Full face masks: with and without the forehead part

I am relatively new in the cpap world (2.5 months), and my first FF mask (in addition to Amara View which is irrelevant to my question) is ResMed AirFit F10. It belongs to the family of FF masks WITHOUT the forehead part. There is a family WITH it - for example, ResMed Quattro Air (it is very similar to F10, the only visible difference is existence of the forehead part). Those models are used only as an example:



I have never used a FFM with forehead part (even didn't try them visiting the cpap shop). For me, it's obvious that the "without" variant is much better - why to have extra contact area on the face? I love Amara View for having less contact area than F10, but those have even more than F10! Аt the same time I see, that many people in forums and FB groups love their "with" masks, and these people are much more experienced than me and those affairs. So, I am trying to understand the reason. Maybe, the "with" masks are less leaky? Maybe, they can be worn less tightened? Maybe, they are better for side-sleepers? Maybe, I should take one in my next masks set purchase and try?

Thanks in advance to the people who will answer!

For people whose faces and sleeping positions work with FFMs, the forehead piece can be stabilizing.

I have use The Amara View, mask with forehead stabilizer (F&P Simplus) and without a stabilizer (ResMed F20). I used both of the first two for several months, but after trying the F20, I like it best. Mask choice is a very personal thing. Everybody's face is different and what works for one person may not work for the next. I only know what works for me. During the last two years, I have tried at least 12 different masks. Some for short periods of time (1 night) and others for several months. I am always searching for the "perfect" mask, if there is such a thing.

Okie bipap wrote:I am always searching for the "perfect" mask, if there is such a thing.

I don't think there is such a thing as "totally perfect". For me even if a mask works very well for the most part I have found that there is always some little something that I wish was just a little different at least some of the time if not all of the time.
I just got the new DreamWear Gel nasal pillow mask a couple of days ago. It's not totally perfect either. But then I really didn't expect it to be and I am okay with that. I have some pretty high standards for "perfect" that are unlikely to ever get met.

As for the forehead piece on some full face masks...total deal breaker for me. Heck I won't even use a mask that fits over the bridge of my nose much less a forehead piece but that's me and my own personal preferences.
People just need to try things to help figure out what their own personal preferences are and go from there.
One man's trash is another man's treasure....for sure.

I always thought the forehead piece was geared for comfort for those that require higher end pressures for their therapy. That's just a guess, but I figure it would give a little leverage to keep the chin region tighter and less prone to leaks maybe.

The only thing that is certain, when you find the right mask, they will discontinue it

ajackw wrote:The only thing that is certain, when you find the right mask, they will discontinue it

If people are using and purchasing a mask the manufacturer will keep up production. As newer masks come on the market and people stop buying and using a particular mask, it becomes unprofitable to keep producing them.

It would be nice to have advance notice if your go-to mask is about to be discontinued.
Then you could glom onto a spare or four.

M3T4LLik4 wrote:I always thought the forehead piece was geared for comfort for those that require higher end pressures for their therapy. That's just a guess, but I figure it would give a little leverage to keep the chin region tighter and less prone to leaks maybe.

I run 20 cm pressure with 3 cm pressure support. Most nights my 90% leak rate is 0.0 and I seldom have small spikes over 10. I had the same leak rate with the Amara View.

I need the forehead part. Without it, it's impossible for me to get a good seal. I'll get that annoying leak sound. I use the knob to adjust how tightly the masks fits at the top of my face.

If I could wear a full face mask without the forehead part and it would seal, then I would probably do so. I just recently tried one; it didn't work.

I have a narrow nose bridge, and the F20 is the first FFM I have found that sealed around my nose without being very snug.

Ursego wrote:I am relatively new in the cpap world (2.5 months), and my first FF mask (in addition to Amara View which is irrelevant to my question) is ResMed AirFit F10. It belongs to the family of FF masks WITHOUT the forehead part. There is a family WITH it - for example, ResMed Quattro Air (it is very similar to F10, the only visible difference is existence of the forehead part). Those models are used only as an example:

I have never used a FFM with forehead part (even didn't try them visiting the cpap shop). For me, it's obvious that the "without" variant is much better - why to have extra contact area on the face? I love Amara View for having less contact area than F10, but those have even more than F10! Аt the same time I see, that many people in forums and FB groups love their "with" masks, and these people are much more experienced than me and those affairs. So, I am trying to understand the reason. Maybe, the "with" masks are less leaky? Maybe, they can be worn less tightened? Maybe, they are better for side-sleepers? Maybe, I should take one in my next masks set purchase and try?

Thanks in advance to the people who will answer!

Ok, one thing that hasn't been mentioned is why I use the forehead piece. If you look at the F10 there is a cross piece that goes across the cheek. When I sleep on my side I end up with pain in my TMJ from it pressing on my cheek all night. The Quattro doesn't have that problem.

M3T4LLik4 wrote:I always thought the forehead piece was geared for comfort for those that require higher end pressures for their therapy. That's just a guess, but I figure it would give a little leverage to keep the chin region tighter and less prone to leaks maybe.

In reality the "T" bar lessens pressure on the bridge of the nose, where many masks cut thru the shin or bruse. Jim

the air and f10 has the same cussion
I've used the Quattro air, also a few more with forehead . The f-20 and a couple of nasal without. It doesn't worry me either way. They all feel funny the first week. I don't really notice anything after that.

I actually use two masks that work well for me. The Resmed Mirage Quattro (with forehead piece) and the new f20 (without). I like both masks well and I switch it up every once in awhile.....not entirely sure why lol But i like both masks.

That being said, the forehead piece doesnt really bother me. It looks silly as hell, but whatever. It does help stabilize the mask and does help in creating a better seal. Every now and again, it leaves a mark, but not often. Depends on sleep position.

Variety is the spice of life