I tried a few masks this past Friday and they all leaked, mainly around my eyes. We were able to tighten the straps and that helped some, but didn't cure the problem. Many times the leak occured during the exhale and blew air into my eye. So, I was wondering if this is normal and just something that I need to live with and get used to or should I continue to find a mask that does not leak? On Mondy, they are going to try me on the Mirage Quattro, so hopefuly that would be better. I might also ask them to try the mask that I used during my sleep study, since thet seemed to work fine.

kveille Having a mask that works for you and your comfortable with is so important. I can't tell you the number of masks I tried, and  the one I settled on I had to make a modification to, just to get it to work for me. Alas but now I am looking for another one that is more compatible with my new machine. But that is another story.   I feel the mask can make or break your CPAP experience! You are not going to use your CPAP if you are not comfortable with your mask! Good Luck to you

Some minor leaks may be tolerable, but one that blows in your eyes doesn't sound very acceptable to me.  A leak that is more than minor may also cause a lower than proper pressure.

On the other hand, my masks leaks a bit through my mustache; it does not bother me and my machine easily compensates for the leak.

White Beard wrote:

kveille Having a mask that works for you and your comfortable with is so important. I can't tell you the number of masks I tried, and  the one I settled on I had to make a modification to, just to get it to work for me. Alas but now I am looking for another one that is more compatible with my new machine. But that is another story.   I feel the mask can make or break your CPAP experience! You are not going to use your CPAP if you are not comfortable with your mask! Good Luck to you

What is VERY frustrating is having someone at the med. supply place suggest that the poor fit problem is an exception, not the rule.
I'd love to have them visit this site.
I know it's not charitable, but I get so jealous of people who find a perfect fit the first time. They must have perfectly proportioned faces.  I would love to feel good again by getting several good nights of sleep in a row.
I need an attitude adjustment--- I know it will come when the above happens.      


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Respronics Remstar Pro M Series
Swift Mirage Nasal Pillows
Pressure 13
now trying Resmed Quattro full face mask (leaves dents)
opti life comfort cushion (Will return- leaks)
Swift LT -(This may be the one.)

Full face masks seem to be nothing but trouble.  If you are using a full face mask, have you tried a nasal mask?

In my HMO world, I only got one mask to try. It took me a while to make my peace with it - and get to a place where it doesn't leak. Would have been nice if I could have gotten there sooner than the 4-5 months it took though! I've got a full face Q. Mirage. When it leaked, it was either to the side of my mouth or by one eye. Finally got the straps working the right way and I will never, EVER change them lol - I take it off by unhooking the thingy at the bottom, and put it on the same way. No more trying to adjust it every night. I've got the fit that works and I'm keeping it.


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ResMed S8 Elite / ResMed Quattro Mirage full face mask
Pressure 19
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Life is something that happens when you can't get to sleep.
Fran Lebowitz

NEVER, EVER tolerate a leak around your eyes. NEVER. There are some tips for mask fitting in a sticky at the top of this forum. There is also the option of buying some Mack's Silicone Ear Plugs. Roll one or half of one into a thin tape or ribbon shape, place it on your mask in the area of the leaks and then try fitting your mask again.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

I hate to say it, but my Quattro drove me nuts for about six months and now for the past month, it feels quite comfortable and rarely leaks. Go figure.  Nobody should have to go six months with a mask before it "breaks in" but that's what happened for me. I tried a few different full face masks and then my DME decided I shouldn't be allowed to try any more because my insurance company won't pay for a replacement until this one is broken or doesn't work.  I can't argue with that because it must be working. I have completed a whole week trial on an auto Pap and ,miracle of miracles, the data shows that the leaks are not that bad and my apneas have dropped significantly.  For last night I had an AHI of 4.1, AI of 1.7 and an HI of 2.4.  What's even more unbelievable, I slept seven hours without waking up. I haven't slept seven hours uninterrupted for probably 30 years. I get teary thinking about it!  Even if it never happens again I can still say "I slept seven hours without waking up!"  I sure wish I could keep this machine.  They plan to use the data to set the pressure on my ResMed Elite when my two months are up with the auto.

I have to warn you, finely, even the good medical supply people do not like to hear about this forum. It upsets them...or maybe they feel threatened by it. I do not understand it.  I would guess that a lot of people give up treatment with the leaky masks because they hear that same garbage about their being the exception. Just tell your DME that quite a few of your friends are having problems, too.  They don't have to know that your friends are in this forum.  
Grandma


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ResMed Quattro Full Face Mask
ResMed S8 Escape with heated humidifier
Pressure set at 11

Thanks for the tip!
Naturally, they'd be threatened, because there are people out there who know more, by bitter experience alone!


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Respronics Remstar Pro M Series
Swift Mirage Nasal Pillows
Pressure 13
now trying Resmed Quattro full face mask (leaves dents)
opti life comfort cushion (Will return- leaks)
Swift LT -(This may be the one.)

Try the Nasel pillow masks... Resmed Swift II or Swift LT, they are the only masks I will use for now on.  You might be able to borrow a loner from your local sleep center, They clean them very well and it might as well be a loner that you try and find out you dont like, than being stuck with one you dont like and having to pay for it.  I have a bravo nasel pillow mask that I only used for a week or so and went back to my old Swift II, If you would be interested we could discuss a price ( a cheap price).  Let me know. and good luck.

Greg

The Swift nasal pillow, 1 and 2 are the original ones I've used. They are very comfortable, but unfortunately the print-outs and my major exhaustion are showing high leaks. Also, an on-line fitting guide stated that they would "not be a good mask for " me, (after 18 months of use).
The guide said the same thing about the new RT, even though I'm tempted to order one next.


_________________
Respronics Remstar Pro M Series
Swift Mirage Nasal Pillows
Pressure 13
now trying Resmed Quattro full face mask (leaves dents)
opti life comfort cushion (Will return- leaks)
Swift LT -(This may be the one.)