Hi Newbie, leaking mask

[Doubledee]

Hi I have had a cpap resmed S8 autoset for approx. 3 months, I first tried the nose mask and was doing fine until it kept collapsing into my mouth. I went back to the clinic and the doctor gave me a full mask but also upped the pressure from min of 5 to a minimum of 10. I now have full pressure at 20 and my mask is blowing off my face. I haven't had a good nights sleep since. I have tried both masks and still no joy. My only problem is the clinic is a forty mile drive away and while I am not getting enough sleep I wont drive. Does anyone else have this problem?

Denise

[Tigers Fan]

Auto problem

Hi Doubledee

Welcome!

You have the standard problem with auto machines. Your base pressure isn't high enough to prevent events. You have an even, the machine detectsd it and whacks up the prssure to deal with it - unfortunately, waking you because of the time the machine takes to calm down again.

Two solutions: go bck to the clinic and have them set your machine or learn how to adjust the pressures yourself (frowned upon but you get sleep).

If you want to learn how, look on most any US CPAP site. It's very easy.

TF

[Doubledee]

Hi Doubledee

Welcome!

You have the standard problem with auto machines. Your base pressure isn't high enough to prevent events. You have an even, the machine detectsd it and whacks up the prssure to deal with it - unfortunately, waking you because of the time the machine takes to calm down again.

Two solutions: go bck to the clinic and have them set your machine or learn how to adjust the pressures yourself (frowned upon but you get sleep).

If you want to learn how, look on most any US CPAP site. It's very easy.

TF

Thanks TF, I will try to adjust it myself. Denise

[Berneta]

Good Luck Newbie

Hi Denise,
If I woke up with my nose mask in MY mouth I'd have been screaming (or trying to). Hope you have better luck with the new mask-- and I hope that you are more tech inclined than I am. I am sure I would have everything so screwed up, I'd have to mail it to TF to straighten it out. What comes easy for him--may not be so easy for the rest of us. TA-DAH! Berneta

[Doubledee]

Hi Berneta, I managed to turn it down by 2 but it still leaked all night and drove me mad. I tightened the mask so tight it caused red marks on my face. What to do now, do I turn it down more, may try this.

Berneta, I did wake up screaming I thought that someone was trying to smother me lol

I must be technically minded too it was easy when I was told how lol

[Tigers Fan]

Two objectives

Hi Doubledee

You have two objectives - to use the CPAP at the correct pressure to prevent apnoeas and to fit your mask so it does not leak at that correct pressure.

Your apparent method of reducing pressure till the mask stops leaking will not produce good therapeutic results.

Re adjusting the pressure yourself: I recommend making small movements, say 0.5 cm water, at a frequency no less than four days. You need time tio adjust to changes and assess their results.

Re mask fitting: you need to go loose, not tight. Lie on your back, perfectly still, loosen mask straps a bit at a time until you just start to leak. You are looking for the point exactly between leaking and not leaking. When you have it, tighten each strap 2 mm - that gives you anti-knock firmness. NOw arrange to sleep so that your mask is not likely to be knocked, pushed or generally interfered with.

Sweet dreams!

TF

[Doubledee]

Thanks Tf

I tried reducing by 2 but this made no difference, I tried all the other ways you mentioned trying to find the exact place just before leakage, but I still managed to get leakage. My doctor raised the level from 10 max to 20 max, I feel that this may have been a drastic rise as I have only had the machine a couple of months and am still trying to get use to it.

I thought maybe try again this evening at 18 and see how it goes.

My masks are size small, the nose only is too big and the full face I feel is too small, I think this is where my problems lie. I can deal with the pressure and have got use to that, but last night I woke up with the mask pulled off, which I must have done when I was asleep. I am just so tired, I really need some sleep.

Thanks for your help, I will raise the level back up once I get the mask settings right.

Denise

[Berneta]

Take it slow

Hi Denise, I hope that you get things straightened out quickly. Just remember that TF is right--take it slow and work the thing in small stages, whether its loose or tight. It does take time to get a perfect fit. You shouldn't end up with red marks or sores---and the mask should not slip around, Don't be surprised if you wake up sometimes and the mask is off, and you don't remember taking it off. That happens to about everyone. Mine was on the floor a few times. It all just takes time and perserverance. Sometimes it seems like a nightmare--but eventually you will get it right. I love my CPAP now that I am used to it--and couldn't get through the night without it. Kinda like getting married-- Its not easy to find a perfect fit. Good Luck, Berneta
Hey TF--women listen, they just don't always obey. LOL

[Tigers Fan]

Wrong end!

Hi Doubledee

Messing about with the max pressure will make no difference at this stage. The need is to reduce the number of your apnoeas and thus stop the machine taking you to the max pressure. You need to be increasing the min pressure, which is the one at the top the ramp. Go up slowly on this one.

You can bring your max down to, say, 16 cm if you want - it will reduce the gale but may not fix all your apnoeas. You'll know what max you need when you have your min sorted out.

Main thing right now is experimenting and testing and trying till you succeed in getting a good mask fit.

TF

[sleepynana]

Hi Berneta, I managed to turn it down by 2 but it still leaked all night and drove me mad. I tightened the mask so tight it caused red marks on my face. What to do now, do I turn it down more, may try this.

Berneta, I did wake up screaming I thought that someone was trying to smother me lol

I must be technically minded too it was easy when I was told how lol

I spent years trying to get the right mask, suffered with leaks, pressure marks, dry mouth etc. but have just changed to a sleepweaver and it has solved all those problems.. so comfortable and contours to your face brilliantly. worth trying. Good luck. Jill x

[Doubledee]

Hi everyone I think I may have solved the problem too early to say really but I cut out a piece of liniment and used it as a liner, no leaks at least!

I will try this again tonight I have also ordered some liners from eu-pap.

Thanks for all your replies x