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Mask Miseries - Little Olive - 06-02-2024
Hi All,
I don't know what to do next about masks. After more than 3 months I am still not settled with an effective comfortable mask arrangement. I am being 'managed' by a sleep clinic who deal only with ResMed. They subsidise my machine and equipment requirements via the local hospital, so I'm not in a position to ask for different brands of masks. I do have the option of course to buy a different brans mask myself, but they are hugely expensive and I can't afford to spent a lot on a mask that might end up a white elephant in the bottom drawer. So any advice on FF masks, their pros and cons, will be greatly appreciated.
I need a full face mask, because I cannot keep my mouth shut and air pours out of it, and as well I swallow a lot of air with a nasal mask. I have a yawning syndrome also and when I get attacks of yawning I need to open my mouth at least a bit, so taping is not an option for me. I did try a chin strap but that was not helpful either. I have very framented sleep and move constantly, I try to sleep on my sides because when supine I end up with masses more apneas as well as cheyne-stokes breathing. Most of my apneas are central but supine increases obstructives massively. The mask wont stay in place, unless cranked up really tight it leaks, and I cannot tolerate the tighness. The medium was way too big and bumped up around my eyes, so I have the small size which is correct, but doesnt seem to fit. I have a narrow lower face I think.
The clinic supplied me with F20, first the plain silicone, and then the Air Fit with the foam. The silicone mask is cold, clammy and sticky and irritates my skin. So I bought an expensive pack of mask liners, which are pretty fiddly and ultimately useless, they help with my skin,, but not with leaks. The foam version is a lot more comfortable but also leaks. This is all happening with settings of 6.6 to 15 and soft response setting. When I use standard response and/or increase the minimum pressure, in an attempt to improve the therapy and stop the apneas, the mask becomes a leaking balloon.
Can anyone recommend a brand of mask and head gear that is more comfortable and more effective than the resmed stuff? Would need to be compatible with resmed machine and also the hose I guess. Anyone using the model with hose attachment on top of the head? Does that help with keeping the mask stable when side sleeping? I feel I have gone as far as I can with resmed F20 and I cannot carry on like this.
Thanks so much for reading. 
RE: Mask Miseries - Narcil - 06-02-2024
i think you should give resmed a real try before buying one yourself, you've only tried one model the F20 (2 versions but still).. they make some good masks. and yes the hose on top does help if you toss around a lot. f20 is pretty old there are better options now.
i think you should ask the hospital for a F30i (hose on top) or the F40, front hose but a lot of ppl seem to like the hybrid design. but it's brand new so no hose on top yet. the f40 would probably be more comfortable if you can deal with the hose.
RE: Mask Miseries - jlsmithseven - 06-02-2024
Ive dealt with all the things you have, minus the yawning.
I haven’t found a full face mask that worked for me yet. I’ve tried a ton. F30i, f30, the new f40, dreamwear , f20 both versions, f and p vitera. None worked. Shaved face or beard, they would just leak and I’d wake up.
The funny thing is I started with the foam f20 my very first night and slept amazing. But after that my body got picky and I get irritated with too many things on my head.
I’m with the p10 nasal now. And I want to go to my dream ports again because the ipap is way more comfortable.
RE: Mask Miseries - TheBinarySon - 06-02-2024
I'm new to CPAP, but I would also recommend looking into the f30i. I use an almost identical mask from Philips and I love it. I also toss and turn a lot, and having the tube at the top of my head prevents getting tangled in the tubing.
RE: Mask Miseries - Phaleronic - 06-02-2024
As others have stated you may want to try the new Resmed F40 system, try different sized cushions too
RE: Mask Miseries - HalfAsleep - 06-02-2024
I use an F40 and LOVE it. There are different sizes and size combinations, so you'd want to figure out the right size before requesting it from your official source. It's very light and very comfy, for me, at least.
I will say, though, it gets kinda leaky if I use a pressure 14 or higher.
Before you get a new mask, however, post your Oscars and see if your pressure needs adjusting. It's possible you don't need something as high as 14.6 because your current mask is super leaky, and your unit has to compensate.
In other words, solve the mask question AFTER you have insight on pressure from the Apneaboard folks here.
RE: Mask Miseries - Big Guy - 06-02-2024
I've used the AirFit F20, F30 and now the F40. I'm a mouth-breather and side sleeper. The F40 works very well for me, but as we all know, individual preference is always a major factor.
I like the F40 for it's durability as well. It's very robust and easy to clean and maintain. And for me, it stays in place when in use.
RE: Mask Miseries - yankees123 - 06-02-2024
I also am a big fan of the F40. It’s the only ffm I can wear all night. Super comfortable and definitely worth trying.
RE: Mask Miseries - Little Olive - 06-02-2024
Thanks everyone for your input, I really appreciate it, and have taken it all on board. Looking at the F30i and the F40, I somehow dont think the 30i would suit me, but the F40 looks interesting and seems to have good reviews here. I have found a local ResMed CPAP supplier who gives a 14 day money back trial period so it looks like I can access another mask setup on appro, without having to deal with the clinic. However the F40 is not avaiable in New Zealand! Bah humbug
PS some kind and very patient people are already helping me with my apnea management woes in another thread and have been examining my boring old oscars and providing good advice.
RE: Mask Miseries - PeaceLoveAndPizza - 06-03-2024
Hybrid style full-face masks (full-face but under the nose) that have been received positively by members are the ResMed F30, ResMed F40, and F&P Evora. Both the F30 and Evora should be readily available.