AirTouch F20 mask swells. Is this normal?

My doctor gave me a sample AirTouch F20 yesterday and it’s the first time I’ve ever used a full face mask. Is it normal for the mask to swell and fall with every breath? The swelling sensation on my face was very distracting and repeatedly woke me up throughout the night. Since I’ve never worn a full face mask before, I’m not sure of this is a normal aspect of operation or maybe an indication that I didn’t fit the mask correctly. I did have some pretty high leakage initially at 39.6 l/min, but I ended up pulling the straps rather tightly later on. Too tight actually but that seemed to be the only way for me to be able to fall back asleep.
Also, I’m a side sleeper. Are full face masks better for back sleepers or does it not matter?

DigDugSlug wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 11, 2018 12:50 pm

My doctor gave me a sample AirTouch F20 yesterday and it’s the first time I’ve ever used a full face mask. Is it normal for the mask to swell and fall with every breath? The swelling sensation on my face was very distracting and repeatedly woke me up throughout the night. Since I’ve never worn a full face mask before, I’m not sure of this is a normal aspect of operation or maybe an indication that I didn’t fit the mask correctly. I did have some pretty high leakage initially at 39.6 l/min, but I ended up pulling the straps rather tightly later on. Too tight actually but that seemed to be the only way for me to be able to fall back asleep.
Also, I’m a side sleeper. Are full face masks better for back sleepers or does it not matter?

Is it the AirTouch, or the AirFit? I believe the AirTouch is memory foam, and I would have expected it to flex less than the AirFit which is silicone, and for sure they flex a lot. Ask your doctor if you can try the AirFit P10 nasal pillow mask. If you can use them without opening your mouth much, they are far more comfortable than a full face.

Is your machine a ResMed and do you have the EPR turned on, and if so at what setting. Reducing or shutting off the EPR may stop the flexing. But, it may create other issues like harder to exhale. Worth a try though.

Duplicate.

I wear the F20 with the silicon pads and do not have the swelling. I don't use ramp so I start out at full pressure. If you use the ramp the swelling you are describing maybe the silicon pads fully inflating. My pressure is 16/13 for reference.

It’s the AirTouch with the memory foam.

I had previously been using the Dreamwear nasal gel pillows mask, which is mostly comfortable but I found the exhaust noise to also repeatedly wake me up in the final hours of sleep.

I don’t actually open my mouth at night, but I’m just looking for a mask that will let me sleep through the night without waking me up repeatedly! It’s very annoying.

I’ve used the AitFit P10 but the material caused irritation and scaring in my nostrils, which was no good. It also seemed to make it feel like it was blocking the flow of oxygen, which ended up causing anxiety feeling like I was unable to breathe. Otherwise, the fit was pretty comfortable.

I’ve tried so many different kinds of masks over the years and I haven’t found one that seems to be without faults. So frustrating.

I use the Airsense 10. Can I turn off the EPR with the normal menu? (I’m not at home in front of the machine right now.)

DigDugSlug wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 11, 2018 2:03 pm

I use the Airsense 10. Can I turn off the EPR with the normal menu? (I’m not at home in front of the machine right now.)

I can on my machine, but just on or off, no ability to change the level. That said I recall I used the Clinical Menu to set an enhanced patient menu, so I don't know what that did. In any case it is dead easy to get in to the Clinical Menu and change it. Just hold the round button and the home button down for 3 seconds and you are in. I think EPR is under the comfort options.

Ron AKA wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 11, 2018 5:33 pm

DigDugSlug wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 11, 2018 2:03 pm

I use the Airsense 10. Can I turn off the EPR with the normal menu? (I’m not at home in front of the machine right now.)

I can on my machine, but just on or off, no ability to change the level. That said I recall I used the Clinical Menu to set an enhanced patient menu, so I don't know what that did. In any case it is dead easy to get in to the Clinical Menu and change it. Just hold the round button and the home button down for 3 seconds and you are in. I think EPR is under the comfort options.

OMG...You are smarter than I thought. You figured out the Clinical Menu.