Informal Poll: Dreamwear FFM or the AirFit F20?

[djams]

Hi, after my last sleep study a year ago revealing that I had not been receiving adequate cpap therapy, due to my using only a nasal mask and having constant mouth opening, and not enough pressure (10) after aging 10 years and gaining 15 lbs since my first sleep study, I was increased to pressure 12 and a full face mask, given an Airfit F20 and loved it from the get-go! Fast-forward to present time and I cannot get in a couple of hours without face pain. When I follow the instructions from my initial fitting to set the straps just tight enough that the mask totally seals WHEN INFLATED, the outer "lips" of the seal flare out and the edges cut into my face. When I set it tight enough to prevent the inflation, my face hurts from the mask pressing so hard against my face. I should mention I lost 15 lbs since that study, although I don't think my face shrunk THAT much to cause such a problem... and I have tried reducing the pressure down as low as 8, but to no avail. I also have an AmaraView, very occasionally I can use it for a few hours, but most of the time I can't stand it contacting my nostrils (same reason I could never use nasal pillows). After reading this post I'm going to look into the AirSense F20, hopefully the memory foam will alleviate my problem, as I have no problem with the shape or headgear of the AirFit F20.

First off - welcome to the forum!

Sure sounds like you're over tightening the mask. You don't mention having gotten a replacement cushion - if the cushion is a year old, it could be worn out.

If this is the case, I wouldn't recommend switching masks. I'd return to "from the get-go condition" when you "loved it", by ordering a replacement cushion.

That said, I use the AirTouch F20 memory foam, and "love it". I'm able to control leaks up to my 18 max pressure without having to tighten it to the point that it feels uncomfortable. Even with my short beard.

On the off-chance that your initial fitter led you astray, here's a resmed video showing how to fit the mask. Key points are 1) adjust both sides at the same time, top first, 2) make final adjustments in your sleeping position, 3) give the mask a wiggle (this really does help). And omitted, but important IMO is 4) make sure the headgear strap running over the top of your head is actually running over the top of your head. I found 3 videos with a google search, all show the exact same thing with different actors and music, so I picked the one with the music I liked. Hope you enjoy it too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIVxp84cuKM

Edit: watched that video again and "top of the head" is misleading. Just make sure it's in the right spot, I always have to pull it forward just a bit.

[tbubah]

Sure sounds like you're over tightening the mask. You don't mention having gotten a replacement cushion - if the cushion is a year old, it could be worn out.

If this is the case, I wouldn't recommend switching masks. I'd return to "from the get-go condition" when you "loved it", by ordering a replacement cushion.

That said, I use the AirTouch F20 memory foam, and "love it". I'm able to control leaks up to my 18 max pressure without having to tighten it to the point that it feels uncomfortable. Even with my short beard.

On the off-chance that your initial fitter led you astray, here's a resmed video showing how to fit the mask. Key points are 1) adjust both sides at the same time, top first, 2) make final adjustments in your sleeping position, 3) give the mask a wiggle (this really does help). And omitted, but important IMO is 4) make sure the headgear strap running over the top of your head is actually running over the top of your head. I found 3 videos with a google search, all show the exact same thing with different actors and music, so I picked the one with the music I liked. Hope you enjoy it too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIVxp84cuKM

Edit: watched that video again and "top of the head" is misleading. Just make sure it's in the right spot, I always have to pull it forward just a bit.

Thank you so much for the reply. Actually it is a brand new replacement cushion, despite my being very thrifty with using supplies because I'm constantly worried about my DME sending more than my insurance will cover and having to return items to avoid being billed. Anyway, I was hoping the brand new cushion would alleviate the problem (although it seemed to feel the same as the old one) but it didn't. Unless the reason is a change in my face shape, I'd suspect I am not fitting it correctly. I will follow the video and your tips for a few nights and see what I come up with. I'll still look Into the AirTouch, but as I have a nice supply of AirFit cushions now, I'd like to get them to work comfortably as well. Thanks again!

[tbubah]

Update - I tried refitting the Airfit following the advice and video mentioned here, trying not to overtighten the straps, and unfortunately the result was the same, I would wake up after a couple of hours with my face hurting from the edges of the inflated seal cutting into my face. So, I went back to the tighter straps, and after a few nights, was able to get it adjusted just tight enough to prevent the seal from inflating, but not so that my face was very sore from the mask pressing against it. It's not perfect but I am getting in enough mask sleep to keep me going until my refit appointment next week, when I can see about the AirTouch.

[keysgate]

this is exactly what I was looking for. I am also having nose pain from the F20 that wasn't there in the beginning, and thinking about the switch to the DW FFM. From what I can gleen from here is your personal mileage may vary. ty