Tips & Tricks on reducing leak rates?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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Chuck Connors
Posts: 257
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2012 7:55 am

Tips & Tricks on reducing leak rates?

Post by Chuck Connors » Thu Jan 30, 2014 10:32 am

I've learned much since I joined this site on how to improve the quality of my sleep. The one area I'd like to improve upon is lowering the leak rate of my mask. I've done the usual:
1. Wash my face at night to remove oil
2. Clean the silicone daily with a small amount of gentle cleaning shampoo
3. Properly fit the mask as shown on the video.
4. Replace the mask every so often.
The only other area I can think of to help lower the leak rate is that possibly the straps are not properly adjusted. I understand that you don't want to tighten the straps too much, as that will have just the opposite effect, and increase the leakage, but rather adjust the straps so that the silicone part of the mask is basically floating on your face.

Any suggestions on trying to further reduce leakage?

Thank you.

Chuck

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Denial Dave
Posts: 1334
Joined: Wed Sep 19, 2012 6:45 am
Location: Connecticut

Re: Tips & Tricks on reducing leak rates?

Post by Denial Dave » Thu Jan 30, 2014 10:52 am

nice!!

my minor adjustment

#2... personally, I suggest doing a wipe of the mask with a non-alcohol baby wipe on a daily basis..
#2B Wash the cushion weekly with gentle soap of your preference

#5 use Pad-A-Cheek mask liners. The liners fix leaks... particularly helpful when adjusting to higher pressures such as mine.

I also recommend them because it improves the comfort factor for wearing a mask.... I personally like having the fabric on my face versus the feel of silicone

_________________
Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Started at VPAP pressure setting of 20/14.4. I've survived Stage 1 cancer and lost 80+ lbs. Pressure is now 14.5 / 11
if you don't know where you are going... any road will take you there.... George Harrison