1- The
smaller the mask, the better off the chances of creating a good seal.
The less mask contour,
the less chances there will be a mismatch between the mask and your facial
features at any area, hence the less chances of CPAP mask leaks. So Nasal mask is
better than Full Face mask and Full Face mask is better than Total Face mask.
2-
Facial oil build up will break the seal during
the night. Hence washing out your face before sleep will remove all daily
facial oil build up and will increase your chances in preventing Mask Leaks.
3-
Masks without a forehead arm are notorious for
mask leaks because the mask needs to have a firm grip at upper and lower borders (through
their straps) in order to achieve a good seal. Yet Masks without a forehead
arm, their straps are coming off at middle and lower level of the mask instead
of coming off at upper and lower borders of the mask. (Pictures below)
4-
Mask Straps are deceptive. As they age, they
lose their elasticity hence their grip on the mask. Every few weeks make sure
you adjust the mask straps to compensate for losing elasticity. Mask straps
should not stay at same position throughout the life span of the mask. Follow
mask straps recommendation for replacement and even replace them more often
than the mask, otherwise as they lose elasticity, they can cause mask leaks or
worse yet become like a hard rope when you tie them extra which causes a head
bruises.
5-
Nasal bridge trauma as well as other mask facial
trauma will prevent you from tightening the mask straps tight enough. Make sure
you get the best mask possible for your facial features. There are web sites
out there that allow you to buy the CPAP Mask with insurance for return. That
will give you the opportunity to try different masks with least amount of cost.
Invest to choose the right mask.
6-
Trying out a mask at the doctor office or the
medical supply outlet is totally different than sleeping with the mask. As you
sleep with the mask, facial oil build up is a factor that cannot be avoided and
it will tend to be a major factor in creating a mask leak.
7- Any tactics that can allow you to lower the CPAP
pressure even by 1-2 points (by doctor approval) will increase your chances in
preventing mask leaks. Examples: high pillow, stopping smoking, Medically proven breathing
exercises, weight loss, among others can help you to lower your CPAP pressure
by few points which will significantly increase your chances in preventing CPAP
Mask leaks.
8-
Gaining or losing weight even by a few pounds
can mess up the previously well balanced good seal.
Masks with Forehead arm. Straps are coming off upper and lower borders of the mask.
Masks without a forehead arm, straps are coming off the middle and lower border of the mask leaving upper part of the mask without a grip.