Sleeping with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is like scuba diving with a snorkel mask. Every time you take a breath, you resurface with a choke and a splutter.
Lack of proper equipment keeps you from diving deep into the dreamworld below the surface.
If you have a CPAP machine, you probably feel like the diver who exchanged the snorkel mask for a dive regulator and an oxygen tank. You can finally breathe comfortably and consistently throughout the night.
But what if your new "diving gear" doesn't fit properly, isn't correctly pressurized, or just gets old?
It can spring a leak, leaving you feeling congested and sleepy after you wake up.
What causes a CPAP mask to leak?
A CPAP machine works by increasing and maintaining the pressure in your throat to prevent the walls of your throat from collapsing during sleep. It's among the oldest but most effective treatments for sleep apnea.
These machines consist of several parts: tubes, filters, hoses, straps, connectors, headgear, filters, and--of greatest interest to us right now--masks.
CPAP masks come in three basic varieties:
1. The full face mask
It covers the nose and mouth, sealing both airways. If you breathe through your mouth, need higher pressure, or sleep on your back, your doctor may prescribe this type of mask. Because of its larger surface area, the full face mask is the most likely variety to develop a leak.
2. The nasal pillow
This is usually prescribed to people who have heavy facial hair, toss and turn during their sleep, or consistently breathe through their noses. Nasal pillows seal only the nostrils. This design makes them quite comfortable, but they can start to leak when active sleepers dislodge them.
3. The nasal CPAP mask
This type covers the nose from the lip to the upper bridge and may be the most versatile (and popular) of the three choices. It's not as bulky as the full face mask but not as lightweight as the nasal pillow. Still, moving in your sleep can cause it to leak.
Any mask type can leak air if it's the wrong size, doesn't match your facial structure, has the pressure set too high, gets worn out, or is dislodged by you moving in your sleep.
A leaky mask can leave you searching for the snooze button like you did in the days before you got your CPAP.
4 steps to prevent your CPAP mask from leaking
If your mask is leaking, don't rip it off and suffer with apnea.
Check the mask’s fit. If it's too tight or too loose, adjust the straps or wait until you're in your sleeping position before putting it on.
Don't forget to wipe out the mask daily and submerge it in soapy water weekly. Keeping your mask clean will help prevent leaks.
While you're washing the mask, check its seal. If it looks old, get a new one.
Finally, talk to your doctor about prescribing you a different style mask or machine.
There's no reason to stop diving into dreamland just because of a leaky mask.
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