Understanding mask leaks

Mouth breathing

Mouth breathing is a common problem in CPAP users arising from chronic nasal issues. Breathing through the mouth prevents moist air from passing through the nose, which results in the drying of nasal passages, and increases nasal congestion in the morning. Increased nasal congestion can worsen your sleep apnea, and lead to increased nasal airway resistance, which perpetuates the cycle of mouth breathing. The result of mouth breathing an be loss of therapy effectiveness and comfort, as well as disrupted sleep.

 

Mouth breathing can also be caused by:

• Colds
• Allergies
• Alcohol consumption
• Low humidity

The full face mask resolution

A full face mask covers your nose and mouth so that effective treatment therapy can be delivered even if you breathe through your mouth and experience leak. Many people need to use full face masks all the time. Others may find they need it from time to time as an alternative to their nasal mask. Full face masks are just one of the range of solutions that may help you identify and manage mouth leaks.

 

Do I need a full face mask?

1. Do you often wake up with a dry mouth or throat?
2. Do you tend to breathe through your mouth rather than your nose?
3. Do you suffer from allergies or hay fever?
4. Do you have blocked nasal/congestion at certain times of the year?
5. Have you ever had a broken nose?
6. Do you have a deviated septum?
7. Have you had previous nasal surgery?
8. Are you currently using any nasal therapy or medication?

In addition, if you are already using therapy with a nasal mask, questions we may ask are:

1. Are you continuing to snore even using therapy?
2. Do you use a chin strap with therapy?
3. Is leak indicated by the flow generated data?

If the answer is yes to any one or more questions, you may benefit in calling us and booking yourself for a mask fitting consultation.