How to Prevent Your CPAP Mask from Leaking
Adjusting to CPAP therapy is a process unique to each sleep apnea patient, from finding the right type of mask to getting used to having a face full of pressured air while trying to get some rest, it takes time to adjust to sleeping with a CPAP mask on. However, most CPAP machine users report feeling more rejuvenated after just a few nights using their equipment. The immediate benefits are noticeable and inspire patients to continue with the therapy.
There are many instances, on the other hand, where CPAP users experience the return of their old symptoms: sore throats, snoring, headaches and interrupted sleep are just some of the indicators with which you’re likely familiar. For those of whom this is the case, there is a clear explanation. The therapy isn’t working because your mask is leaking.
A leaking mask is a serious problem because it renders your sleep therapy useless, and your apnea won’t be fixed. Instead, the unpressured air can irritate your airways and nasal passages and put your health in danger. Fortunately, there are easy fixes for leaking masks. Consider this your guide for how to prevent your CPAP mask from leaking (and what to do if it does.)
Take Control of Your Sleep!
Sleep Apnea is frustrating! Getting the CPAP supplies you need isn’t with our amazing monthly plans that come with the name brand full-face CPAP mask of your choice plus free tubing, free filters, free cushions and free shipping! Plans start at just $36/month. Put your CPAP on autopilot today and … Leave the rest of to us!™ 30-day Fitmask™ Guarantee!
Two Types of Leaks
There are two types of CPAP mask leaks that are common amongst sleep apnea patients. The first is the seal leak, which has to do with the mask itself. There could be an issue with the fit, your sleep style or even your machine that causes the seal that keeps your mask against your face to break and let in outside air.
The other type of leak is due to the way you breathe. Mouth leaks are simply caused by CPAP users breathing through their mouths instead of through their noses, therefore wholly breathing in unfiltered, unpressured air that’s not coming through the CPAP machine.
Reasons for Leakage
There are many reasons your mask could be leaking, and all of them are common. After all, it takes awhile to get used to a new routine. Take these scenarios into account before determining that CPAP therapy isn’t for you.
Your CPAP Pressure Is Too High
Your CPAP machine’s pressure settings were likely set by your sleep therapist, doctor or whoever conducted your sleep study. However, there’s a chance that your pressure settings were fixed too high, and some machines even have a gradual ramp setting that increases pressure over time. High air pressure can easily break the seal between mask and face, so talk to whoever set your machine about your sleep needs and your mask’s leakage.
You’re An Active Sleeper
Many people toss and turn in their sleep without it affecting how well rested they feel the next day, but CPAP patients need to keep in mind that they could knock their masks loose, causing leakage. If you’re an active sleeper, you likely need a different style of mask that allows more freedom of movement.
Your CPAP Mask Is Dirty or Too Old
Between skin’s natural oils and facial products that are part of many people’s nightly routines, there are many reasons a CPAP mask can start to break down after months of continued use. Manufacturers recommend avoiding using moisturizers and other potions while undergoing sleep therapy, but even careful patients experience normal mask wear and tear. If your CPAP mask is dirty or old, be sure to replace it as soon as possible and maintain a regular replacement schedule so you can sleep with a mask that won’t leak.
Your Sleep Position Affects Your Mask Fit
Similar to active sleepers, those who prefer a certain sleep position should take that into account while choosing a CPAP mask. For example, side sleepers typically do not do well with a full face mask, as it goes askew while the patient is sleeping. There are accessories that help with mask position and comfort, but it is better to consider sleep position sooner rather than later after already dealing with mask leakage.
Your Breathing Patterns Don’t Fit Your Mask
The way you breathe while you sleep should be determined during your sleep study or other trials before bringing home your CPAP machine. However, there are cases where patients change their breathing patterns while adjusting to sleeping with a CPAP machine, and they end up breathing in outside air. This is most common with mouth breathers who choose nasal masks or nasal pillows, but the opposite can certainly happen as well. If your old symptoms are returning, it could be because you’re trying to use a mask that isn’t the right fit for you.
What to Do if Your CPAP Mask Leaks
CPAP mask leakage is nothing to worry about. In fact, 45% of CPAP machine users reported quitting because their masks were leaking, and they didn’t know what to do. Before you give up too, try one of these solutions to restore your high quality sleep.
