CPAP Troubleshooting – Fixing a Leak in a CPAP Mask

CPAP Troubleshooting – Fixing a Leak in a CPAP Mask

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“Why CPAP mask leaks?”, “How to get correct air pressure from the CPAP machine?” and “Which CPAP mask is best for me?” are some questions arising from a common issue – air leakage from CPAP mask. A leaky CPAP mask is a serious problem. If air is escaping from your mask, that means you aren’t getting the proper air pressure you need to treat your sleep apnea completely. It can also cause discomfort in the airways and nasal passages, causing them to dry out and become irritated, even with the use of the CPAP humidifier.

The air coming from your CPAP machine through the mask is supposed to act as a splint to hold your airways open while you sleep. Depending on the severity of your sleep apnea, you might need a higher air pressure than someone with a less severe case of sleep apnea.

This is why it’s so important always to get the correct air pressure. You don’t want to feel worse or put your health in danger, also you don’t want to be using the CPAP machine for nothing.

There are two different types of CPAP mask leaks that you should be aware of. If you notice one of these leaks, you should let your sleep therapist know as soon as possible, or do something yourself to fix the problem.

Seal Leak: The leak in the seal of the CPAP mask is the most common kind of leak. An ill-fitting mask often causes this, and it happens when there’s a small space between your face and the seal.

CPAP Troubleshooting - Seal Leak

Mouth Leak: This happens when you breathe with your mouth open while you sleep, and the air coming from the mask escapes from your throat out of your mouth.

CPAP Troubleshooting - Mouth Leak

What happens when your CPAP mask leaks?

Both of these types of mask leaks can cause the same problems. If the pressure isn’t being maintained, not only will it affect your health, but it can also impair the machine’s sensors, and how the CPAP can respond with the right amount of air pressure. This will ultimately cause your CPAP machine to break down faster and need to be maintained more than usual.

A leak in the seal can cause air to blow on your face and in your eyes, which is a very annoying sensation. This is also a reason for nasal irritation to take place because the air isn’t going where it’s supposed to.

How do you prevent CPAP mask leaks?

  1. If you get a seal leak, it might be because of a crease in the seal, either from tightening too much or from moving and causing the seal to bend. Turn off the machine and pull the mask away from your face, just enough to straighten out the curve, and gently rest it back against your face.
  2. How to Prevent CPAP Mask Leaks

  3. Not every mask works for every patient, try a couple of different masks in our store before purchasing one. You can also choose a high-quality mask that won’t bend in the seal.
  4. Overtightened masks can also cause air leaks. You can wear the mask looser, tight just enough to hold it in the place.
  5. Try a full-faced mask, if you breathe from mouth.
  6. Another solution is using a special nasal pillow called a CPAP Pillow, which is shaped in a way to prevent leaks.
  7. CPAP Masks Types and Maintenance

    Related Information

    Updated: February 19, 2020
    Published: February 4, 2016

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    Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.

    Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

About Scott Ridl:

Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more. Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

70 thoughts on “CPAP Troubleshooting – Fixing a Leak in a CPAP Mask

    • Have you worked to successfully troubleshoot your mask? If not you’re welcome to contact our Service department at 877-303-9289.

    • Can you please tell me if there are more than one supplier in northern virginia, the one that I am using now says that noise coming from my mask and air (Whooshing loud noise is just my husband and my imagination! Is there a mask that the seal is tight so that air does not come out.

      • Thank you for your inquiry, Krissie. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

      • Can you please help me my mask keeps on creasing and folding on be causing my eyes to dry out I am desperately at my wit’s end I don’t know what to do we greatly appreciate some help

        • We suggest trying a different mask. Please visit our showroom at Centennial, CO to see what mask type will fit your needs.

        • My machine keeps telling me I have bad seal. I have done everything possible. It was. Working fine then all of a sudden it changed I don even kn

          • i have tried 5 different masks working fine all of a sudden machine tells me it’s leaking thanks for any help

          • A leak may be where the tube connects to the machine, in the tube itself, or on the mask.

    • My mask started leaking heavy two weeks ago, and I cannot do anything to help the cause. Can you help me? It is a full face mask and I snore a lot.

  1. I have just purchased a Resmed Air Touch Ultra Soft Memorary foam cushion for my Resmed F20 full face mask and it has totally eliminated all the leakage problems that I had before.It has taken 10 years for Resmed to design and produce this piece of genius.The memorary foam forms to the profile of your face to give a perfectly comfortable air tight seal.

    • Thank you for your comment, Paul. We are glad to hear you are enjoying your new face mask from our friends over at Resmed. Let us know if you have any further questions!

      • I have just started using a Resmed Air Touch Ultra Soft Memory foam cushion for my Resmed F20 full face mask and it leaks like a sieve. I have tried adjusting this piece of junk. Is there anything that will work. I am getting very little rest and don’t dare drive.

        • It may be that this type of mask may not work for you. We have found that not all masks work for all customers. I would suggest trying a different mask to see if that helps.

