Liners help or hurt with F40 Hybrid mask?

I used successfully a micro fleece liner from Pad a Cheek for almost two years to solve the itching, skin irritation issue with the all silicon cushion of the Resmed Air Fit F40 mask.
The last 10-12 weeks have shown high leaks using the fabric liner along with the Hybrid under the nose mask. I was told that this type of mask requires an exact seal which to inflate properly, it needs the silicon suction. - Therefore, the liner would disrupt this process and hurt the mask seal. Has anyone experienced unsatsifatory results using a liner with the F40 cushion and are there any suggestions for me? I am ready to explore other mask systems but I have tried most including F 20., F 30, F&P Vitera, F&P Evora, Phillips Dreamwearer. I am running out of options but I like the F40 as it is minimal and has worked well in the past giving me a restful night sleep.

Possible mouth breathing.

sleepingbetter0209 wrote: ↑

Mon May 18, 2026 12:36 pm

I used successfully a micro fleece liner from Pad a Cheek for almost two years to solve the itching, skin irritation issue with the all silicon cushion of the Resmed Air Fit F40 mask.

sleepingbetter0209 wrote: ↑

Mon May 18, 2026 12:36 pm

I was told that this type of mask requires an exact seal which to inflate properly, it needs the silicon suction. - Therefore, the liner would disrupt this process and hurt the mask seal.

Isn't the latter disproved by the former??

sleepingbetter0209 wrote: ↑

Mon May 18, 2026 12:36 pm

I was told that this type of mask requires an exact seal which to inflate properly, it needs the silicon suction.

Whoever told you that is apparently not very intelligent regarding basic physics.

The PAP acronym stands for Positive Air Pressure, which is obviously the exact opposite of suction. With respect to ambient room air pressure, it's physically impossible to simultaneously create both pressure and suction inside of a CPAP mask. That, and PAP therapy machines always blow when running, and they never suck.

Resmed's uniquely frameless F40 mask simply utilizes a highly flexible AdaptiSeal soft silicone cushion that more easily adapts to facial contours under therapy pressure in order to help maintain an effective seal. I.e. the therapy pressure inside the mask (not suction, because there is none) helps to flex the cushion to seal against facial contours, including the underside of your nose.

sleepingbetter0209 wrote: ↑

Mon May 18, 2026 12:36 pm

Therefore, the liner would disrupt this process and hurt the mask seal.

Yes, utilizing a mask liner with the F40 likely compromises the very features that are key to how it's intended to work.