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[Equipment] Mask elbow leak
#1
Mask elbow leak
Hi,
    I know I have seen this before on here, but I can't find it now. So I am going to just ask.  I am using a F-10 full face mask. I just noticed it last night that the swivel elbow is leaking some, so I played with it some but still leaks. Is this common. Is there a fix or just get a new one. I thought I have read on here that some people have trouble getting good ones. I know Amazon has them and I see cpap stores have them. But just wanted to see what others have done. Sinse it's a weekend and a holiday weekend probably won't be able to get one to fast. I can't sleep with the leaking mask. I can do without for awhile so I guess my insurance company will have to understand.

Thanks for the help.
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#2
RE: Mask elbow leak
I use an F-20 mask and the elbow connection is the exhaust vent.  Air you feel coming out is the exhale.
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#3
RE: Mask elbow leak
I have the same problem.
It is a continuous vent, wakes me up.
Only fix I found was hold my thumb over the end of the tube and power on the machine.
It seems to make the little flapper valves start working again.
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#4
RE: Mask elbow leak
The flapper valve is intended to prevent CO2 from entering and filling the hose if your CPAP is not under pressure (i.e.: the CPAP is off).

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#5
RE: Mask elbow leak
(12-31-2022, 04:43 PM)SideSleeper Wrote: I use an F-20 mask and the elbow connection is the exhaust vent.  Air you feel coming out is the exhale.

Ok thanks, it just seemed louder than normal.
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#6
RE: Mask elbow leak
The quiet air elbow (???) has two functions. The first is to vent your CO2 through the diffuser (under that plastic ring). The second is the "Anti asphyxiation" valve (or the two little flapper valves) that open if your machine happens to turn off during the night.
You can usually hear them flap shut when you first turn the machine on and the air starts to flow.
Jeff8356

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INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#7
RE: Mask elbow leak
(12-31-2022, 05:20 PM)Sleepless in Dewberry Wrote: I have the same problem.
It is a continuous vent, wakes me up.
Only fix I found was hold my thumb over the end of the tube and power on the machine.
It seems to make the little flapper valves start working again.

Hi, I did see the flapper valves and played around with them some, it just seemed louder than normal. like more air was coming out than when I first started using cpap. Maybe I moved them around and changed them somehow when I washed out the tube with hot water. Maybe I need to not keep the elbow on when I wash it.  

thanks
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#8
RE: Mask elbow leak
(12-31-2022, 05:33 PM)Jeff8356 Wrote: The quiet air elbow (???) has two functions.  The first is to vent your CO2 through the diffuser (under that plastic ring).  The second is the "Anti asphyxiation" valve (or the two little flapper valves) that open if your machine happens to turn off during the night.
You can usually hear them flap shut when you first turn the machine on and the air starts to flow.

Hi, I washed the hose earlier in the day by running hot water thru it, maybe I did something to the valves. I looked at the valves and they look ok, they don't have a really tight seal. I should take the elbow off next time. I will see how it is tonight. I did the mask check for leaks and it seems better. 

Thanks
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#9
RE: Mask elbow leak
If you wash the elbow it is not uncommon for the tiny pinhole vents under diffuser ring to not dry out completely before your next use. It will make a lot of hissing noise for a short while as the remaining water blows out those holes. Not sure if that is what you are hearing.
RayBee

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#10
RE: Mask elbow leak
(12-31-2022, 08:49 PM)RayBee Wrote: If you wash the elbow it is not uncommon for the tiny pinhole vents under diffuser ring to not dry out completely before your next use. It will make a lot of hissing noise for a short while as the remaining water blows out those holes. Not sure if that is what you are hearing.

Hi, I think that's what it was. I used it last night and no problem plus I played around with the flappers. One might have been stuck open or out of adjustment do to washing. I will take off the elbow next wash.

Thanks
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