Now Hating the Airfit F20

[Grouch]

I've used nasal pillow masks for 5 years. Love 'em. Just got a P10 and it's by far the best I've ever used. Sooooo comfortable and easy to use.

But sadly I can't continue using it. I've given up fighting the inevitable. I have gone (gack) to a full face mask. Tragic. I'd been able to avoid that up until now, but the new machine machine pushed me over the edge on leaks. Or I was already there, but in severe denial. I suspect it's choice #2. I hit a time over leak redline of 70% and realized I had to do something. While I don't mouth breathe, I'm a lip puffer. And apparently a really good one.

I hate the Airfit F20 that I ended up getting. It would probably be the same for any full face mask, but it's my current method of torture.

I hate the deep gauges it leaves on my face. I can't yet use strap pads yet, as I'm constantly adjusting the straps.

I hate that the back strap irritates my neck. Note to self: add pad back there.

I hate that I can't easily adjust the straps. When I stop one leak, I end up playing whack a mole with new leaks. My pressure minimum of 13 isn't all that high, is it?

I hate that I have to spend so much time getting things just right, only to have the heavy Climate tube pull it down and start a new leak. I wish there were a short light weight tube like on nasal pillow mask.

I hate that I can't read with it on, even though the info said I'd be able to, as my glasses don't fit. Even if I enlarge the font size on my Kindle to read without glasses, the bump over the nose on the mask makes focusing impossible.

I hate the feel of the air blowing on my face inside the mask.

I hate the closed in feeling I get from the mask. Maybe an Amara View next time?

I hate the feeling that a spot on the mask is getting ready to leak and I find myself freezing in place, so as to not start the leak. And then the leak starts anyway.

But what I really, really, REALLY hate is that last night my time over leak redline was 0.006%. 0.006!!! I've never been even close to that before. Median of 0.00% and the 95% was 3.60.

The hateful thing is actually working. And working really well, once I get it adjusted. (sigh) I know that it will get easier, as I get used to it, but right now I dread the bedtime wrestling match I have to go through before sleeping.

That said there are some pluses. I do like how they've managed to get the upper strap so that it doesn't hit my ear or encroach on my eyes. I've never had a mask that did that as well. And the magnetic attachments are cool and they work well.

[LSAT]

I've used nasal pillow masks for 5 years. Love 'em. Just got a P10 and it's by far the best I've ever used. Sooooo comfortable and easy to use.

But sadly I can't continue using it. I've given up fighting the inevitable. I have gone (gack) to a full face mask. Tragic. I'd been able to avoid that up until now, but the new machine machine pushed me over the edge on leaks. Or I was already there, but in severe denial. I suspect it's choice #2. I hit a time over leak redline of 70% and realized I had to do something. While I don't mouth breathe, I'm a lip puffer. And apparently a really good one.

I hate the Airfit F20 that I ended up getting. It would probably be the same for any full face mask, but it's my current method of torture.

I hate the deep gauges it leaves on my face. I can't yet use strap pads yet, as I'm constantly adjusting the straps.

I hate that the back strap irritates my neck. Note to self: add pad back there.

I hate that I can't easily adjust the straps. When I stop one leak, I end up playing whack a mole with new leaks. My pressure minimum of 13 isn't all that high, is it?

I hate that I have to spend so much time getting things just right, only to have the heavy Climate tube pull it down and start a new leak. I wish there were a short light weight tube like on nasal pillow mask.

I hate that I can't read with it on, even though the info said I'd be able to, as my glasses don't fit. Even if I enlarge the font size on my Kindle to read without glasses, the bump over the nose on the mask makes focusing impossible.

I hate the feel of the air blowing on my face inside the mask.

I hate the closed in feeling I get from the mask. Maybe an Amara View next time?

I hate the feeling that a spot on the mask is getting ready to leak and I find myself freezing in place, so as to not start the leak. And then the leak starts anyway.

But what I really, really, REALLY hate is that last night my time over leak redline was 0.006%. 0.006!!! I've never been even close to that before. Median of 0.00% and the 95% was 3.60.

The hateful thing is actually working. And working really well, once I get it adjusted. (sigh) I know that it will get easier, as I get used to it, but right now I dread the bedtime wrestling match I have to go through before sleeping.

That said there are some pluses. I do like how they've managed to get the upper strap so that it doesn't hit my ear or encroach on my eyes. I've never had a mask that did that as well. And the magnetic attachments are cool and they work well.

You sure picked the right user name for this board......

[Grouch]

You sure picked the right name for this board......Is there anything you don't hate?

That name came from my early days on the Net 1994 and my subsequent hobby of toasting spammers email accounts. They thought I was a grouch for reporting them and keeping everyone in the world from hearing about their miracle cure for ED. The name stuck.

I actually hate very few things - with the exception of liver. I'm generally a pretty positive person, but I've been having a rough couple of weeks getting used to a new machine and having to switch to a full face mask.

And I do like this forum! A lot! Folks are so willing to help others out. I appreciate all the replies - both critical and not.

I'm sorry that you and I got off on the wrong foot. I did post an apology in the other thread. But I'll give it another go. I truly am sorry that I offended you and any others. My posting was in ignorance of how strongly everyone here feels about their maintenance methods. I meant no disrespect and I really am sorry that you took it that way.

Are we good? I hope so!

[Arlene1963]

Grouch I took your opening post to be somewhat tongue-in-cheek and so have to say that I like your post.

Here's hoping you can get some good advice on how to adjust/make changes so that you learn to love your new mask.

Don't give up, grouchgirl!

[NadiaK]

Grouch,
I can so relate to your post. I have been using the Quattro FX for 3 years. It does pretty well for me but lately it has left deep impressions in my skin that just do not go away after showering. I tried three different masks recently and every one had issues. The Simplus leaked like crazy and I couldn't stand the forehead bar. The Amara View gave me intense sinus pain and constantly blew air into my eyes. I was hoping the F20 would be the one. I liked the design and the magnetic clips. But the top straps were so short. Even putting it as loose as it would go, it would put major pressure on my nose which gave me a headache. So I am back to the Quattro and the awful marks on the face. And I don't know how it is for everyone else but I get very little help from my provider. They will basically ask what mask do I want to try. They order the mask and if it doesn't work I am screwed. The insurance only allows the mask to be replaced every three months so then I have to spend out of pocket to try a different one. It is so frustrating. I hope you find one that works well for you.

[CPAPLowspark]

Is a nasal mask not an option? I love mine after trying a FF mask and hating it.

[bdz]

WOW...Glad I am me! I have a skinny long nose. The AirFit F20 is the first full face mask that does not leak into my eyes. I have not had to apply what I call McGyver tricks to this mask at all! Yahoo! I do put two soft foam wedges under the lower straps for all inward pressure. I have to sleep on my back and as I get older...my facial structure changes when I lay down! Funny thing that is! Yes, my face sags and if I do get any leaks, it is on the sides of the mask.

Love my PR AutoSV too. Life is good, finally

[Grouch]

Grouch I took your opening post to be somewhat tongue-in-cheek and so have to say that I like your post.

Here's hoping you can get some good advice on how to adjust/make changes so that you learn to love your new mask.

Don't give up, grouchgirl!

Thanks for that and your encouragement! It was tongue in cheek - mostly, but I forgot to use the sarcasm font. At times my feeble attempts at humor fall flat, especially online.

I think it will get easier and I'm sticking with it, but I haven't been sleeping well for the past week with the new style of mask. The F20 is no P10.

[Grouch]

Grouch,
I can so relate to your post. I have been using the Quattro FX for 3 years. It does pretty well for me but lately it has left deep impressions in my skin that just do not go away after showering. I tried three different masks recently and every one had issues. The Simplus leaked like crazy and I couldn't stand the forehead bar. The Amara View gave me intense sinus pain and constantly blew air into my eyes. I was hoping the F20 would be the one. I liked the design and the magnetic clips. But the top straps were so short. Even putting it as loose as it would go, it would put major pressure on my nose which gave me a headache. So I am back to the Quattro and the awful marks on the face. And I don't know how it is for everyone else but I get very little help from my provider. They will basically ask what mask do I want to try. They order the mask and if it doesn't work I am screwed. The insurance only allows the mask to be replaced every three months so then I have to spend out of pocket to try a different one. It is so frustrating. I hope you find one that works well for you.

Hello Fellow Sufferer! I feel your pain. LIterally! On my face... On my neck..

I think that it's actually pretty amazing that manufacturers are able to make FF masks that fit so many shaped faces. Faces vary so much. But that means we users are often in the Perpetual Quest for the Perfect Mask to find the one that fits our particular shaped face.

From what you listed (and thanks for the info on other masks) - this mask could actually work out for me. I don't have the other problems you've seen. I only have the pesky leaks. So maybe this is doable.

I did have a 5 year old Quattro (no forehead piece) for possible colds that I'd never used. I've always used nasal pillow masks. I tried the Quattro for a few days before getting the F20. I thought the leaks might be due to the old cushion. But apparently I just have to learn how to use and adjust the FF mask type.

My DME was pretty good about the mask replacement. They had me send the unused cushions of my P10 back and sent the F20 in exchange. I could keep the rest of it. I'm under the same 3 month period as you are. I ordered a used Amara View elsewhere for the reading situation. Maybe it will be THE ONE for me.

[Grouch]

Is a nasal mask not an option? I love mine after trying a FF mask and hating it.

Woo hoo! Another FF mask hater.

I've used and loved nasal pillow masks for 5 years. The P10 is amazingly comfortable. But, alas, I've begun to puff. Lip puffing out air, so my mask leak rates were through the roof. I've reluctantly moved to a FF mask.

[Grouch]

two soft foam wedges under the lower straps for all inward pressure.

Could you explain more about that? Maybe it's my miracle leak cure?

[49er]

Grouch,

You don't owe anyone an apology for your negative feelings towards full face masks. For some reason, some folks on this forum like to pass judgment on anyone who dares to express them in any capacity. It is like you have committed treason against the US.

All jokes aside, I hate full face masks also. Ironically, the F20 was the latest one I tried which I ended up selling to a forum member.

Best of luck in resolving your situation.

49er

[Arlene1963]

Grouch, have you considered mouth taping? I've read about folks here who have tried that and it has worked very well in lots of cases.

I'm a mouth breather more than a "puffer" (the mouth breathing only started after CPAP) so a soft cervical collar has worked very well in keeping my jaw and mouth in place but this won't work for you I suspect?

[Grouch]

49er - Thanks!

Arlene - I have considered mouth taping, but frankly the thougth of it makes me uneasy. I did order a sports mouthpiece that I could tape the breathing hole shut. I may be fooling myself, but I think I would open my mouth around it, if the power shuts off. That can be a problem in the winter here. Not sure how easy it would be to automatically open a taped mouth if that happend.

I want to nail down using a FF mask first. Then I may go back and try lip sealing and my P10 again.

[chunkyfrog]

I try not to "hate" anything about my cpap stuff; but some things surely hate me.
I wore the Comfortgel full face for many months, but was forced to reduce the size of the headgear,
because those nincompoops at Respironics seem to think everyone has the SAME SIZE HEAD.
You would think that as long as they have been in business . . .