ResMed AirFit F10 and Deviated Septum

[elixeus]

HI everyone. First off, I would like to say that I love this mask.

I purchased it using a size small using the printable PDF template off ResMed's website. I was surprised I sized in as a size small and sometime people say if you experience problems with a mask, it can sometimes be due to it being one size too small.

Pros:
• Lightweight construction
• Headgear ingeniously designed: comfortable material, easy readjustment, and getting the mask off is a breeze; easy elbow detachment if that is your kind of thing
• The air diffuser also does what an air diffuser should do, diffuse the air around a large area, therefore operation is less noticeable
• On sale on cpap.com for $149.00, normally $176.00 - same as Mirage Quattro

Cons:
• At higher pressures (say steady 8-9 cmH2O), it is more difficult, but not impossible to maintain an adequate seal. Having the mask on too tight causes problems (please refer to the item below)
• I have a deviated septum where my nose points to the right. Either due from side-sleeping, the shape, or it is a size too small (I used ResMed's PDFs printed at 100% their normal size), I have a red and somewhat painful pressure blister on the top left ridge of my nose after using it for a week straight. I have tweaked the mask to one side, but not to any extreme in fear I will lose seal on the right side of my lip.

I was wondering if any other F10 users with deviated septums noticed the same thing happening to them and if going up a size fixed it for them, or if they stopped using the mask altogether. It would be sad because I really like this FFM, otherwise. Right now, my backup is a ResMed Mirage Quattro FFM, but it is in a size medium and am wondering if I should have shot for a small. I only went for a medium at the last minute incase the AirFit didn't work out. Ironically I had my eye on the Mirage Quattro over any of the the FFMs CPAP.com sells. Although this mask is heavier, I feel like I have to worry less (but not far less) with the position of my head against the pillow. The downsides to the Mirage Quattro is it's bulky both between the FFM and the headgear and I don't like the diffuser particularly too much. However, functionally, it seems to work fine and I'll be curious to see over the course of the next couple nights of that pressure blister disappears.

I think it is important to state my overall goal and I'm open to other FFM suggestions, as I'm a mouth breather: looking for a lightweight face mask, good diffuser, light ingeniously designed headgear, a cushion that isn't too bulky, but not so light that I have to worry about leaks. I know people can only state their opinions and that no "ultimate truth" exists, but just wanted some feedback and guidance with my mask.

Thanks again everyone!

[Sheriff Buford]

I've been using the F10 off and on since it came out... and recently for 3 or 4 months. Funny, I also have a deviated septum and when I moved from the Fitlife Total Face mask to a full face mask, I first tried the Mirage Quattro. Hate that mask because of the forehead piece. I use a pressure of 15 cm/h2o in straight cpap mode (all night) and lately I've been getting a zero leak rate. My bad leak rates are less than 10.

I think maybe you should try a medium mask because of your nose. If the medium doesn't work, you may need to get a mask that offers more "nose room".

Sheriff

[HairyReasoner]

I'm using the Airfit F10 at a pressure of 17, and it seems to seal better for me than any of the other masks I've used. Also, it seems to exert less discomfort and pressure on the bridge of my nose. So, I too wonder if you have a wrong size, but not knowing any details it's pretty difficult to tell. Of course, since faces vary greatly, the mask that works best for me may be really bad for you. That's why there are so many different masks. My recommendation is to set up an appointment with the respiratory therapist at the Durable Medical Equipment dealer you use (they should have one). I know mine has really helped in matters like this.

[elixeus]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I decided to jump for an AirFit F10 in size medium - that way I can try both sizes and see which one works better! I should be getting it in the mail sometime next week and I'll provide you any insights that will hopefully also help other F10 users in the future.

I've been using the F10 off and on since it came out... and recently for 3 or 4 months. ... I first tried the Mirage Quattro. Hate that mask because of the forehead piece...
I think maybe you should try a medium mask because of your nose. If the medium doesn't work, you may need to get a mask that offers more "nose room".

Thanks Sheriff, my sentiments exactly. I have slept with the Mirage Quattro last night... the top part "head-rest" of the mask hurts my foreheead and I already tried loosening it as much as possible and playing around with the dial. Good seal, but that's it. Uncomfortable, even with the headgear. It's like wearing a tank on your face. If I can get an AirFit... that... well... fits, I'll be one happy camper I have a pretty prominent nose, so between that and the deviated septum, I'm sure you're spot on. Strangely enough though, could be coincidence, but on the 8th night of treatment I switched it out, had a worse AHI score, but felt better. Could just coincide with a improvement from treatment.

I'm using the Airfit F10 at a pressure of 17, and it seems to seal better for me than any of the other masks I've used. Also, it seems to exert less discomfort and pressure on the bridge of my nose. So, I too wonder if you have a wrong size, but not knowing any details it's pretty difficult to tell. Of course, since faces vary greatly, the mask that works best for me may be really bad for you. That's why there are so many different masks. My recommendation is to set up an appointment with the respiratory therapist at the Durable Medical Equipment dealer you use (they should have one). I know mine has really helped in matters like this.

