Air fit N20 leakage

[Dominic776]

My 1st post so forgive me if this issue has been raised.
I can not find any previous posts on this issue.

Been wearing a full face mask for 4 years using Airsense 10 and the 11 for the past 6 months.
AHI has been between 3-5 consistently with negligible leakage.

My daughter uses an N20 and loves it.
I started using it 2 weeks ago.
Changed CPAP settings for nasal mask.
AHI is BETWEEN 1-2 and mask is very very comfortable.
Leakage is 75-80 L/min.
Can not detect any leaks anywhere.
I also use mouth tape and like it..

Very frustrated with not finding the source of the leak problem.

Don’t want to but will go back to the full face mask if necessary.

TIA for any help.
Dominic

[Steptoe]

I have almost the exact situation. I am prescribed a very high pressure on a BiPap to treat a ventilation issue I have along with my apnea that results in substantial blood oxygen drops. I have struggled to find a mask that is comfortable and doesn’t leak. 

I recently discovered the N20 and love its comfort. Even though I mouth tape, I have erratic problems with large leaks. Some times they are terrible, other times they are nonexistent. I plug the exhaust hole (which blows loudly and like a hurricane), and I never detect any unintentional leaks. 

I am glad you brought this issue up and I look forward to the responses from the many experts and experienced CPAP users that participate in this forum.

[Dominic776]

Thanks for the reply.
I too love the N20 and hope there is an answer.
So much more comfortable than the full face mask.

I can not find or sense ANY leaks around the nasal mask, the hoses, etc.

Don’t hear any leaks anywhere and don’t feel any.

But, AHI is 1-2, and leakage on my sleep view on my Airsense 11 says leakage is 70-80 L/min.

Very frustrating.
Hope we have someone out there in the community who can help.
Dominic

[Soisnore]

I don’t know if this will make any difference in your leaks but the n20 is actually supposed to be set as pillows. Doesn’t make sense but that’s what the guidance is.

[Dominic776]

Thanks for the reply.
My supplier did tell me to change the mask setting to pillow for the N20.

Last night, I tried my Airfit F30 full face mask that I have been using for 4 years.
AHI was 4, and leak was ZERO, unlike the 75L/min with the N20.

There is definitely a problem with me and the N20.

I use a Papmd mouth tape and do not detect any leaks anywhere.
Anywhere!
I check everything- hose, water tank, connections, etc
No leakage I hear or feel anywhere.

Maybe I am breathing out of my mouth though the mouth tape when I am asleep and don’t know it.

Would appreciate any input from people using mouth tape - which brand, any leakage, etc.

TIA,
Dominic

[Rich66]

I was a user of Cover Roll tape, available on line. I taped for two years, sometimes double layers of tape. The tape, and others, are 'air permeable'. So a person can be asleep, and still have air come out the mouth -- just to a lesser degree. Also, I cut back the facial hair because it causes leaks.

Since, I use a Bi-Pap machine, I just started reducing the pressures until I figured out what worked. Don't be afraid to experiment.

[Dominic776]

I was thinking about doubling up on the tape.
I will try it.
Also will cut back on facial hair and experiment with the pressure.

I have gone back to my full mask for a few nights just to get a good night’s sleep.

The N20 is so much more comfortable than the full face mask so I am motivated to experiment.

TIA!!