Transitioning from a P10 to a F30 mask--helpful hints?

[Jeanne Ellen]

I'm going to try an Airfit F30 mask tonight for the first time. I'm trying to get rid of the chin strap and mouth tape I've been using with the nasal pillows for the last three years, and my doctor suggested I try a full-face mask. This one had a lot of good qualities so I picked it and am hoping for the best. So...I was wondering if you need to take the pressure down a bit when you go to a full-face mask? I just gave it a trial run to see how I liked it, and it seemed like it was harder to exhale with this mask, as opposed to the nasal pillow P10. It also puffed out my cheeks, which is a bad sign, as that usually means I'll be waking up drooling. I've also heard that there are sometimes leak problems with the F30, so I've ordered the padacheek leak straps for this model. I'd like to hear from anyone who has used the F30 who could give me some tips.

[Pugsy]

Unfortunately the usual norm is for people going to full face masks from nasal masks is to need more pressure and not less pressure.
I hope you are one of the people outside that norm.

Sorry, I haven't even seen a F30 so I am zero help with it otherwise.

[Jeanne Ellen]

My first night with the F30 wasn't very good. I woke up after about an hour, drooling, like I expected. So, I put it away and returned to the P10, plus tape and chinstrap, and had a good night. Anyway, I'm going to try the F30 again tonight with mouth tape. If that's OK, then at least I could give up the chinstrap, which would be an improvement. Is is pretty common for full-face mask users to need to supplement with tape and chinstraps or cervical collars? This mask is kind of a hybrid, but since it covers both my nostrils and my mouth, I was hoping I could get away without using the extra stuff.

[Okie bipap]

I have used several full face masks including the F30. I started using a firm foam cervical collar about six months after I started using my machine. I have found I do not have a dry mouth as long as I use the cervical collar. Even though I use the full face mask, I essentially breath through my nose when I sleep.

[zonker]

My first night with the F30 wasn't very good. I woke up after about an hour, drooling, like I expected. So, I put it away and returned to the P10, plus tape and chinstrap, and had a good night. Anyway, I'm going to try the F30 again tonight with mouth tape. If that's OK, then at least I could give up the chinstrap, which would be an improvement. Is is pretty common for full-face mask users to need to supplement with tape and chinstraps or cervical collars? This mask is kind of a hybrid, but since it covers both my nostrils and my mouth, I was hoping I could get away without using the extra stuff.

i use a p10 and use the following-

viewtopic/p1089718/viewtopic.php?f=1&t= ... s#p1086296

i'm so glad that forum member jay aitchsee posted this! it's been a life saver for me. i've done a bit of modifying but it's the same basic concept he came up with.

the hairbands don't last forever. but a washing in with the rest of your clothes gets them back in shape for awhile.

let me know what you think!

oh. and i use a cervical collar as well.

[gmsmith]

The F30 has been a game changer for me. I’ve used nasal pillows in the past and most recently the AirTouch20. Leaks have been very low, I’ve been getting sub 2 AHI (down from 150 during my study) and it has been super comfortable. I have some dry mouth on occasion but had that on other masks as well.

Simply the best money I’ve ever spent in the cpap world.

[Jeanne Ellen]

Thanks for the tip, Zonker. I'm going back to the P10, but I may try this headband trick and see what happens. It might be a good alternative to the chinstrap and mouth tape. Hope springs eternal!