New Guy with Airfit F30i/P30i Questions

Hey I am six weeks in as a new CPAP user and starting to feel the struggle. Would appreciate some insight. I’m using an Airsense 11 with no apparent machine issues. Just struggling with my mask. I am mainly using an Airfit F30i as I absolutely cannot sleep on my back due to jaw falling back and mouth open. I thought cpap might open up the option of some back sleeping but it still doesn’t as pressures get uncomfortably high. No problem- still a side sleeper and using the F30i for occasional mouth opening. My problem with the F30i is that while it is very comfortable, the nose openings seem a good bit smaller than my nares so the mask feels hard to breath through. Then when I turn over at night the slightest mask movement seems to make it worse as though I am obstructing my airflow. I tried cutting and enlarging the nose holes on a mask but it quickly lost structural integrity. Has anyone experienced this with this mask and have any ideas? My second question, does the occasional mouth opening at night automatically mean I need to stay away from the N30i? Thanks for the help as I am trying not to give up on therapy.

does the occasional mouth opening at night automatically mean I need to stay away from the N30i?

No.

It all depends on how much of a big leak the mouth opening might cause...how long it lasted and did it wake you up?

I won't use a full face mask at all. Don't even own one. Occasionally I know I mouth breath but never for very long, rarely go deep into large leak territory and most importantly it doesn't seem to wake me up and disturb my sleep.

Use OSCAR software and see exactly what happens when you wear the nasal mask.
OSCAR https://www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR/
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph ... stallation
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph ... rpretation
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph ... ganization organize and how to do screen shots.
wiki/index.php/Oscar:organize Wiki

http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t1585 ... eview.html

Thank you Pugsy. I seem to be running an avg leak rate with the pillows of 7-10 lpm, much higher than I do with the mask. I just feel like the mask shifts around despite snugging my straps because I am a side sleeper. I am usually not waking up with the mouth leak while using the pillows, so it sounds like it may not be a problem. My AHIs seem good either way, usually around 2. One other quick question with both the pillows and the mask- I sometimes feel hungry for air- like it is really hard not to pull the mask or pillows off because I feel so much like I need to take a deep breath. It’s especially bad when I first lay down or get up at night then put the therapy back on. I know sometimes this may be perceived but not actual. I don’t feel at all claustrophobic. Is it possible that my low end pressure setting of 5 just isn’t enough? I really appreciate the help as I am trying to stick with this.

BigDave! wrote: ↑

Wed May 31, 2023 5:33 pm

Is it possible that my low end pressure setting of 5 just isn’t enough? I really appreciate the help as I am trying to stick with this.

the forum would be better able to help you if you downloaded and used oscar. see the links in pugsy's reply.

we are each of us different. what may work for me may not necessarily work for thee. if you could gather some information via oscar and post it here (right here in this thread) then folk would be able to see just what is going on with your machine and you.

if you need any help with oscar and such, don't hesitate to ask.

good luck!

BigDave! wrote: ↑

Wed May 31, 2023 5:33 pm

I sometimes feel hungry for air- like it is really hard not to pull the mask or pillows off because I feel so much like I need to take a deep breath. It’s especially bad when I first lay down or get up at night then put the therapy back on.

Are you using the ramp feature? It starts out at 4 cm unless you changed where it starts.

BigDave! wrote: ↑

Wed May 31, 2023 5:33 pm

Is it possible that my low end pressure setting of 5 just isn’t enough?

Entirely possible. A lot of people find that a pressure of 4, or 5 or even sometimes 6, doesn't move enough air from a comfort aspect. They won't suffocate at those low pressures but it can sure feel like it.

I don’t use the ramp feature as I have always been really fast to fall asleep and just haven’t needed it. I will see if I can get Oscar downloaded to make it easier to help me. Maybe I will also ask my doctor about adjusting up my low pressure setting slightly to help with the sense of air hunger. Thanks again to both of you.

BigDave! wrote: ↑

Wed May 31, 2023 7:22 pm

I don’t use the ramp feature as I have always been really fast to fall asleep and just haven’t needed it. I will see if I can get Oscar downloaded to make it easier to help me. Maybe I will also ask my doctor about adjusting up my low pressure setting slightly to help with the sense of air hunger. Thanks again to both of you.

you can change the settings yourself if you like. most of us here do it ourselves.

whatever you're comfortable with.

Thanks Zonker. Last night I changed my low pressure setting from 5 to 6 and had no sensation of air hunger. I am really pleased with that change. I have the day off tomorrow so am looking forward to getting the Oscar software downloaded.

My low pressure is at 9.2.
It makes me feel like a happy hound with her head out the car window--
Minus the flapping tongue splattering drool on the side of the car.

BigDave! wrote: ↑

Thu Jun 01, 2023 7:47 pm

Thanks Zonker. Last night I changed my low pressure setting from 5 to 6 and had no sensation of air hunger. I am really pleased with that change. I have the day off tomorrow so am looking forward to getting the Oscar software downloaded.

oh! good job, sir.

when you get ready to give us some pics, just do it right here in your therapy thread.

any questions or problems with oscar etc don't hesitate to ask.