ResMed High Leak Detected: What It Means & What to Do
Quick answer
ResMed's AirSense and AirCurve user guides associate High Leak Detected with an incorrectly fitted mask, a loose tubing connection, or a humidifier tub or side cover that is not seated correctly. Stop therapy, check only the external components named by the guide, and contact your provider if the leak persists.
Equipment: CPAP · Fault type: display message · Severity: medium
What High Leak Detected means
High Leak Detected means the device is sensing more unintended air loss than expected. The manufacturer guidance points to mask fit, tubing connections, and—on models with them—the humidifier tub or side cover.
Check the mask
Refit the mask according to its own user guide and use the device's Mask Fit function where available. This page does not prescribe a different mask or make a patient-specific treatment recommendation.
Check external connections
Confirm the tubing is firmly connected at both ends. If the device has a humidifier tub or side cover, verify that it is correctly inserted and not visibly cracked or damaged.
Mouth leak and moisture
ResMed's troubleshooting guide discusses mouth leak and water in the mask or tubing as separate issues. Follow the mask and device manuals, and ask your care provider for guidance rather than changing treatment settings yourself.
What you can safely check
- Stop therapy and read the complete displayed message before doing anything else.
- Disconnect power using the device power connector or power supply; do not open the enclosure.
- If overheating is implicated, move the device away from heat and allow it to cool before reuse.
- Inspect the external air filter for blockage and replace it only as the user guide directs.
- Inspect the air tubing for blockage, kinks, damage, or water.
- Where relevant, verify that the humidifier tub or side cover is seated correctly and dry.
- Reconnect power and perform ONE restart only when the manufacturer's user guide allows it for that message.
- If the fault returns, therapy is unavailable, or the message is unrecoverable, contact your CPAP equipment provider or authorized service center. Follow your care provider's guidance if therapy cannot be used.
What not to do
- Do not open the enclosure or replace internal electronics, blower hardware, sensors, or boards yourself.
- Do not perform calibration, enter undocumented service menus, bypass safety mechanisms, or change therapy-pressure settings to work around the fault.
Which models are covered?
- AirSense 10
- AirSense 11
- AirCurve 11
If the message returns
Contact your CPAP equipment provider or authorized service center. If therapy is unavailable, follow the guidance from your care provider rather than improvising a replacement setting.
Related ResMed CPAP faults
Sources
- ResMed AirSense 11 — official user guide — manufacturer-support; verified 2026-09-03
- ResMed AirCurve 11 — official user guide — manufacturer-support; verified 2026-09-03
- ResMed Air Solutions Troubleshooting Guide — official — manufacturer-support; verified 2026-09-03
Related CPAP guides
CPAP High Leak: What to Check · CPAP Machine Error: Safe Checks Before Calling Your Provider