F20 Touch (foam) cushion --Longer Use and Larger Leaks

[DevinJones]

I stopped using the ResMed F20 foam cushion and now use and prefer the F20 silicone cushion, which is much more durable, much easier to clean and sanitize, and has less leakage even when the cushion is not new. If cost were no object, then I'd get the F20 foam cushion and change the dirty foam cushion every week or two.

[Lucky7]

"and has less leakage"

that was not my experience, allthough I'm a new guy.

on the other points I'd absolutely agree.

[DevinJones]

An oily, dirty F20 foam cushion, which cannot ever be washed, breaks down and separates, but a silicone cushion, which can be washed every day, does not break down the same way. A cushion that breaks down and cracks leaks.

[Lucky7]

" A cushion that breaks down and cracks leaks"

Again, absolute agree on this point. It started happening to me right at 30 days. I should have shot a pic before I tossed it.

On the flip side, BEFORE it went south it sealed better that a regular F20. Also, didn't cause uncomfortable nose pinching.

[Old Steve]

I used a F20 for several months, I found that the foam cushions worked just fine. You can clean them every day with normal mask cleaners.   For me, the secret to no leaks was to use a mouth guard with either the foam or silicon cushions.  I found that my mouth would open and drop when I was sleeping causing my mask to leak like a sieve by my chin area.  The mouth guard stopped my mouth from opening.   To check, put your F20 mask on just like normal, turn on the CPAP and while on your back or side open your mouth and see if it leaks.   If it does try a mouth guard.

[Lucky7]

Exploring some options for that now, thanks Steve!

Are you talking about mask wipes?

[Old Steve]

Yes mask wipes, I use So Clean just the brand my supplier sells.  I would imagine that most brands would work just fine.

[Lucky7]

Thanks Steve!

[SideSleeper]

I use the F20 Air Touch and get very few mask leads. There are two kinds of leaks--mask and mouth. As I understand it, with info from this forum, mask leaks show up as sharp spikes on OSCAR and mouth leaks as flat topped ones. I have many more mouth leaks than mask--that's what forced me into wearing a full face mask. I averaged less than 1 large leak per night for the past 30 days but do have to wear it cinched up fairly tight. 6 weeks out of one cushion isn't unusual.