Hello, first thank you for all the help you gave me when I started using CPAP.
My wife got tested a few weeks ago and the result was scary. The Dr said her Apnea was so bad it was actually dangerous. She now has a machine like mine and is wearing a full face mask. She does fine in the beginning but after an hour or so the mask begins leaking around the side of her face. She has been back to the clinic three times and they get the mask adjusted ok but that night she experiences leaks. My level is set at 9.0 she is set at 13.5, which seems pretty high. Does anyone with that level use a mask that does not leak that we should know about? Thank you again. TheeMrFrog

I'm currently at 14 on my pressure. 13.5 is really not that high... we have several forum members who are between 16-18, some even higher. Heck, I think our Admin ConnCarl here has a setting of 84 or something like that.. :lol: ... well, at maybe not quite that high, but at least it's one of the higher settings I've heard of, I think!

I have used a full face mask when I had a cold and my nose was "stuffed up", so I have a little experience. My full face mask is the Ultra Mirage FF mask.

When I first got this mask, the one that they gave me was WAY to big, so they gave me the smaller one, and it seemed to seal better, but it still had leaking - never did solve the problem completely, but it was better than nothing, especially when I had a cold.

But, full face masks are known for A LOT of sealing problems. Just a lot more surface area that needs to be sealed, plus they have to seal around your mouth as well, which may move more around irregular surfaces, increasing the leak problems.

First, I would make sure your wife has been properly fitted - it's possible they gave her a mask that's too large.

Second, is there a reason why they gave her a full face mask? If she can tolerate a nasal mask, they have FAR less leak problems. It may take a little getting used to it, but a little bit of patience and effort will be worth it if successful. If the problem is that her mouth falls open at night, you can purchase chin straps to keep her mouth closed, while using a standard nasal mask.

Hopefully others can give input on this also...