          • I have been on Res. MED 6 YEARS. THESE FOLKS AND AEROFLOW HEALTHCARE KNOWS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT CPAP MACHINES. MY MASK HAS LEAKED ABOUT 80 PERCENT OF THE 6 YEARS. I HAVE SPENT HOURS ON PHONE WITH NO LASTING SUCCESS. SURE HOPE YOU DO BETTER

          • Hi Harold, There are many types of masks on the market and you may need to try a different type and size to solve your issue. Please give our customer care center a call at 877-303-9289 and they can troubleshoot with you over the phone.

          • My nasal pillow mask works fine for while then starts blowing hard out vent. It normally blows a small amount it set off the mask leak alarm.

    • I have tried 2 different Resmed full face masks including the F20 full face leaking ever since I started using a Cpap in 2014. I feel rested and my AHI is 1.2 at 8lbs does it really matter that its leaking? The mask stays on PSI never goes above 8 psi.

  2. I use bipap and oxygen and my greatest problem is my mask leaks air on my face. I have brought 3 different masks and continue to suffer in the night. Please advise. Thanks

    • Thank you for your comment, Nana. If you’d like you’re more than welcome to reach out to our Service Department at 877-303-9289 and they may be able to walk you through troubleshooting your mask leakage over the phone.

  3. I began having a little bit of mask leak several months ago. 5 days ago they replaced my O2 concentrator since I’ve had it for a year, and now I have no mask leak at all. It seems like too much of a coincidence to me, but for some reason swapping out the concentrator fixed my “mask leak”.

  4. I have had great difficulty over many yrs finding an effective cpap solution. I finally did within the last yr with a nasal pillow mask. However, I still have major mouth leaking with it that negatively impaxts my qualty of sleep, treatment. I have tried numerous chin straps. Is there another solution? Could it be my pressure is too high? It is set at minimum of 8. Please help.

    • Thank you for your comment, Steve. If you’d like you can reach out to our Service Department at 877-303-9289. If you’ll provide them with a little bit more information regarding your current solution, the current state of your mask, and the other options you have tried they’ll be able to best assist you in trouble-shooting your leaking.

  5. I have a nasal resmed n20 and I can not get a good seal I have got air leaks on all my masks I have had what can I do to get rid of those air leaks

    • Thank you for your comment, Carl. Are there any noticeable cracks visible on the masks themselves or wear on the tubing?

  6. I’m using an Quattro F20 mask. The mask is awesome. Just one problem. When I sleep, air escapes through my mouth, creating a flutter sound. My lips make a “motor boat” sound. It’ll wake me up every time. Ive been trying to trouble shoot this online and have yet to come find anything. I’m definitely not snoring. any help would be tremendous!!

    • Thank you for your inquiry, Bob. Have you tried a different mask with similar results? It sounds like the Quattro F20 may not be quite right for your situation. Feel free to give our specialists a call at 877-774-9271 for more information!

  7. I started using my CPAP two weeks ago. I use the nasal pillows which I love. I noticed that air is coming out of the tubing connected to my mask. I am getting air through the nasal cushions, but not sure if the air is supposed to come out of the tubing.

    • Annette, you may have a small crack in the tubing. I would take a look at that and see if you see anything. Depending on the age of the mask you may need a new one.

    • Thank you for your inquiry, Suzi. The SimplyGo and the SimplyGo Mini do not use the same battery. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

  8. I use the pillow mask and am getting a red sad face that says mask seal. What is the problem. I even changed the mask and tubing.

    • Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com

  9. I noticed that sometimes if the hose moves, I get a leak. I cannot be bothered at 2:00 in the morning when I am half asleep to start refitting the mask. I am tired. What can be done to stop the hose from moving

    • If this a problem that you have frequently you may want to look at a different mask to see if maybe a better fit is available for you. You can also always consult with your doctor.

  10. My leaks are to much anywhere from 35 to 80. I have the air fit 20 that fits over my nose. I have tried the full face and that don’t work. What is your suggestion?

    • Hi Andrew,

      I am so sorry to hear you are having problems. It could be a flow rate that is too high or the mask isn’t fitted correctly; please call us at: 1-877-644-4581 and we will do our best to help.

  11. Q: I have mask leaks …..
    A: Please contact our reps for support.
    Real Answer: Cpap masks are crap. Never have had a seal. Prolly never will. Have been firred by experts… Maybe one day they’ll get this technology stted out. Sorry, it ain’t yhere yet.

    • Hi James,

      I am so sorry to hear you are having problems with your CPAP mask. Please call us at: 1-877-644-4581 and we will do our best to help.

  12. My pressure is set at 20 to make it benifical for my bypap machine is there a mask that can with stand this pressure my money has other places to go and my insurance only covers one mask a year. I did all the tight loose and shave bull . mask pushes out the nose and chine whare rubber is thine

    • It may be that the mask you have is not the correct fit or may need to be replaced. We suggest that you go to the place you received your mask and request to be refitted.

  13. I have successfully used a full face mask for a year.

    I quite SPORADICALLY get a report of MAJOR leakage. Should I care? How do I determine where and when and why it happens?

    • To best help, you determine why this is happening please give our Customer Care Center a call at 877-303-9289. They will be able to troubleshoot this with you over the phone.

  14. The quality and fit of my full face CPAP mask is fine. When I go to bed, there is no leak for many hours. During the middle of the night (early morning), my mask begins to leak and make a loud noise which wakes me and my wife from our good sleep. I do take it off and put it back on, but it seems to continue off and on for a significant time afterwards. Any other suggestions that you could offer would be of great appreciation.

    Thanks in advance,
    Mike

    • I am not sure how long you have had your mask but it may be time to replace it. I would recommend contacting our customer care team so that they can help you troubleshoot this over the phone 877-303-9289.

    • Hi Ayub, to best help you with your bipap please contact our customer care team at 877-774-9271 and they can troubleshoot with you over the phone. I have also passed on your information to our customer care team as well.

  15. Is it possible for a Resmed Airsense 10 to be leaking internally, and but still showing a bad mask seal? I’ve never had seal issues before, but suddenly my mask seal scores have plummeted. Mask is good & hose is good.

    • To best help you troubleshoot your problem please contact our customer care center at 877-303-9289. We look forward to helping you.

  16. One of the most common reasons for mask leakage is over-tightening the straps. I know this sounds counterintuitive, but it is true—especially if you are using a full-face mask. An indication that this might be happening is a red, chapped area on the skin inside where the silicone touches your face. The leak causes air to blow across the exposed skin causing wind-burn. If the mask fits properly, this rush of air will not occur. The typical response is to tighten the headgear straps when, if fact, you should try loosening them. The straps should be tight enough to comfortably hold the mask against your face when the CPAP is turned off. Once the CPAP is turned on, the air pressure should make the fit more secure. If it still doesn’t work, it’s probably time to look at a different mask design.

  17. I use the pillow mask and I am getting a red sad face that says mask seal. What is the problem. I even changed the mask and tubing. Same as Melvine above and have had the Resmed Air Series 10 for at least 2 years. Use DreamWear Nasal Pillow and first time for this red face problem.

    • One of the possible issues is the pressure of air coming from the machine might be low. IF you have not had the machine serviced recently it might be time to have it looked at or replaced. Our customer service might be able to better diagnose this. Give us a call at 877-303-9289

  18. My by pap mask leaks air on the front looks like it could be a vent when i hold my finger on it it quits leaking

    • You might want to consider a different mask type or if the mask is a bit old could need to be replaced.

  19. I started with my CPAP and had zero problems for the first few months, then after seeing my doc for a check up, he adjusted the airflow upward. Immediately I began getting pretty severe leaks. Went back to the doc, and he had me change to a new type of nasal pillow. Still leaked. Finally, I said that I thought the air flow was too great, he adjusted it downward. Now it’s working perfectly again. My setting is now 6-14. I needed the lower range! So that’s something to check if you’re having seal problems.

  20. For those on ResMed Air Fit f20 mask/frame/headgear/cushion. I just received a cushion from my DME supplier and after using that cushion the first night I noticed that I was awakened periodically by a squealling noise. In checking the fitting of the cushion to the frame I noticed it was loose and there was a noticable gap between the cushion and frame. Replaced it with an old cushion and that resolved the issue. Now I have to wait another month before Medicare will allow me to get a new cushion.

    Another “mask leak” problem I solved was changing the headgear from a medium (which was the correct mask fitting) to a small headgear NOT THE MEDIUM. I am bald and found that the slight difference in the medium vs. the small gave a better fitting around the nose so that I was not constantly adjusting the straps on the medium headgear to try and fix the leaks.

    Mind you, my mask still has leaks. I can go 2-3 nights with 0 leaks and then spike to 24 ( and the next morning my wife reminds me of it before I can read my results on MyAir.)

    This mask thing is still a work in progress even after 6 years. Gets tiresome after a while. HOWEVER, the upside to CPAP treatment is that I don’t have to take a pill it is just air YEAH!

  21. I got a nasty rash where the silicone touches my face. I had to totally stop using the cpap for a month while drs tried various medications. I now have nasal liners but I most often am told that there is a mask leak. Would a barrier cream be better?

    • The holes are there to allow the exhaled CO2 out. This is normal. If you think that your machine is not working properly, please give us a call to help you troubleshoot.

  22. Thank you for addressing the leak challenge.
    Could it be helped by switching from a full face mask to others that do not rest over the nose and mouth?
    I agree with the pointer that not every mask works for everyone and that each patient should find what fits best for them.
    Awesome read.

  23. I have used a ResMed Air sense 10 for many years and it has helped me a lot. Recently I get a very dry mouth after a couple hours of sleep and that wakes me up. I have also noticed that there is water leaking from under the water tank but not leaking from the tank. Is there a fix for this problem or do i need a new machine?

  24. I tried the airfit n20.Loved it except that the noise from the air rushing thru the vent tubing kept me awake all night. And when I check myair results the next day it says adjust.I have tried everything.I took it to the lincare place where I got it. They did nothing.Can you help me.

    • Please contact your equipment provider (where you got the concentrator from) or the manufacturer to get your unit serviced. IF you are looking for a new unit give us a call at (888)572-5831.

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