All About Leak: Understanding and Managing CPAP Mask Leaks for Better Sleep

You’ve settled into bed, your CPAP machine is gently humming, and you’re ready for a restful night’s sleep...until you hear that tell-tale hissing sound or feel a breeze of air on your face. If that sounds familiar, you’re likely dealing with a CPAP mask leak, one of the most common challenges in CPAP therapy. While some level of leak is normal and even expected with CPAP equipment, too much of it can disrupt your therapy and your sleep. In this blog, we’ll explore what mask leak is, why it happens and what you can do about it to stay comfortable and get the most from your treatment.

What is leak and when should I fix it?

To put it simply, mask leak is air escaping from your CPAP system. Now, every setup – your device, tubing and mask – is designed to allow a small amount of air to escape. This intentional leak helps flush out exhaled carbon dioxide. But when the leak becomes excessive or unintentional, it can interfere with your therapy and cause symptoms like dry eyes, noise disturbances or reduced treatment effectiveness.

If you’re waking up feeling tired, hearing air escaping, or experiencing dryness or irritation around your eyes or mouth, you might be dealing with a leak that needs attention.

Where can leak occur?

There are three key types of CPAP leaks to be aware of:

1. Mask leak

Mask leak is the most common type and occurs when your mask isn’t properly sealed to your face. This could be due to poor fit, incorrect size, facial hair, or worn-out components. If the mask isn’t snug enough or is sitting at the wrong angle, air can escape around the edges.

Try the following to troubleshoot:

• Re-fit your mask while lying down in your usual sleeping position. Your facial contours shift when you lie flat, so this is the best way to check the seal.
• Avoid overtightening. It may seem like tighter is better but overdoing it can cause discomfort or deform the cushion, reducing the mask’s ability to seal properly.
• Clean your mask cushion regularly. Oils from your skin can build up and prevent a good seal.
• Inspect for wear and tear. Even with regular care, your mask cushion and headgear will eventually need replacing.

2. Equipment leak

This occurs when parts of your CPAP setup, such as the tubing, humidifier or even the machine itself are damaged or not connected correctly. A cracked hose or loosely attached part can result in significant air loss.

Be sure to:

• Inspect your tubing and connectors regularly for signs of damage, especially where components join.
• Double-check that everything is assembled correctly before you go to bed.
• Look out for audible hissing or drops in therapy performance, which may indicate an equipment issue.

3. Mouth leak

If you're using a nasal mask or nasal pillows but breathe through your mouth while you sleep, air can escape from your mouth. This is known as mouth leak, and it’s especially common if you suffer from nasal congestion or tend to breathe through your mouth habitually.

To manage mouth leak, consider:

• Using a chin strap to help keep your mouth closed at night.
• Switching to a full face mask, which covers both the nose and mouth and helps prevent mouth leak entirely.
• Ensuring you’re well hydrated and that your nasal passages are clear. Saline sprays or nasal strips may help.

Why does leak vary from person to person?

Leak isn't often due to one common issue. The amount and type of leak you experience can vary based on several factors, including:

Your mask

Everyone’s facial structure is unique, and not every mask suits every face. If your mask doesn’t match your facial features or sleep style, you're more likely to experience leak. For example, side sleepers may struggle with larger, bulkier masks that shift during the night.

Talk to one of our CPAP consultants to explore different styles or sizes if you suspect your current mask isn’t the best match.

Your CPAP device and pressure settings

Different machines and pressure levels produce different airflow intensities, which can influence how easily a leak occurs. Higher pressures can make mask leaks more noticeable or uncomfortable.

If you suspect your therapy pressure may need adjustment, speak with your doctor or our respiratory and sleep physicians before making any changes.

Your breathing

Everyone breathes a little differently, and factors like nasal congestion, allergies or even the weather can affect your breathing patterns. A stuffy nose, for instance, might cause you to switch from nasal to mouth breathing overnight, leading to mouth leak.

How to keep track of leak

If you're using a ResMed device, the myAir app is a handy way to monitor your therapy, including your mask seal score. This score gives you insight into how well your mask is sealing during the night. If you notice a spike in leak levels, ask yourself:

• Did I sleep in a different position last night?
• Did I take my mask off and on frequently?
• Was I especially restless or not able to sleep well?

A one-off night is usually nothing to worry about. But if you’re seeing consistently high leak scores or waking up feeling less rested, it may be time to review your setup.

When should you take action?

A little leak here and there is completely normal, and often nothing to worry about. However, if you're experiencing frequent or consistently high leak levels, it may be affecting your therapy’s effectiveness. Too much air escaping can mean you’re not receiving the right pressure to keep your airways open, which can lead to ongoing apneas, poor sleep quality, and daytime fatigue. Over time, these issues can undermine the benefits of your CPAP therapy and make it harder to stay motivated.

That’s why it’s important to take leak seriously. If you’ve already tried basic troubleshooting, like cleaning your mask, adjusting the fit, or replacing worn-out components but you're still noticing problems, it might be time for a closer look. You could benefit from a professional mask refit, trying a different style or size, or reviewing your pressure settings with a healthcare provider. A small adjustment might make a big difference in your comfort and results.

Final thoughts

Feeling at ease with your CPAP therapy isn’t just about comfort. It’s about making your treatment comfortable. And for many people, unresolved mask leaks are a major barrier to success. If your mask doesn’t seal properly or causes irritation, it can quickly become frustrating, and you might find yourself tempted to skip a night or stop using your CPAP altogether.

The good news is that most leaks are solvable. Often, the fix is simpler than you think. Whether it’s exploring a new mask that fits your face better, creating a consistent cleaning habit, or making small changes to your bedtime routine, there are plenty of ways to fine-tune your setup. By taking the time to troubleshoot and personalise your therapy, you’ll be setting yourself up for more restful nights and more energised days.

Still need help?

If you're feeling a bit stuck or just want some personalised advice, we're always here to help. At Sove CPAP Clinic, we know that everyone's CPAP journey is a little different and sometimes, it just takes the right tweak or a quick chat to get things back on track. Feel free to give us a call on 1300 376 2939 and speak to someone from our friendly team. Whether you need help troubleshooting, want to try a new mask, or just have a few questions, we're happy to chat.

Prefer to explore things at your own pace? You can jump onto our website anytime to check out our range of mask accessories, replacement parts, and how-to videos at sove.com.au.

---

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea treatment. When considering whether CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor.