Anyone with both the Airfit F10 and the Quattro Air?

[aytikvjo]

Hey, I've searched the forum but can't find too much information from people that have experience with both the newer Airfit F10 and the Quattro Air.

I understand that they use the same cushion for both, but was curious as to whether people like it with or without the forehead piece.
For those with both, which one was more comfortable? Leaked less?

[library lady]

I started with Quattro Air and a few weeks ago I switched to the AirFit 10.. I love the F10! I feel so free without the forehead arm and the strap around the top of my head. I find the leaks much better controlled with the F10, though I've used RemZzzzs with both. I had hoped I would be able to use my glasses to read in bed for a bit before turning out the light, but no such luck... The top of the frame at the nose bridge is very thick, a half-inch so wearing glasses doesn't work so well. If need to read something it has to be a quick peek, not a steady read. In spite of that, I think the F10 is a great mask.

The side arms that were added to replace the forehead arm are part of the frame, stiff plastic, and some people might not find that comfortable, but it doesn't bother me. The mask does come with some little padded sleeves to put on them but it takes considerable time for them to dry, like 24-30 hours so when you do wash them, you're going to have to spend a night without them, or wear them damp. Plus they are really hard to put on, so I'm just not using them. Quattro Air is now my backup mask, and I love that they both use the same cushion! Hope this helps.

[flyingwithoutwings]

For me it's the Quattro Air.
I got the Airfit F10 the beginning of May and loved it. About a week later I got the Quattro Air. I alternated between the two and for a while it was a toss up but eventually I found the Quattro Air works better for me than the Airfit F10. I use homemade liners (out of old t-shirts) and those do away with the leaks but I still get some leaks with the Airfit. I really didn't think I would like a FFM because I'm very claustrophobic and can't wear anything on my forehead for very long (no hats, visors, etc.) but I love the Quattro, the forehead piece doesn't bother me at all, I don't even feel it.

So, now you have one vote for the Airfit and one for the Quattro.

[aytikvjo]

So, now you have one vote for the Airfit and one for the Quattro.

Haha life can be complicated like that.

[frapilu]

I like both so far.

I used to use the Quattro and loved it (as much as one can love a cpap mask). I tried the FX when it came out and I couldn't get the leaks under control. When the Air came out, I tried and loved that one so I deserted my Quattro.

On Sunday I just received my new AirFit F10 and have used it 2 nights. I really like it (haven't been using it long enough to love it yet ). I love that there's no forehead piece. I love that I could put my glasses on to see the Mask Check feature on my cpap. I agree they wouldn't be comfortable for extended reading but although I do read in bed, I have no interest in reading with my mask on so it doesn't matter to me. The mask goes on when I turn out the light to sleep.

It's a different feeling, this AirFit mask so that's why I'm not 100% in love yet. It feels like it's cupping my face and I'm not sure how I feel about that. Part of that is that with the PadACheek strap pads, it just feels awfully hot. I use PadACheek strap pads with my Air and I'm fine with them but these ones (they were the ones cpap.com recommended with the purchase of the AirFit F10) are very thick and fluffy and they just feel hot. Friday night I'm going to try using the mask without them to see how badly marked up I end up Saturday morning.

My numbers seem to be pretty much the same so that's ok. My old Air was getting old so I was having more leak issues but numbers were still ok although I was sometimes awakened by leak noises so probably a cushion change could have deal with that.

So time will tell. I love that the AirFit F10 is so small and light. I feel as delighted about that as I did with the Air as compared to the Quattro.

France

[Olivia]

I would like to try the Airfit 10, but Nationwide Medical tells me Medicare is not providing reimbursement for that mask. Is that true? I'm currently using the Quattro Air, but would prefer a lighter mask. I'm still waiting for other local SMEs to call me back!

[Pugsy]

I would like to try the Airfit 10, but Nationwide Medical tells me Medicare is not providing reimbursement for that mask. Is that true?

Not true. Sounds like they just don't want to carry it and prefer to lie about it than just tell you that they don't want to stock it for whatever reason. I can take "don't want to stock it" as a reason but I don't like being lied to.

[Lukie]

I was told I need a new doctors prescription if I want the Airfit F10. I imagine as they get more and more demand this insanity will stop.
I may just buy mine online.

[library lady]

I think Pugsy's answer is right on. They just don't want to carry it or order it. In fact, if I recall correctly, the F10 is a cheaper mask than the Air. I will check on that, and reply here if I'm wrong.

EDIT: I just checked at cpap.com; they are both $176, and the F10 is currently on sale for $149.

[tortoisegirl]

Lukie: You should ask why specifically you need a new prescription. I could see them needing a prescription if your original prescription was for a specific type of mask instead of patient choice or full face, or if its too early for a replacement but insurance allows it if your doctor specifically says you need a new mask fitting / different type of mask for medical reasons. Even in those cases, unless you haven't seen your doctor in so long that they require you to come in for a visit, the DME should be able to contact your doctor on your behalf to request a prescription. Have you had any other red flags of laziness from this DME? If so, I'd consider switching.

I agree with Pugsy that I'm fine with them saying they don't carry it or even them saying they have an office policy to try on other masks first (I was told that, but wasn't required to take them home and come back, just try them on), but not an outright lie. I don't see why you'd need it specifically for the F10 vs. if you wanted a different FFM. CPAP.com does have free shipping & free return insurance on this item (which includes return shipping), so you could try it absolutely for free, so at least you'd know if you want to get it or not. Best wishes.

[Bons]

I would like to try the Airfit 10, but Nationwide Medical tells me Medicare is not providing reimbursement for that mask. Is that true? I'm currently using the Quattro Air, but would prefer a lighter mask. I'm still waiting for other local SMEs to call me back!

Gotta love those DME tricks. I picked up the Airfit N10 last week but called to return it on Monday because it's too wide for the bridge of my nose. Darling at DME told me that my only option was to exchange it for the same model I'd been using because "your insurance company only allows one mask exchange". So of course I had my insurance company email me a statement that they have no such policy because it is the DME and not the insurance company that sets those limitations.

After 5 years I bet my file has all kinds of warnings about what a witch I can be.

[Lukie]

The DMEs make it up as they go along. I went in and tried on the Airfit F 10 and she said she could order one when my eligibility date comes around. I asked how much $300. So I ordered one from cpapdotcom and it was $149.

[no_more_headaches]

I like most people used the Quattro for years and then tried the Quattro Air when it came out and I really like the new head strap on the Air. It seemed to last longer and be more comfortable.
When the Airfit F10 came out I ordered one from our host and used that for a month. I have now switched back to the Quattro Air just to do a good compare before I tell my DME what to order for my next 3 month supply.

While they are pretty close I am sold on the Airfit. I especially like that it uses the same cushions so I could switch back if needed.

The regular Quattro cushions and headgear really seem like ancient history now.

[chunkyfrog]

I have tried both the Quattro and the QFX, and due to severe incompatibility with ResMed's sizing paradigm,
I 'have never been tempted to try another ff mask by that company.