CPAP Leaking...HELP!!!

My partner has been using the Resmed F10 for just over 3 years, but over the last few months he has developed the habit of sticking his lower lip out from underneath the mask and leaving it there, thus breaking the seal.

When he does this I can physically see him having apnea attacks so I reposition the mask for him.. but it only lasts 30 seconds or so before he does it again.

He can't breathe through his nose due to a deviated septum so mouthguards and chin straps wouldn't help. Any suggestions?

Can't get in to see the sleep clinic due to covid restrictions so I'm at my wits end :(

Masks are a very personal preference as to what works and what does not. About all I could suggest is trying a mask that has a very substantial headgear like the ResMed Mirage Quattro. Many of the new masks are very minimalist in design and may not work so well in staying on.

The other suggestion would be to download OSCAR to view the detailed sleep data. It requires a PC or Mac and a SD card reader to get the data off the SD card in the machine. That would allow you to determine when during the night the mask is being removed and what the pressure was at that time. The leak rate chart will show when the leak starts. It may give you some clue as to what may be causing the need to remove the mask. One possible issue is that the minimum pressure on the CPAP is set to low for comfortable breathing. And, during the night with the machine in auto it reduces the pressure so much it feels suffocating. Out of the box the machine is set for 4 min and 20 max. I find a pressure of 4 to be much too low to be comfortable. It feels like I am suffocating. A minimum of 7 is better. OSCAR will let you know what the pressure is when it is removed.

Hope that helps some,