When your CPAP mask is leaking, it becomes noisy and the escaping air can be uncomfortable. Your CPAP machine can also detect the leak and try and chase it by ramping the pressure up. This high pressure can disturb yourself and/or your bed partner. Mask leak can affect the quality of both your sleep and CPAP therapy. 

A high leak statistic on your machine can indicate an issue with your CPAP mask. Typically speaking, on the ResMed devices, we like to keep the leak figure below 24 L/min.

To help you get your therapy back on track, we have explored some possible reasons that your mask may be leaking below:

Mask/Equipment Damage

Damaged equipment can cause a higher than normal leak statistic to occur. Check your CPAP tubing and mask regularly for any holes/tears. For advice on how to check your equipment, Click here.

Mouth Leak

If you have been waking throughout the night from air gushing from your mouth or if you’ve been waking up with a dry mouth you may be experiencing mouth leak.

Mouth leak occurs when your mouth drops open throughout the night and the air escapes. The easiest way to confirm mouth leak is to get a download of your CPAP data for analysis.

From there you can look at trying a chin strap or full face mask.

Re-fit your mask/Try a new one

If your mask doesn’t fit correctly, the seal will be compromised resulting in mask leak. Click here for information on how you can re-fit your mask yourself. Alternatively, you can come in store and we will fit it for you.

If you’re experiencing leak or discomfort using your CPAP mask, it may be time to replace or upgrade. Click here to see our full range of CPAP masks.