ResMed Quiet Elbow

[Big Guy]

I know there's been a lot of talk about them for various reasons. I've been using one since having started SA Therapy. I can say that I haven't had any issues with one.......until last night. 

I got geared up for bed as usual last night. I'm using a ResMed AirFit F30 FFM. Been doing so now for a good while. Fell asleep with no problem. Was woken up a few times with air escaping from what I thought was my mask. I reached up and readjusted it here & there and fell back to sleep. 

Again, woke up later with air escaping. Once again, I readjusted my mask. This time though, I thought that maybe the hose elbow was leaking for whatever reason. Made sure the the elbow was facing up and not down. The elbow and hose works best for me when it's running up from my face and not down. 

This was about 4 am or so. I had to get up to use the bathroom anyways, so I called it good enough and left my mask in the bathroom and went back to bed. In my mind, I thought the quiet elbow was leaking. No problem, as I had spares on hand. 

Once up this morning, I took a good close look at the hose elbow and it appeared to be fine. No cracks, nothing coming loose, or whatever. Checked my mask out good as well, and it appears to be fine. 

Anyways, I'm giving all a good soaking in hot water and some Dawn dish soap. That always snugs up the elastic straps, making for a more secure fit. The cushion felt tight to the mask before I took it apart. 

I did a pressure test on the elbow by blowing into one end and plugging up the other end with my thumb. I then reversed ends and did the same. It allowed air to escape as designed. The other way, it was air tight. 

So, I'm at a loss as to why it was leaking air last night. This is a 1st for me in regards to this particular issue. I can't say for sure as to what generation of quiet elbow I am currently using, or the ones I have as spares. I assume that they are the later ones. 

Anyways, just thought I'd pass this along and see if anyone has any ideas as to why I was experiencing the air leaks? Life goes on...........as well as my CPAP therapy. 

[wesozzzz]

Hi Big Guy

I have tried using the Quiet Elbow with the filter material removed and had large leaks register during high mask pressures. I tried to locate leaks but came to the conclusion that I was getting very high flows through the vent holes. I find that mask leaking around the cushion is very sensitive to the vertical position of the mask  but this didnt seem to be the reason for the above high leaks. I currently use the old design elbow.

[Big Guy]

One good thing about washing my mask / cushion, is that it (silicone) returns to it's somewhat tacky feeling. Between washes, even though I use an antibiotic wipe on it, it still feels slick to the touch. I'm not all that convinced that the wipes remove all the facial oils better than hot water and dish soap does. 

That tacky feeling seals much better on my skin.