Sudden change in mask leakage

I have successfully used a full mask for 3-4 months with excellent results, low mask leakage, low AHI, no mask offs and over 7 hours sleep. Within a weeks time, the mask leakage number skyrocketed but yet I still sleep most of the night, the AHI numbers are less than 3/hr. The mask leakage number went from consistently less than 0-10 L/min to consistently over 40 L/min. I've changed cushions, cleaned hoses, received new elastic bands and played with fit pressures all to no avail. The mask does not seem to be leaking but yet the numbers remain high? What suddenly changed?? How does the equipment measure leakage? Can something else be wrong. Frustrated that the equipment was used with excellent results for 4 months and suddenly for the last month leakage can't be controlled. Yet the AHI number are remaining low and I'm sleeping without waking for a minimum of 6 hours.

desertjacket wrote: 0-10 L/min to consistently over 40 L/min. I've changed cushions, cleaned hoses,

Hole on the hose?

Not knowing what machine you are using but if it has a humidifier tank attached make sure it is fully seated in the machine.

Most current model xPAP machines will compensate for leaks. Thus, within reason, the machine will work harder to compensate. If the leak is "within reason" and is no bothering you, it's not adversely affecting your therapy. Note that you will also use more water at the same humidifier setting, which can be problematic.

Naturally, it's best to control the leaks anyhow, so keep trying to find them.

I discovered I had a small hole in my hose last summer. I noticed my leak rate had gone up and my mask was not leaking. I filled the hose with water and found water running out of the side of the hose. I did not see the hole when I visually checked the hose.

Are you using the software so you can evaluate your leak in detail or just going by the numbers on the LCD screen?

You need to be looking at the graphs...see if the leak line is going up and down a lot or if the leak line is more or less constant.

If there is a hole in the hose somewhere the leak line will just be up there and pretty much stay high all night long.
If it's really low for half the night and then high for half the night then may be mask movement.

A couple of answers: I use ResMed equipment and track my numbers with the software online. I have replaced the hose and all mask parts to no avail. But someone mentioned the mask moving and it made me think about sometimes finding the lower part of the mask almost in my mouth. So I pulled the lower mask straps pretty tight and the result was no overnight leakage to speak of. Problem is I had nice indentations in my skin in the morning. So at least I know where to experiment, tension versus acceptable leakage. I went from 60L/min to 3L/min last night.

desertjacket wrote:A couple of answers: I use ResMed equipment and track my numbers with the software online. I have replaced the hose and all mask parts to no avail. But someone mentioned the mask moving and it made me think about sometimes finding the lower part of the mask almost in my mouth. So I pulled the lower mask straps pretty tight and the result was no overnight leakage to speak of. Problem is I had nice indentations in my skin in the morning. So at least I know where to experiment, tension versus acceptable leakage. I went from 60L/min to 3L/min last night.

The problem you are encountering is quite common with a full face mask.You could try padacheek.com for a mask liner or strap pads.
They are custom made for most masks. Some members make their own liners out of old T shirts. Be sure you are using the proper size mask. If it is pulling into your mouth, it could be too small.