throat. What would you guys recommend for a mask replacement? Is there anything I can do to get a bit more life out of my current mask? Thanks for any feedback

Well, it sounds like you've got a mouth-leaking situation going on. You need to keep the mouth shut, but otherwise need to figure out the source of the leaking. Is it around the mask or is it out your mouth? Then, you need to determine how to solve that issue.


Den

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Such as with a full face mask, at least a chin strap or maybe taping. At that pressure I'm surprised it didn't happen long ago (or maybe it did but not so obviously).

Yes, mouth leaking going on. As I see it, you are currently using a nasal interface, therefore you have three options:

1) Try a chinstrap to see if that solves the problem. It probably won't but it's worth a shot.

2) Try taping your lips/mouth, if you can be comfortable with that concept. Maybe in conjunction with a chin strap.

3) If the above fails, switch to a Full Face Mask. It equalizes the pressure between the nasal and oral passages which helps cut down on Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) failure and also 'chipmunk cheeks'. It's a challenge to get FFMs to work regarding leaks and comfort but the rewards can be pretty significant.

I suggest you try my ideas in the order given. Some people think you can train your tongue to stick to the roof of your mouth all night by using daytime exercises... I have my doubts about that, however good luck with your experiments. Let us know how it goes. Final Note: As you can see in my 'signature' my pressure is close to 19cmH20 also, so I know the feeling!

If it's the same mask you've been using this whole time, it's probably long overdue for a replacement. If it's served you well until just recently you should probably get the same mask.

Joshaldo wrote: Is there anything I can do to get a bit more life out of my current mask? Thanks for any feedback

How old is the current mask and how much more life are you trying to get out of it?

The mask is as old as the machine. Have not replaced or purchased any replacement parts since new.

DoriC wrote:If it's the same mask you've been using this whole time, it's probably long overdue for a replacement. If it's served you well until just recently you should probably get the same mask.

Joshaldo wrote:The mask is as old as the machine. Have not replaced or purchased any replacement parts since new.

You've been lucky. You probably need new headgear as well as a new mask. Let us know how it works out.

DoriC wrote:

DoriC wrote:If it's the same mask you've been using this whole time, it's probably long overdue for a replacement. If it's served you well until just recently you should probably get the same mask.

Joshaldo wrote:The mask is as old as the machine. Have not replaced or purchased any replacement parts since new.

You've been lucky. You probably need new headgear as well as a new mask. Let us know how it works out.

I agree with Dori C. Hopefully, completely replacing the mask will solve the leak problem since it has worked so well for you.

49er

The F & P Simplus is a good full face mask, at least has been for me. As good as ffs can be as I have yet to try one that didn't leak at all but this one is better then any other I have tried .The F & P Eson is also a very good nasal mask.

The Simplus hasn't gotten to the US yet, it looks like it could be a good one.

I ended up ordering a replacement mask from the US. Hopefully doesn't take too long to get to Aus.

DoriC wrote:The Simplus hasn't gotten to the US yet, it looks like it could be a good one.

As an FYI, I emailed F&P to find out if they knew when this mask was going to get to the US but unfortunately, I never received a response. Not sure what the hold up is but it is sure frustrating as it sounds like a good mask.

Joshaldo, glad you ordered a replacement mask and hopefully, it won't take too long to arrive and will be the answer to your problems with leaks.

49er