[CPAP] Resmed airsense 10 with F20 full face mask

[SoundSleeper99]

Hi fellow snorers !!
I started using Resmed Airsense 10 (APAP) last year. I couldn't get adjusted to it so stopped using it only to pick it up recently per my physician's suggestion. Currently using Resmed F20 (Silicon cushion)
I have been using it since Feb 23 regularly. My observation is that the mask fit is great before I fall sleep while lying down. In the middle of the night, there is whistling sound from either right or left cheek as if air is trying to escape. Typically pressure at that point is anywhere between 11 to 13 (starts with 5 when I turn on the m/c). I reset the machine at that point & it happens again in sometime.
So I am not sure what's happening that's causing mask to start leaking after 2-3 hours of sleep.
1) Is mask moving as I sometimes tend to move during sleep
2) Is pressure too high for mask to handle - Sleep study recommended a pressure of 7 and machine automatically goes as high as 12-13. Could that be the problem ?

I researched a lot on Resmed's site and I have followed all advice regarding cleaning, washing , trying to stay on the back etc. but nothing is working consistently. Sleep score is usually 90. Lost points are mainly because of the leak. AHI is 1.5, Mask adjustment is typically 1-2 times.

Appreciate your thoughts. Most of the folks I talked / read about had a lot smaller learning curve and they are EXTREMELY happy with the results. I honestly don't see any visible differences but hopefully I don't stop breathing as much as I used to without the CPAP.

[RainbowFish]

I doubt the pressure is the problem. My experience with the F20 is that it is not tolerant of side sleeping or movements that tug the air tubing and so shift the mask. Are you starting on your back and awakening on your side? You may do best with a pillow firm enough for the mask to hang off of. Personally I find strap wraps stabilize the mask too, and my preference is the “i“ mask line since the tube connector is on the top of the head, and so is less likely to shift the mask.

[snorin2]

You could try a liner like Remzzz or even make your own out of t-shirt or sock material.  I too had trouble with the headgear straps when side sleeping and they make contact with and "drag" on the pillow.

[SoundSleeper99]

I like sleeping on the side but with the mask I trained myself to be on my back. So these days I am on my back all the time. I also got a pillow for CPAP side sleepers. Basically it has a strap to hold the tube so that it won't drag against the regular pillow. 
Liner is an interesting idea. Let me google it on how to make one with t-shirt & sock !!
My AHI is consistently good but I am sure the leakage is reducing the therapy effectiveness ?

[bedtimebob]

Hi fellow snorers !!
I started using Resmed Airsense 10 (APAP) last year. I couldn't get adjusted to it so stopped using it only to pick it up recently per my physician's suggestion. Currently using Resmed F20 (Silicon cushion)
I have been using it since Feb 23 regularly. My observation is that the mask fit is great before I fall sleep while lying down. In the middle of the night, there is whistling sound from either right or left cheek as if air is trying to escape. Typically pressure at that point is anywhere between 11 to 13 (starts with 5 when I turn on the m/c). I reset the machine at that point & it happens again in sometime.
So I am not sure what's happening that's causing mask to start leaking after 2-3 hours of sleep.
1) Is mask moving as I sometimes tend to move during sleep
2) Is pressure too high for mask to handle - Sleep study recommended a pressure of 7 and machine automatically goes as high as 12-13. Could that be the problem ?

I researched a lot on Resmed's site and I have followed all advice regarding cleaning, washing , trying to stay on the back etc. but nothing is working consistently. Sleep score is usually 90. Lost points are mainly because of the leak. AHI is 1.5, Mask adjustment is typically 1-2 times.

Appreciate your thoughts. Most of the folks I talked / read about had a lot smaller learning curve and they are EXTREMELY happy with the results. I honestly don't see any visible differences but hopefully I don't stop breathing as much as I used to without the CPAP.


Hi, I use the Resmed F20 mask also but I use the foam cushions and they seem to seal better. I also sleep on my side. I have had that trouble with leaking like you have. The only problem I have is that if I drool the foam gets wet and tends to leak some. I would give the foam cushions a try and see if that helps. 

[Big Guy]

I can't sleep on my back to save my life. I too, used an F20 and I'm a die-hard side sleeper. No problems with the F20.

[SideSleeper]

I use the F20 Airtouch (foam) mask and am a slide sleeper---almost tuck my nose down. It stays put! It does have to be adjusted pretty tight. The F20 silicon mask doesn't work for me.