How to Troubleshoot a Leaky CPAP That Is Not a Mask Type

Some Continuous Positive Airway Pressure masks aren't really masks. Instead of covering the nose and/or mouth, these CPAP masks send pressurized air directly through each nostril via a pair of "nasal puffs" or "nasal pillows." These nasal interfaces are designed to be less prone to leakage than facial or nasal masks, but they can still leak. If you're having this problem, try a few simple things to stop all that hissing.

Instructions

• 1

  Check to see that your nasal pillows are the right size. Nasal pillows normally come in small, medium and large sizes to fit different size nostrils. If the nasal pillows are too large or too small, they won't seal properly and you'll have leakage around your nose. Ask your health care provider for properly sized nasal pillows.

• 2

  Check your headgear fit. The headgear straps should hold the nasal pillows firmly yet comfortably against your nose. If it's too loose, tighten it using the Velcro attachments on the headgear straps.

• 3

  Replace your nasal pillows if they are more than six months old and are leaking. Nasal pillows are made of silicone, which loses its resilience after prolonged exposure to skin oils.

• 4

  Check that the nasal pillows are properly attached to the rest of the nasal interface. The pillows are designed to be replaceable, so check that they haven't come loose.

• 5

  Make sure you've got a leak. Just like facial and nasal masks, nasal interfaces need to vent air when you're not actually inhaling. Just because air is coming out of some holes in the front of the device does not mean it is leaking.