[Pressure] Leak control

[Ray Johnson]

I am a new CPAP user using as ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset.  My pressure is set at 14. I used the ramp up feature. I wear a full face mask. I have no problems in the ramp up phase, but after reaching full pressure, I often break a seal.  If I really tighten my lower straps to stop the leak it is almost vise-like and keep me awake.  Some times I can move the mask around and stop the leak, but generally I get a leak every night.  What can I do for a comfortable fit without a leak at the top pressure? Any magic solution?

[srlevine1]

I am a new CPAP user using as ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset.  My pressure is set at 14. I used the ramp up feature. I wear a full face mask. I have no problems in the ramp up phase, but after reaching full pressure, I often break a seal.  If I really tighten my lower straps to stop the leak it is almost vise-like and keep me awake.  Some times I can move the mask around and stop the leak, but generally I get a leak every night.  What can I do for a comfortable fit without a leak at the top pressure? Any magic solution?

Alas, there are no magic solutions. But, you may wish to try EPR (EPR = 3) to lessen the difficulty in exhaling. I find it is the exhale that usually stresses the seal, not the inhale.

Additionally, you might want to try a different mask to control leaks. Do you actually need a full facemask or can you use a nasal mask?

Or you could experiment with different mask headgear. I liked the ResMed Mirage Activa LT nasal mask (for about the same pressure)  -- and use it with Respironics headgear which has a somewhat similar -- but different-- configuration that does not slip as easily as the actual ResMed headgear or a knock-off manufactured by am unaffiliated third party.

Wishing you the best.

[Walla Walla]

Something else you can try is mask liners made of cloth. Also review the Mask Primer link below for tips.

[Ron AKA]

I am a new CPAP user using as ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset.  My pressure is set at 14. I used the ramp up feature. I wear a full face mask. I have no problems in the ramp up phase, but after reaching full pressure, I often break a seal.  If I really tighten my lower straps to stop the leak it is almost vise-like and keep me awake.  Some times I can move the mask around and stop the leak, but generally I get a leak every night.  What can I do for a comfortable fit without a leak at the top pressure? Any magic solution?

Is your machine set up in CPAP mode with a single pressure, or in Auto? If in Auto the ramp will only be up to the minimum pressure, not the maximum pressure. Using a minimum and maximum in Auto mode is not a complete solution to the issue, but it will reduce the average pressure of treatment and you will spend less time at the higher pressures where the leaks occur. 

As was mentioned, do you really need a full face mask? I am a new user and was skeptical of the nasal type, but I am now finding the nasal pillow Resmed AirFit P10 to be quite tolerable. Replacement parts for it are not that expensive either compared to some of the other masks.

Last it would be helpful to download SleepyHead and use it to review your results. It also makes it easy to post your results here:

SleepyHead Tips

[Crimson Nape]

Ray,
If you haven't tried the mask fit feature on the Resmed, you might consider it. This feature will use the highest set pressure to test for fit and leaks. Also, just a "heads up"; It won't recognize any EPR settings that you may be using.

[Ray Johnson]

Thanks.  Will try resetting the EPR.  Tried the nasal mask first.   Had lead seal problems there as well.  Went to the full face.  As I noted it held at lower pressure during ramp up but would blow out at higher pressure- not immediately but after I went to sleep.  A friend who used to sell this equipment gave me an old style nasal mask which seems to work a little better. Different pillow configuration.

---

Thanks.  Will do that tonight.

[Ray Johnson]

Appreciate all the valuable feed back.  I was provided a Respironics Nuance Gel Pillows Mask.  Entered this world with virtually no data.  This board is giving me tons of useful info and the member response is incredible.  Will work on many of the suggerstions.

Thanks.

[Hydrangea]

I have the exact same problem with the Amara View. If I jut out my chin, it'll seal. But I can't do that when I'm asleep. I've concluded the Amara View isn't a good fit for me. (But admittedly, I only tried it for a week or so before I gave up.)

The nasal pillows sure take surface area out of the picture, as far as leaks are concerned! If you can keep your mouth closed, those are the way to go!

[Ray Johnson]

Thanks.  Will recycle through the options I've tried.

[Sleep2Snore]

It is sometimes over tightening the mask that causes the leaks.
I was no exception, the more it leaked the more I would tighten the mask, this in turn caused more leaks!
What I found was to tighten the mask at full pressure just enough to stop leaks.
If it tends to leak, try just lifting the mask off slightly to allow the seal to form and let it seat again.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, it is just a case of try and see.
With some masks it is just a case of play around until you get things to work.
If you can't get it to seal, maybe it is not the right mask for you.