Try a New Mask Style
Finding the right style of CPAP mask is perhaps the most important part of your sleep therapy. A well fitting mask will ensure that you receive the proper air pressure and will only breathe in filtered air. It’s your protection while you’re asleep. If you’re experiencing mask leakage even after completing a sleep study, try a different mask style that might better suit your needs and leave you feeling more well rested and energetic.
Replace Your Old Mask
Whether your mask is too dirty or too old, there’s a chance it’s not working properly because it has sustained too much wear and tear during use. This is completely normal and why CPAP equipment manufacturers recommend replacing your mask every three to six months and that you change out your accessories, tubes and filters every three months as well. It’s a simple fix (especially if you have a subscription that automatically delivers new masks) to ensure you never experience leaks again as long as you’re on top of your replacement schedule.
Find Mask Accessories to Help
You may be an active sleeper or simply not used to sleeping with your CPAP equipment yet, but the fact is you need your CPAP machine to get good sleep at night. While you can’t change the facts, you can make the situation a lot more comfortable. There is a wide array of products available, namely specific CPAP accessories that help with fit, function and comfort of CPAP equipment to make your sleep therapy that much more bearable.
Take Control of Your Sleep!
Sleep Apnea is frustrating! Getting the CPAP supplies you need isn’t with our amazing monthly plans that come with the name brand full-face CPAP mask of your choice plus free tubing, free filters, free cushions and free shipping! Plans start at just $36/month. Put your CPAP on autopilot today and … Leave the rest of to us!™ 30-day Fitmask™ Guarantee!
F.A.Q.
Monthly CPAP Club is a new approach to delivering a regular and scheduled shipment of all your CPAP supplies for one low monthly cost.
We charge you a small monthly free and deliver a fresh CPAP mask, tubes, filters and cushions to your door every 3 months.
We work with the major manufacturers to provide a selection of the most popular CPAP masks, cushions, tubing, filters and other accessories.
You get one shipment with all the CPAP supplies you’ll need for the next three months and you just pay one low, monthly payment.
Monthly CPAP Club lets you know when it’s time to change your filters, clean your mask and tubing. Three months after your first order, we’ll let you know (via email) that it’s time to replace your CPAP supplies, and we will ship out a package with a replacement mask, tubing, and filters for your CPAP machine, all including in your monthly fee.
Every package allows you to choose your preferred style of CPAP mask and the brand, make and model you prefer. You have the choice of standard tubing or heated tubing. You have the option for extended tubing options with heated tubing. Every package also includes cushions for the mask and filters for your machine
We need to know which CPAP breathing machine you use so we can send you the correct filters. Filters are specific to machines.
If you don’t see your CPAP breathing machine model listed, please contact us at sales@monthlycpapclub.com. Please include the make and model of CPAP breathing machine you use.
We do support many machines. The most popular machines are listed right now and more will be added as we grow.
In the mean time, let us know which machines you use so we get you the correct filters.
Monthly CPAP Club currently offers Resmed, Respironics, and Fisher & Paykel CPAP products. We can accommodate certain other brands when requested by email. Please let us know by emailing us at sales@monthlycpapclub.com or submit a request online.
Our goal at Monthly CPAP Club is to offer all the necessary CPAP supplies for good sleep hygiene in simple, scheduled quarterly shipments.
We want the program to be even easier for the end user to afford with a monthly payment.
When you sign up for a package with Monthly CPAP Club, you will be charged the monthly package amount ranging from $30 and up, depending on your preferences.
We will ship out a package within 1 business day of your order with all the CPAP supplies you’ll need to properly treat your sleep apnea with clean and effective supplies.
The next scheduled shipment for your account will commence 3 months after your initial first shipment. We’ll send you an email your next delivery is on the way.
The best part about Monthly CPAP Club for those living with sleep apnea is that CPAP supplies are one less thing you’ll have to regularly order, schedule or pick up. We ship you the supplies you’ll need for the next three months and ship you another package in three months will all new and fresh CPAP supplies.
We do sell most of the popular and newest CPAP machines. Although we do not list many of the machines on our Monthly CPAP Club site, we can process orders for machines via email for existing subscribers and over the phone for new users.
Join The Club
Getting started is easy. Just click the button below. Choose your supplies, customize your plan and we’ll send your CPAP supplies straight to you! So take a load off and leave the rest to us!