ResMed N30 "Seal" Problems

[mlandau33]

For over two years, my ResMed N30 was great. Over the last several months, I've had problems with a small air leak where the silicon nasal cushion attaches to the nasal cradle of the frame. See picture below. I don't care about the tiny leakage, but the small noise irritates me. It only occurs after 3-7 days of use of a new cushion. Is anyone else having this problem?

ResMed2a.jpg (42.65 KiB) Viewed 3808 times

[Dog Slobber]

Two years, problem free.

Now it leaks.

When things break or wear out you replace them.

[mlandau33]

Those parts are replaced regularly.

[Dog Slobber]

Those parts are replaced regularly.

You said the mask was two years old. So no, it's not replaced regularly.

[Anonynose]

Those parts are replaced regularly.

You said the mask was two years old. So no, it's not replaced regularly.

For over two years, my ResMed N30 was great.

I assume they have been using the N30 for 2 years, and replacing the parts (as stated) ... not that they was using a 2 year old mask.

I have a N30 and haven't noticed that issue yet. Did you change any machine settings by any chance? Only thought that occurred to me is maybe you changed something, like mask type? Oddly we are supposed to have the N30 as pillows for instance, even though they are cushions. Although not quite sure why that would make your mask squeaky.

[mlandau33]

Thks for your thoughts. I didn't change anything other than the normal use replacement items.
I had been thinking that something had changed in the manufacturing process - hoping to see others with a similar problem. It doesn't seem that way.

[lynninnj]

Thks for your thoughts. I didn't change anything other than the normal use replacement items.
I had been thinking that something had changed in the manufacturing process - hoping to see others with a similar problem. It doesn't seem that way.

Assuming the cushion is newish....I sometimes get that happening. I take it off and put it back on again, trying to re-seat it. Sometimes running fingers around to pinch it into place. Kinda like pinching a ziploc closed sorta feel.

At times, I have boiled the silicone cushions for about 10 minutes with a half tsp of baking soda in the water. When they come out they are firmer. This might be something to try, though I usually wait until they are about dead to do that. You could just try a nice hot water soak as well.

ONe more thing-it is easy enough to test if it is seated correctly by putting it on your nose/head and covering the end of the short hose. Give it a firm blow. It may allow some air to leak from bottom air holes as it is supposed to do. But otherwise it should blow you up like chipmunk nose. (Hope you get the visual). I usually check it like this before I go to bed. If I hear the leak I take off cushion and re-seat it. Sometimes it takes more than one try. Otherwise I love the mask.
HTH

[mlandau33]

lynninnj, thanks for the suggestions. I will try. The strange/frustrating thing is that I never had a problem until almost a year ago. The cushions would last a month. Then, all of a sudden, I was pulling them on and off, trying to get the seal to seal. No matter what, they would last no more than a week. The small leak sound has been driving me nuts.

[super7pilot]

Might the actual mask support structure (frame) have become damaged over time in that area and this stresses the new insert after a time? The mask frame might need replacing.

[mlandau33]

Might the actual mask support structure (frame) have become damaged over time in that area and this stresses the new insert after a time? The mask frame might need replacing.

I thought that could be the problem, but switching to a new frame did not solve it.

[lynninnj]

Might the actual mask support structure (frame) have become damaged over time in that area and this stresses the new insert after a time? The mask frame might need replacing.

I thought that could be the problem, but switching to a new frame did not solve it.

I get 3 cushions and rotate them around and they last at least 3 months that way. I was giving a hot soak of all three after day 3. Was a month for each but spaced out between the three of them.

It is safe to boil them if you want to try that option as well.

gl

[mlandau33]

I've tried all of the suggestions. The boiling in water gives one or two more days until I have to boil it again. I've tried the rotation as well. I'm throwing in the towel. When Medicare allows me to order a new mask next month, I'll be switching to a Philips. Thank you all for the help.