Leak problem

[shedlock22]

Hi everyone,

New to the forum but not to CPAP. Having an issue with my full face mask. It seems to leak when I exhale in the moving part of the mask where the hose comes into the main part of the mask. When I normally exhale, the air comes out of the small holes in the top of the cushion, however, when this happens it makes a loud noise and prevents me from sleeping (or wakes me up).

Does anyone have any insight into why this happens?

[Sleepster]

By the "moving part of the mask where the hose" connects do you mean that flap? It opens when you inhale, but closes when you exhale. (It's a one-way check valve that prevents exhaled air from entering the hose.)

It can vibrate and make noise when it's wet. The water may be left over from when you washed the mask, or it could be condensation from the humidifier.

It has happened to me once and it drove me crazy. I had to get out of bed and dry it off.

[shedlock22]

No, not that although I have had that problem before. This is happening where the tubing connects and "swivels" on the mask.

[trish6hundred]

Hi shedlock22,

WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more suggestions and answers to your question, I wish you good luck with your CPAP therapy.

[Beej]

Is something stuck in there? A misshaped bit of plastic?

[shedlock22]

No, nothing stuck in there. I actually have two masks and both of them are leaking in the same place.

[chill]

Mine does not do this either. Perhaps there was a bad batch and you got two of them?

[Sleepster]

No, nothing stuck in there. I actually have two masks and both of them are leaking in the same place.

You are using the quick-release adapter, right? It's the same diameter as the hose and less than one inch long. It goes into the end of the hose and the mask attaches to it.

[PaytonA]

By the "moving part of the mask where the hose" connects do you mean that flap? It opens when you inhale, but closes when you exhale. (It's a one-way check valve that prevents exhaled air from entering the hose.)

It can vibrate and make noise when it's wet. The water may be left over from when you washed the mask, or it could be condensation from the humidifier.

It has happened to me once and it drove me crazy. I had to get out of bed and dry it off.

Isn't the "flap" we are talking about the anti-asphyxiation valve? It closes the vent in the elbow when the machine is providing air and opens the vent when the machine is not supplying air. It does not close on exhale. It is only found on FFMs.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

[Sleepster]

Isn't the "flap" we are talking about the anti-asphyxiation valve?

I don't know. I'm not sure where that valve is so I guess this might be it.

It closes the vent in the elbow when the machine is providing air and opens the vent when the machine is not supplying air.[/quote

This valve closes when no air flows from the hose into the mask. It opens when air starts flowing. If you disconnect the mask from the hose and blow into the mask through the opening where the hose connects, this valve opens. Stop blowing and it closes. Try to suck and it stays closed and stops air from flowing into your mouth.

[quote]It does not close on exhale.

I will have to use a mirror to try and watch the valve operate when I'm wearing the mask. I just assumed it closes on exhale based on the behavior I described above.