I am using nasal pillows and have a question about leakage.  

Each time I breathe, a significant amount of air is shooting out of what looks like a release valve or something located on the front portion of the nasal pillow unit.  I mean, this blast of air shoots out there with pretty good force, a distance of four or five inches at least.

I hope this is normal and to be expected.  Is it?  Or do I have a helluva leakage problem that needs to be addressed?

(This looks like a stupid question and, perhaps it is.  But I am new to all this - less than a week since being fitted.  I didn't see anything about this in the instruction manual, which is why I am asking the question here.)

I think that's probably the exhaust port.  This is to vent c02 when you exhale.

ApexAZ wrote:

I think that's probably the exhaust port.  This is to vent c02 when you exhale.

I suspected as much.  Just needed some confirmation.  Thanks.

I know it is the exhaust port, but air is blowing out there once it is sealed on my face(I don't need to exhale to have air blowing out exhaust port). It doesn't blow out before, but I am hoping this is normal and not hurting how it works?

notreally wrote:

I know it is the exhaust port, but air is blowing out there once it is sealed on my face(I don't need to exhale to have air blowing out exhaust port). It doesn't blow out before, but I am hoping this is normal and not hurting how it works?

Good question.  I'm sure someone will have the answer.  Let's see . . .

notreally, I might not be reading your question correctly BUT will attempt to answer it the way I THINK it is intended.

The exhaust port always has air coming out of it, but it is increase when you exhale.  In my case (this took me a bit to get used to) it is actually not as strong when I exhale as I now have a bilevel.  My pressure drops from 15 to 11 when I exhale.


_________________
~ElleMarie~ One day at a time......are you kidding me?.....sometimes it's just one minute at a time.

Jun 2007 AHI 100.7 started cpap at 9** Oct 2007-11** April 2009 Bipap-15/10
Respironics auto M w/ Optilife nasal pillows

This happens on all masks.  Has to due with the air pressure/air that is constantly being pumped into the mask.  There will never be a time where the cpap is turned on, that air will not be coming out of this area.  Some are much louder than others, some shoot straight out, some go out in a circle around the sides of it, etc.  This is actually a comfort point to look at when deciding on a mask.  The sound of it, the direction of it may affect your partner, etc.


_________________
ResMed Auto Set II w/hi4 Pressure 9 - 20 EPR at 3 SleepWeaver, Mirage Micro, Liberty, FitLlife
Orig AHI 30.4 RDI 36 & RLS/PLMB