Needs Tricks with FFM (F 20 Airtouch Foam)

[lliann]

My ffm always leak at the base of my cheek near the edge of my lip. All of them.

So while this mask also does it, it seems blocking it against pillows minimizes the noise if not the leak(? dont know)

Do any of you fine people have tricks for keeping that one area planted? I do toss and turn(hip owies) and I cant sleep on my back for any length of time(my legs get restless)(but not quite restless leg syndrome) Trying to think outside the box but doubt sticky tapes or covering vent holes would solve anything long term.

[Uff Da]

This isn't specific for the F 20 Airtouch Foam, but a more general suggestion you might want to try if you have different masks.

I had a second sleep study Friday night, this time for a possible bi-level machine. I can't use a nasal mask because of my chin dropping and inability to tolerate a chin strap. So the sleep technician tried four different full face masks. All leaked badly in the lower face as soon as I relaxed enough to sleep. We finally got a little better result when he combined one mask with a different headgear. In my case, it was a small AirFit F 20 headgear with a medium Quattro FX mask. It didn't work magic, but at least it worked long enough to get an hour or so sleep out of the sleep study. Some combinations just wouldn't work, of course, but I can see that having straps of the headgear tug on the frame from a slightly different angle just might help some different face shapes. So if you have other masks around, you might see if some different combination might make a difference.

Has the F 20 Airtouch Foam worked better than any previous FF masks you might have tried? That's one I haven't tried yet, though I've now tried seven masks. It sounds as though we are having similar problems, so I'll be interested in what different results you get.

[lliann]

This isn't specific for the F 20 Airtouch Foam, but a more general suggestion you might want to try if you have different masks.

I had a second sleep study Friday night, this time for a possible bi-level machine. I can't use a nasal mask because of my chin dropping and inability to tolerate a chin strap. So the sleep technician tried four different full face masks. All leaked badly in the lower face as soon as I relaxed enough to sleep. We finally got a little better result when he combined one mask with a different headgear. In my case, it was a small AirFit F 20 headgear with a medium Quattro FX mask. It didn't work magic, but at least it worked long enough to get an hour or so sleep out of the sleep study. Some combinations just wouldn't work, of course, but I can see that having straps of the headgear tug on the frame from a slightly different angle just might help some different face shapes. So if you have other masks around, you might see if some different combination might make a difference.

Has the F 20 Airtouch Foam worked better than any previous FF masks you might have tried? That's one I haven't tried yet, though I've now tried seven masks. It sounds as though we are having similar problems, so I'll be interested in what different results you get.

Hmm. My masks are small. I start with it loose and its ok till I start moving. Then it urps, then I start to tighten, loosen, re-sit and chase the noise. Then I smoosh into a pillow and I buy some temporary silence. I dont know if I am only buying silence or actually achieving cpap conditions. This mask has been the closest to finding any way to shut it up so I am willing to keep trying and see if I can gerryrig it to my face somehow.(wow , we are such pretty sleeping beauties. sigh) Anyway....for nasal I can manage to tape, chin strap and collar myself to negotiate with my masks, so wondering if there is some Hail Mary trick for FFM. Hmm, wait a minute. Many years ago, back when cpapmasks looked like diving helmets, I had a pad- a -strap for my orig ffm. Before they put vents on the connection. I will try that. It does not quite cover the holes. So maybe I can try it as a mid face tether without suffocating myself. That would be bad.

[Jas_williams]

Padacheek have some extra straps to help reduce leaks maybe one of these aground the bottom of the mask would also help. Have you also tried the airfit version of the f20 mask (silicone cushion) some people find that cushion does not need to be so tight to stop leaks. It fits you existing frame so all you need is the cushion.

[Sheriff Buford]

Believe it or not, I have got in the habit of allowing my mouth to fill with air to aid in a seal around the lower section of the mask. We often call it "chipmunk cheeks". I do this all night and my mouth will stay open all night. Though I wouldn't recommend this for everyone, it has worked for me and I have done this for several years.

Sheriff

[Sheriff Buford]

By the way, have you tried the F20 Airfit cushion? I got an Airtouch cushion a few days back and tried it out. For me, though it is a little more comfortable, the "rigid - ness of the mask gave the bridge of my nose fits, even clogging up my nose. I prefer the Airtouch because of the flexibility of the mask. Both mask cushions will fit the same mask frame.

Food for thought.

Sheriff