HairyReasoner, thank you for sharing your experiences too! Good to know it handles under the pressure (possible pun intended). Glad to know that the seal on these work fine. I thought they did, but I think I have it just one size too small, so it was hard to tell. I would work with the local DMEs, but Apria sucks, I don't know too much about Lincare, I guess they are okay; my pulmonologist's recommended DME was so concerned about making a dollar that they wouldn't even fit me for a mask, even when I agreed to pay for a fitting. Why? In spite. I didn't want to buy as ResMed A10 machine for $1800 with mask, climate line tubing, and a humidifier... Why? Because there is some massive markup and they had a poor attitude. They refused to just fit me for a mask because it wasn't worth their time - even when I agreed to pay for the fitting itself. They lost the privilege of getting my business, too bad because I was excited when I heard there was another DME I could work with, even if it was just for accessories, such as masks.

[library lady]

The F10 and Quattro Air use the same cushion; darned leaky, but they are the only masks I've used. My solution to the leaks was mask liners; they were a game changer for me. These days large leaks rarely show up in my data. If the Medium F10 doesn't give you much improvement, you might try liners if you haven't already done so. I much prefer the F10; it doesn't have the forehead strap that the Air has and therefore much more comfortable.

[popcpoo]

I recently tried the F10, but found it caused a large sore on my nose. I had to pull the straps tight to get a good seal. I use 15 - 20 cm h20 EPAP and 20 - 25 cm h20 IPAP. I had the same problem with the Mirage Quatro. The only mask I have been able to use is the F & P Simplus. I no longer have a deviated septum, I do have a roman nose with a rather prominent bump on it.

[elixeus]

Thanks for the feedback. I got a size M to try out for the past week and a half. It seems to have resolved the pressure sore.

Here are some observations the design of the F10 between S and M sizes:

• I haven't compared the headgear size-by-side, but I think the small fits slightly better for me (I have a small lower face, and a larger forehead). Both S and M sizes I have to adjust/advance the velcro straps slightly past the edge of the material. Not sure if there is smaller headgear than the S... if they have XS I guess I could order that and see how that works
• When I readjusted the S to be looser, the pressure sore goes away. The smaller seems like a better fit. However, the exception is when my pressure ramps up to 9 if I am having lots of events, it will leak on either side of my nose if any small/moderate amount of pressure pulls the mask downward (ie. the hose pulls the mask towards your chin.
• The size medium is slightly too large (bottom seal sits at the bottom of my chin, rather than the size small that fits where it is supposed to)

Mind you, when I printed out the sizing PDF files off ResMed's website at 100% their original size, I noticed I fall somewhere between S and M, which is probably why the small mask works better, but the headgear can't be readjusted for my smaller head.

I still have a few days before I can decide what I'm returning/exchanging. I really like the AirFit. Would anyone recommend a reason why I would keep the Mirage Quattro? Seems built like a tank, but I like my F10 better. However, under higher pressures, even though people have mentioned it handles under pressure is the Mirage Quattro FFM superior in some way? Like I had mentioned prior, there is so much more variable adjustment in the Mirage that I just find confusing. On the other hand, this kind of tweaking can ensure a better overall seal, but does sacrifice the comfort of the mask a bit in trade for functionality - possibility it would handle better in a wider variety of cases, not just for APAP/CPAP?

Now that I have shared my most recent thoughts on the experience, I would appreciate any feedback anyone else can provide about what I should do with my Mirage Quattro.

@popcpoo: How was your deviated septum fixed? Surgery? I have been wanting to get my nose fixed for so long, but I'm afraid insurance will not want to pay for it; and I wonder if it is even worth it. From the mask perspective, wearing glasses, and when I have colds; my absolute answer on this is yes. Plus the added benefit of having your nose point face-on to people, rather than looking a bit off. However, I know they are a form of "nose job" and technically the way they fix the nose is by putting in a plastic piece to replace the septum? Not sure if I like that idea. So that's why I'm asking if you had your nose re-broken, or how you got it fixed...

[Sir NoddinOff]

The F10 and Quattro Air use the same cushion; darned leaky, but they are the only masks I've used. My solution to the leaks was mask liners; they were a game changer for me.

You should tell us what type you like. Nevermind, I saw Remzzz in your signature line. I use them too.

[R1200ST]

Hi Elixeus,

I had a Septorynoplasty (sp?) done to fix a septum that was in three parts. The surgery was tough, the recovery was tough and to be honest with you , I feel no better now, then I did before the surgery. I still have a deviated septum, its just not in three parts now. They want to do the surgery again, but I am very hesitant to do so. I get pressure points from glasses, now the mask. So I am lurking here to see what you end up with and I might try it out. My pressure is only 6 - 12 so for me, comfort is key more then trying to keep high pressure in.

[ChicagoGranny]

technically the way they fix the nose is by putting in a plastic piece to replace the septum?

Where did you get that idea? Gramps had a badly deviated septum - s-shaped. The surgeon broke the septum, straightened it out and put in temporary plastic splints until the bone did one healing. In three or four days the splints came out. He was a trooper and was active on the fourth day. He is to this day very glad he had the surgery which included surgical reduction of all turbinates.

They want to do the surgery again

Surely not the same surgeon? Get a recommendation on a different surgeon and go for a second opinion.

[Sir NoddinOff]

technically the way they fix the nose is by putting in a plastic piece to replace the septum?

Where did you get that idea? Gramps had a badly deviated septum - s-shaped. The surgeon broke the septum, straightened it out and put in temporary plastic splints until the bone did one healing. In three or four days the splints came out. He was a trooper and was active on the fourth day. He is to this day very glad he had the surgery which included surgical reduction of all turbinates.

They want to do the surgery again

Surely not the same surgeon? Get a recommendation on a different surgeon and go for a second opinion.

+1