Resmed Airfit F10 FFM leaks

[Matt00926]

I am using the Resmed Airfit F10 FFM and can't seem to get rid of the "farting" noises. I feel the problem is that the cushion is very flimsy. After wearing the mask for a while when my IPAP pressure increases is when I can feel a small part of the cushion, usually around the bridge of my nose, start to give in/fold inward a little bit and then that is when the problems start happening.

I have shaved my face clean and washed it before bed and also washed my mask thoroughly. I have also several times very carefully put on my mask and headgear assuring that the mask is not too loose or tight.

The mask itself seems to fit well on my face and the problem only seem to occur when the IPAP pressure goes up to 20 and beyond. But, I know there are at least several members here that use pressures above 20cmh2o.

I tried using the mask liner but I found that leaks actually increased and it was also rather uncomfortable.

I assume it's probably best to just trial a few new masks using the 30 day return policy online? But from what I see this mask is supposedly pretty highly regarded...


Any ideas?

[ChicagoGranny]

General advice for leak problems:

- Make sure the mask is fitted properly. (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- Make sure the headgear is adjusted properly (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- Make sure to use good hose management - the hose should not pull on the mask. Notice how your hose is positioned between machine and mask. It should be positioned to minimize any pull on the mask. Hose management is an individual practice. How it is done depends on the mask, the position of the machine, your sleeping position and other factors specific to the individual.

- If you still have problems, learn from the forum what mask liners are available.

- If your mask still has excessive leak, try other masks. Many people report trying several masks before they find one that works well for them.

Note: Links to just about all of the mask manufacturers' instructional videos can be found on the forum host's website - https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks.php

[Matt00926]

Thank you, Chicago Granny.

I have watched the instructional fittings for how to put on this mask and I've also tried the pad-a-cheek liner but that actually made my leaks worse.

Perhaps this is just not the mask for me.

I am going to try a few other masks using CPAP.com and their return insurance.

[nivtherapist]

Matt,

Do you know what your IPAP/EPAP pressures are? If it is anything above 16, I find that the F10 is just not viable for high pressures, especially BiPap pressure ranges. When the pressure gets up on that mask, it tends to lift up because there is no forehead stability measure on it. I am not sure how long you have had it, but the cushion tends to go bad a little quicker than usual (I feel it has about a 2 month shelf life with constant usage)

I personally do use an AirFit F10 and a Quattro FX, but my pressure ranges are on the low end.

[nivtherapist]

Matt,

I see that your IPAP is at 20 now. Have you had the mask for 30 days already? Most companies will offer a 30 day mask exchange policy because the vendor will replace it if it isn't a good match. I would call your supplier and try to get it switched to a Fisher Paykel Simplus or a ResMed Quattro Mirage

[andycole]

Testing my 3rd mask - ResMed Quattro because of the forehead gear. The cushion part itself is identical to the F10 (which was mask #1)

[otrpu]

This mask is one I like a lot. Sometimes I have difficulty getting it to seal. I think my problem is that this FFM has such a large area to seal. When having problems I switch to RespCARE HYBRID FFM. It's a combination nasal pillow/mouth seal mask and has a considerably smaller area to seal. I find it a better mask for side sleeping. Might want to take alook at it. Good luck with stopping leaks.

Cheers,
otrpu

[ChicagoGranny]

When having problems I switch to RespCARE HYBRID FFM. It's a combination nasal pillow/mouth seal mask and has a considerably smaller area to seal. I find it a better mask for side sleeping.

It's a great mask for me. My pressure runs to 16 or 18 almost every night and to 20 some nights, and the mask does not leak.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/RespCa ... -Mask.html

[Greg Riddle]

I had trouble with the f10 leaking also. Now using the quattro fx and have very low leak rates

[Matt00926]

Matt,

I see that your IPAP is at 20 now. Have you had the mask for 30 days already? Most companies will offer a 30 day mask exchange policy because the vendor will replace it if it isn't a good match. I would call your supplier and try to get it switched to a Fisher Paykel Simplus or a ResMed Quattro Mirage

I am actually using the AVAPS-AE algorithm now due to a restrictive thoracic condition (congenital kyphoscoliosis) so my IPAP pressure range is 12 - 30 and my EPAP range is 4-14, max pressure support being 16. In order to maintain my target tidal volume the IPAP goes up to about 25 when I am sleeping and of course it makes me feel like I'm on a ride at Disney World. The F10 works pretty well until the IPAP pressure surpasses about 15-16 and then problems start. I then have to keep adjusting and tightening the mask which of course ends up being counterproductive.

I have an F&P Simplus coming in the mail this week. I hope that I have great success with it, I've heard that and the f10 are the best FFM masks out there. I may also try a nasal pillow in the future but I will have to make sure I can keep my mouth shut, I need to be able to lower my CO2 while raising my SpO2 levels.

[Matt00926]

This mask is one I like a lot. Sometimes I have difficulty getting it to seal. I think my problem is that this FFM has such a large area to seal. When having problems I switch to RespCARE HYBRID FFM. It's a combination nasal pillow/mouth seal mask and has a considerably smaller area to seal. I find it a better mask for side sleeping. Might want to take alook at it. Good luck with stopping leaks.

Cheers,
otrpu

Regarding the nasal pillows, does it feel weird having the "pillows" inside of the entrance of your nostrils?

[Pugsy]

Regarding the nasal pillows, does it feel weird having the "pillows" inside of the entrance of your nostrils?

Properly fitted nothing on the nasal pillows actually touches anywhere inside the nostril.
The only touching is right at the outer nostril skin area.
Take your finger and place it lightly touching the nostril opening...don't stick the finger inside at all...that's all that should be felt. If you can feel something actually inside and touching the inner wall of the nostrils either things are too tight or the nasal pillow is too small and trying to crawl up inside the nose which it isn't supposed to do. The little inner cones of the nasal pillow (where the opening for air movement is) don't touch or shouldn't touch the inside of the nose at all. It should just sit there not touching anything.

Now the nasal prong mask...that's a different story as it goes up inside the nostril and has to touch the inner wall and it does feel weird but that's really a totally different mask.