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+--- Thread: Leaking mask (/Thread-Leaking-mask)
Leaking mask - VegasPier - 05-01-2013
My full face ResMed mask seems to be leaking more and more. The main problem area is over the nose. Is this typical of a mask that has been used ever day for the past 95 nights?
Also, I have seen many references to baby shampoo for washing the mask. Why? I have been using liquid hand soap. Does this contribute to my leaking problem?
I have been pulling out the membrane from the plastic frame. I've been careful to reinsert the membrane. Does frequent disassembly of this type contribute to leaks?
Thanks for any comments.
Cheers, VegasPier
RE: Leaking mask - b360155 - 05-01-2013
I've used the Quattro FX which I believe is the one you're referring to for about 17 months now and I've only used 2 face cushions in all of that time. I alternate between the two and I'm still getting zero leaks most nights unless I knock the mask loose in my sleep. I disassemble and wash my mask components in the sink every morning filled with hot water and a squirt of liquid Ivory body soap, rinse well until the cushion is squeaky clean and set it out to air dry. At night, I wash my face with Ivory bar soap just before I go to sleep to remove facial oils. Once maybe every 4 or 5 months I'll boil the cushions in distilled water and baking soda and that renews the cushion removing the cloudiness and restoring some tackiness. You might give that a try. I believe the recommended interval for changing the silicone cushions is every 90 days, but I just haven't seen any need to do that.
One thing I would definitely suggest you play with is the strap tension on your headgear. Over time, the headgear does stretch a bit so the pressure of the cushion against your face can change which will affect the quality of your seal. I was fitted to a size medium headgear originally and went through 2 of them, each lasting around 4 or 5 months before they had stretched too much. Then, I decided to try a size small headgear. Although it was a bit tight at first, it stretched as well and I've been using the same headgear for probably 7 or 8 months now and haven't adjusted the strap tension much at all.
Good luck!
RE: Leaking mask - Shastzi - 05-01-2013
Liquid hand soap is going to be too greasy to use.
It has all kinds of oily skin conditioners in it so it wont dry out your skin.
Well...we want to dry out your skin so the mask seal will stick to it.
The seal needs to be clean and free of all oil & grease too.
Get the Dawn dish soap (non-concentrated!) That works great because it is a de-greaser.
you might get dishpan hands from using it but...sacrifices must be made.
