F20 and Nose Bridge Infection

My wife much prefers that I wear my F20 mask compared to my F/N 30 masks. The F20 leaks less and offers a better fit. And I need a full face mask due to mouth breathing - I've tried the tricks to keep my mouth shut and they don't work. My everyday mask is the F30i (I think - the nose pillow mask that covers the mouth), but I do struggle with it leaking throughout the night. I would like to find a better fitting mask. However, every time I wear the F20 I get a nose bridge infection - swollen nose bridge and white puss blobs. Even with my nose completely healed, one night with the F20 (and not too tight) and instant nose infection. I tried a silicone gel pad over the bridge of my nose but that had no effect.

So, is there a full face alternative to the F20, and if so, which mask? The F20 fits great and doesn't leak. I love it, but my nose bridge hates the mask. Suggestions?

Michael

You could try the nose pad..https://www.cpap.com/productpage/boomer ... l-pad-cpap
Also...http://www.Padacheek.com has a mask cushion for the F20
As far as alternatives to the F20, you might look at the newer F&P Vitera

LSAT wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 08, 2020 5:37 am

You could try the nose pad..https://www.cpap.com/productpage/boomer ... l-pad-cpap
Also...http://www.Padacheek.com has a mask cushion for the F20
As far as alternatives to the F20, you might look at the newer F&P Vitera

I've tried the silicone pads and they don't work for me. And I don't understand how a padacheek could help the bridge of my nose. The Vitera may be a possibility. I presume it's ok to a different manufacturer's mask with my Resmed machine.

wacomme wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 08, 2020 6:48 am

LSAT wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 08, 2020 5:37 am

You could try the nose pad..https://www.cpap.com/productpage/boomer ... l-pad-cpap
Also...http://www.Padacheek.com has a mask cushion for the F20
As far as alternatives to the F20, you might look at the newer F&P Vitera

I've tried the silicone pads and they don't work for me. And I don't understand how a padacheek could help the bridge of my nose. The Vitera may be a possibility. I presume it's ok to a different manufacturer's mask with my Resmed machine.

Brands don't matter...any mask can be used with any machine (except some small travel units).

I used a band-aid to prevent blisters on my nose.
Have you tried everything to keep your mouth shut?
I used poli grip strips between my lips, but the best solution for me was homemade chin up strips.
I applied the middle just below my lower lip, and pulled it up like a bulldog before sealing the ends.
Looks silly, but effective.
Some forum members wear a stiff foam neck brace to hold their chins up.

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 08, 2020 1:31 pm

I used a band-aid to prevent blisters on my nose.
Have you tried everything to keep your mouth shut?
I used poli grip strips between my lips, but the best solution for me was homemade chin up strips.
I applied the middle just below my lower lip, and pulled it up like a bulldog before sealing the ends.
Looks silly, but effective.
Some forum members wear a stiff foam neck brace to hold their chins up.

Band-aids don't work - still nose bridge irritation and blisters.

I can keep working on keeping my mouth shut, but I've tried that approach for many nights, including the last few nights with the P and N 30i and it hasn't gone well. I'm seriously sleep deprived. I'm better off trying to keep my mouth shut than using a device to keep it closed, but neither approach works very well. My best approach so far is the F30i, but the F20 fits better and leaks less.

FF Mask with nothing touching the top of your nose
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/philip ... k-fit-pack

LSAT wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 08, 2020 2:54 pm

FF Mask with nothing touching the top of your nose
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/philip ... k-fit-pack

The F30i is similar and is my go to mask. However, it leaks quite a bit and my wife hates it. She much prefers it when I wear the F20. So, while I haven't tried many brands, the nose pillow work ok for me, but they leak quite a bit for me.

Have people with the F&P Vitera had good luck with the mask not causing nose bridge irritation? Is it better in this regard to the F20 mask?

I like the Vitera a lot (better than F20). I’m not sure if you’ve tried the Simplus, but it’s very similar. My nose is sensitive and I do okay with the Vitera plus a Pad-a-Cheek liner and the optional added nose pad that comes with it. The liner helps more than you’d think, and also lets you keep the mask a bit more loose without the annoyance of noticeable/audible leaks. Good luck!

Which F20 mask are you using? If you are using the AirFit F20, have you tried the AirTouch cushion with the memory foam cushion seal?

Okie bipap wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 09, 2020 5:55 pm

Which F20 mask are you using? If you are using the AirFit F20, have you tried the AirTouch cushion with the memory foam cushion seal?

Yes. I have the AirFit F20. Is the memory foam version that much different?

The memory foam is a lot softer. The only problem is they don't last as long as the silicone do. I liked the foam, but I could not get a good seal with my high pressures (19 - 25). You can buy just the cushion to see how it works for you. Pick one up at your local DME or find one on eBay. They are cheaper on eBay, but it can take up to a week to get it. Another one to consider is the new F&P Vitera. You are going to have to wait for your nose to heal before you find a mask you can use comfortably. When I had that problem early on, I used a band aid on my nose until it healed. Then, I started using a piece of moleskin on my nose every night. I did that for over a year. The RT I was working with when I first started suggested the moleskin. She said her husband used it every night on his nose to prevent sores.