Airfit F20

[BrianD]

Hi,

I reviewed a number of posts about this mask and the valve, I also have to question its output. I have been on CPAP or BiPAP for about 15 years. I wear the Quattro fx daily and get okay numbers. Can be as low as .63 ahi to 2.63 typically. Every time I try one of the new ResMed airfit variants my sleep goes to hell. Airtouch 20 I get zero leaks and it's very comfortable, but my numbers jump to 7 or 4.5 ahi. I get periodic breathing. CA's and hypopneas mostly. As a result every time I try one of their new masks I use it for a couple of days and go back to my Quattro fx. I am really not a big fan of the FX as I think these other newer Airfit based masks should be less problematic/more comfortable and I would really like them to work for me. I have stared at the report numbers and other than the event differences they don't look that different but something is different. The wind coming out of the vents really does seem greater on the Airfit valve and I have to wonder if the CO2 is getting washed out at a greater rate on the Airfit type mask. I have the first gen valve, not the new one. I wonder if the new version with the cover adds more exhaust resistance. When I exhale I really feel less resistance on the Airfit type masks versus on the fx where the resistance is there.I don't use any pressure relief modes as the lack of pressure bothers me. My pressures are high (23/19) and have been for years, at this point low pressure is problematic for me. Does anyone have any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[Barbee]

Im no expert as I have only been using my machine a little over a year but I read this board a lot. Seems to me that 2 days might not be a long enough trial period for a mask you feel is comfortable otherwise. Why not give it a full week to 10 days then compare? It would be a shame to miss out on a mask you immediately feel comfortable wearing because you havent given your body enough time to adapt. Just something to think about...

[BrianD]

Thanks Barbie,

I hear what you're saying. This is the second or 3rd stretch of a couple of days I have tried. I ordered one of the new versions of the elbow to see if that's more to my liking. I didn't take well to the f10 in the past either. It's hard to force yourself to use something that makes you feel lousy, but I will try it again for a few days once I get the new elbow. My problem with the fx is the cushions and headgear wear out fairly quickly and thus make it an expensive mask to keep up with, so I really hear your comment on missing out with the newer mask which is more robust in several ways. I am really at a loss though on the difference between these full face masks that would make me generate more centrals, periodic breathing and hypopneas. Interestingly as I switched back half way thru last night, I had nearly no events after I switched back to the FX.

Brian

[Barbee]

I can get a couple of months out of the F20 pillow. They say your not supposed to wash it but I do anyway. The mask and head gear I am getting around 5-6 months use before the head gear just gets too loose. I wash it too.

I just switched recently to the Innomed Hybrid about a month ago. The F20 was working the bridge of my nose over and I needed a break from it. Turns out, I like both masks now so I intend to use both, rotating them when one starts to bother me.

Good luck. Hopefully you will be able to make it work. i dont wear mine very tight and if I find I need to make it tight then its time to wash something lol

[BrianD]

Thank's Barbie,

That's good to know. I barely get a month out of the FX, if I am lucky.The straps are thin and get stretched out, the cushion wears thin and loses its stickiness over time, the mask itself is prone to slide as well, that's why I am kind of into finding something else.

Have a nice day,
Brian

[Jas_williams]

Thank's Barbie,

That's good to know. I barely get a month out of the FX, if I am lucky.The straps are thin and get stretched out, the cushion wears thin and loses its stickiness over time, the mask itself is prone to slide as well, that's why I am kind of into finding something else.

Have a nice day,
Brian

Throw the strap in the washer and dry and it will shrink right back

[BrianD]

Thanks Jas,

At my pressure, once they get stretched even if they shrink back their worn new stretchability means they allow the mask more movement, which means more leaks, followed by more tightening and everything that results from the tightening. At this point, I just accept the cost, but the new masks with their thicker straps seem more attractive from a durability perspective.

Brian

[Bigmike52]

Barbee, I imagine you are talking about the Airtouch F20 that instructs to wipe, but not wash? The Airfit F20 is totally washable. Just wanted to make sure Brian doesn't get confused.

[Barbee]

Barbee, I imagine you are talking about the Airtouch F20 that instructs to wipe, but not wash? The Airfit F20 is totally washable. Just wanted to make sure Brian doesn't get confused.

Yes. I have used both and wash both.

[BrianD]

Hey Barbee,

I had a better night with the Air Touch last night, I tried it again because of your encouragement. You washed it ? How often and how well did it hold up?

Thanks,

Brian

[Barbee]

Hey Barbee,

I had a better night with the Air Touch last night, I tried it again because of your encouragement. You washed it ? How often and how well did it hold up?

Thanks,

Brian

Washed the pillow about once a week. Someone else here washes them weekly too. Maybe Okie?
I get about 2 months out of mine.
Really happy to hear you had a better night!

[BrianD]

Thanks Barbie, believe me, I am happy as well.