New CPAP User with Paradoxical Reaction?

WoolyBear wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 26, 2022 8:36 am

I'm paying for it all out of pocket and the foam mask is another $100 so I just wanted to get opinions as to whether or not it was an improvement before ordering it.

Where are you located?
There are places where you can get just the memory foam cushions for the F20 for a lot less than $100.

The people that use the foam cushion really like it but you have to be aware that the memory foam cushion won't have the life that the silicone cushion has because that foam degrades fairly quickly when compared to the silicone.
You can't wash it for one thing as it doesn't play nice with water.
And just exposure to air itself will cause the foam to degrade. ResMed says to replace it after 30 days but I know someone who uses it and he says he can get about 3 months.
I do think that using a mask liner might help prolong the life because the liner would prevent facial oils from getting to the foam and accelerating the foam breakdown.

So even if you did get it and really liked it.....would the cost, since you are paying out of pocket, long term be something you are willing to bear?

Pugsy wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 26, 2022 9:44 am

WoolyBear wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 26, 2022 8:36 am

I'm paying for it all out of pocket and the foam mask is another $100 so I just wanted to get opinions as to whether or not it was an improvement before ordering it.

Where are you located?
There are places where you can get just the memory foam cushions for the F20 for a lot less than $100.

The people that use the foam cushion really like it but you have to be aware that the memory foam cushion won't have the life that the silicone cushion has because that foam degrades fairly quickly when compared to the silicone.
You can't wash it for one thing as it doesn't play nice with water.
And just exposure to air itself will cause the foam to degrade. ResMed says to replace it after 30 days but I know someone who uses it and he says he can get about 3 months.
I do think that using a mask liner might help prolong the life because the liner would prevent facial oils from getting to the foam and accelerating the foam breakdown.

So even if you did get it and really liked it.....would the cost, since you are paying out of pocket, long term be something you are willing to bear?

Hello! Sorry for the delay but I was waiting to get some decent amounts of data before posting again. I have solved the issue with the mask I think. I do like the foam better, and it seems to keep leaks at a minimum. I was mistaken in the cost, it's actually around $53 which is still high, but I can stomach that.

Here's my data for several days. If those who have participated in the thread already have any advice or insights I would greatly appreciate it. I will say that the headaches and afternoon tiredness are gone. I'm actually feeling pretty decent most days, and my mood has improved as well. However, as you will notice in the graphs, I keep waking up during the night to find out my mask has somehow come off/been disconnected. I have no memory of doing this, and I re-connect it and go back to sleep. I'm curious if anyone else has had a similar experience and what might help. Here comes the data!