Leaking Mask

Your message is somewhat confusing. Did you mean the "hose" is leaking air? What is "red grown"?

It really seem like the issue causing the leaking and redness are related to your mask fitting incorrectly. The problems should be very easy to solve with a visit to your doctor or the place where you received your mask. How long have you been using a CPAP machine?

Don't give up! "Sweet Dreams" can be yours!

Hi, @numpy, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm sorry to hear you are feeling about ready to give up with your leaking mask.

Glad you met @kentyunker, and I'd also like to bring in other members who have worked with masks for their CPAP machines. Please meet @johnbishop @thankful @bernese53 @macjane @steventomer @taran @techi @dawn_giacabazi.

I'd second what @kentyunker mentioned about consulting with your doctor about these difficulties with the leaking and marks on your face for several hours. Has your sleep doctor offered any suggestions on these issues? If so, what did he or she suggest?

Hi, @numpy, I would like to add my welcome along with @lisalucier and other members. Sorry to hear about your CPAP problems but you are not alone. We've all been there at one time or another in our CPAP journey. The mask comfort is the key to making it all work and getting the benefits of a good nights sleep. I started with the Dreamwear full face mask but I'm currently using an AirFit F20 with a cloth Comfort Cover mask liner. It made a world of difference for me. I second the idea of talking with your sleep medicine doctor or therapist to help you get a mask that works for you.

Don't give up!

@numpy
Lots of great advice sent your way. Anxious to read your responses. Your clarification can shed some light on a resolution. Hoping we can help resolve your issues quickly. Sleepless nights are no good.

Thanks
Dawn

I was very tired and I think spell check was playing tricks on me. 'house' should have been mask. My unit has a 'frown ' in a red circle indicating leaks I will call my supplier and follow up with my doctor. Thank you for responding.

No problem. Done that many times myself. Let us know if they (Docs) help you out.

I am two weeks into my CPAP machine and I just can’t seem to get my mask fit right. It is a full face one. I sleep with my mouth open and get really uncomfortable with a dry mouth. Also get lots of bubbling sounds coming from the mask. It is only if I really tighten the straps that they stop but it is so uncomfortable being really tight. Also get air coming into my eyes sometimes. Any advice would be appreciated.

Welcome @annienelson, I can definitely relate to your CPAP problems as they are the same ones I have dealt with on and off for the past couple of years. The air getting into the eyes is really annoying and probably bothers me the most also.

I also have a problem with sometimes overtightening the mask. I started using a cloth comfort cover on my full face mask and stopped worry so much about leakage as long as it wasn't too bad and affecting my AHI numbers. Finding the right mask that works best for your face and situation sometimes takes awhile. I've probably tried more than 7 or 8 different ones including one that covered my entire face and only lasted one night. A good sleep therapist/PA can help you if the mask is a problem.

I am currently using a Fisher-Paykel Simplus full face mask and can place it a little higher on my nose which helps keep the air leaking out of my eyes. I also use cloth covers from https://cpapcomfortcover.com/ and modify them a little so they don't press up against my nose. I still have a dry mouth frequently and have used Xylimelts which I just let sit between my teeth and lower lip. Not a perfect solution but it has helped some.

Do you have a medical supply store near by that has a sleep therapist that could help with suggestions for helping with the mask?

Many thanks for your reply. It does seem a common problem with face masks. I am seeing my therapist next week so hopefully will be able to get some answers. I have looked at your link for the mask covers.

First of all, what is the high pressure setting.
The higher the pressure the tighter the mask has to be.
Also the position of the mask and hose, especially when you turn from side to side or tip head up and down changes things.
I had them lower my pressure settings. I have central sleep apnea, rare, harder to treat.
Also started with Airfit 20 L during first sleep study. I'm probably a M.
I have had 3 complete lab sleep studies so far and still they don't have my apnea under control.
I suggested we try a nasal pillow mask, which was recommended for side sleeping.
Not good for high pressures. Also no good if you open your mouth, which will happen.
I haven't tried nasal pillow with strap around head to keep mouth closed yet, On my list to try.
I got an Airtouch 20 M at my second sleep clinic study. It is like the Airfit20 but with a cloth lining rather then the thin plastic around the face. It is very nice. But hurt top of nose if straps tight.
They then gave me an Airfit30 M. which doesn't cover your nose, so that pain is gone.
Its like a nasal pillow but it covers your mouth.
It is the one I'm using last several months.
Its pretty comfortable and you should try it out.
I find my lower lip feeling weird during the day because if squeezes the lip on the lower teeth to keep the seal. I keep playing around with the straps, trying to set them as loose as I can and still not get leaks. Depends a lot on head position.
Very tight is uncomfortable after a while for sure.
As of now, I had the choice of trying a 4th clinical sleep study to titrate a new machine or to change the machine to one which will force a breath if I don't breath in a defined amount of time. We will see.
I've been trying to get them to try just plain O2 vial nasal canula. According to Internet it sometimes works very well for central sleep apnea.
I'll keep you posted, but masked are definitely something that you need to try several kinds.
Medicare pays for new masks after a few months and you can request a change.
So far I have 4 different masks to play around with. The airtouch20 or airfit 30 seem to be the most comfortable.