F20 and Nose

[Greengables]

HI,
anyone out there who has had nose bridge sores in the past with other FFM's use the F20 successfully?
I am using the Amara View and like it, but it leaks more than I would prefer.
I need to be sure the Amara is the one for me, but not at the expense of the little money I have; and going to work every day looking like I have been in a boxing match.

I have tried a hybrid, but the nose pieces keep popping out.
I tried the Amara Gel FFM, and it felt like 20 pounds of mask sitting on my face along with a terrible ripped up nose bridge - and 3 multi-headed pimples on the sides of my nose the likes I have not seen on my face since age 15. This was after only 5 hours of use. I used two mask sizes two weeks apart with the same experience - pimples and nose bridge sores after only a few hours of use. I am an elementary school teacher, and the students asked questions and giggled when I appeared in the morning with a blemished and scabbed nose.

I am scared to try any other FFM after that experience BUT - I am ready to give it one more chance and the F20 looks appealing. The bridge of my nose has finally healed up. From the CPAP.COM reviews, a few people did mention experiencing nose bridge issues but I can't be sure if those were exclusive to the F20 mask, or if it is always the case with many FFMs and these folks.

I have broken my nose twice in the past, so it is hard to get a seal in that area. If anyone has a positive experience with the F20 after having nose sores with other masks I may give it a try (understanding that it still might not be the one for me). If so I am considering saving up the money and trying it with return insurance.

Doctor and sleep lab techs recommend a FFM for me.

Thank you

[Okie bipap]

I developed a very large, open sore on my nose with the first mask I used. I have tried the F20, but only used it two or three nights. It didn't seem to bother my nose. The top of the mask appears to be narrower than other masks I have tried. This is what I like about it. I have a very narrow bridge on my nose, and I had to pull other masks tight in order to keep air out of my eyes at night. I plan on going to the F20 the next time I order a new mask. My wife recently started a 30 day trial to see if the CAs get under control. She is using my spare machine, and decided she liked my F20 and is using it. When we order her a machine and her own mask, we will get the F20 for her as well. As a side note, once I got my nose healed, I used to use a piece of moleskin on my nose at night to keep the masks from making my nose sore. I did that for several months until I switched to the Amara View mask.

[chunkyfrog]

I have also used a full face gel mask, but in my case the Respironics Comfortgel.
The new cushions made my nose sore, but a Band Aid on my nose helped until the material softened a bit.
After a couple nights or so, I was able to forgo the bandaid.

[LSAT]

Gel nose pads.... https://www.cpap.com/productpage/boomer ... -cpap.html

[Greengables]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I am going to order that mask, and will try bandaid or pads if there becomes an issue.

[crestifer]

i've had a similar issue with the F20. i found two things that helped me: the padacheek mask liner, and extending the length of the top straps.

for whatever reason, my mask headgear for the F20, at the longest setting, really pulls the top part of the mask super tight against my nose. it left red marks and kept the mask from sealing properly. compared to my other masks, the top straps on the F20 were just too short for my giant head, i suppose.

i had my mom sew an extra piece of fabric on each side of the top straps. now i can pull the mask just tight enough that the mask cushion will sit on my face, not dig in, and still inflate and seal properly.

also, the padacheek liners are amazing. i have them for my F20 and for my amara view. they really are a game changer as far as i'm concerned. they make the masks much more comfortable against your skin, and i have zero skin irritation or red marks from either mask when i use the padacheek liners.

i also notice that the padacheek liners seem to help the mask float a bit on my face so when i move, the mask still remains sealed. also, tiny leaks seem to be less noticeable as the fabric diffuses them a bit where otherwise, air might be blowing into my eyes.

[crestifer]

i'll also add that so far, the amara view is my favorite and most comfortable mask.

it is lightweight, small, unobtrusive, and sits just under your nose rather than resting on the bridge of your nose between your eyes.

i've found that it is consistently the best mask for me over the past 3 weeks. it stays sealed the best, and is the most comfortable.

i alternate with the F20.

on occasion the view has come unsealed when my mouth falls open at night, but it has not been a huge issue and it seals up again very easily.

[ChicagoGranny]

I have tried a hybrid, but the nose pieces keep popping out.

I have been using an Innomed Hybrid for more than five years. My leak is always zero or near zero.

There are two points about keeping the nasal pillows in place. First, make sure the top strap of the headgear is adjusted to pull the pillows up snug against the nostrils. (But, not too tight!)

Second, I pull a Scunci Head Band (https://www.amazon.com/Scunci-16255-A-5 ... i+headband) over my head and position it on the pillows and down below my ears in the back. You may want to double over the headband because it is too wide. Be sure not to block the exhaust vents. When they are new or have just been washed, I stretch them because otherwise they are too tight.

I love this setup. The therapy is very good, leak is zero or near zero, vision is not blocked and nothing touches the sensitive nose bridge.