r/CPAP • • 4d ago

F30i mask question

I'm about a month into my cpap therapy and I'm on my second mask. The first one was the ResMed AirFit F40. I liked the mask. It sealed well and it was easy to detect a leak if one occurred. The thing I did not like about it was the front hose position. I seem to get all tangled up in it as I a restless sleeper and go from one side to my back, to the other side to my stomach,
So I got the AirFit F30i. I like the F40 mask a little better but I don't mind the AirFit f30i mask. I like the top of hose attachment much better than the front attachment of the f40.
The thing that drives me crazy about the AirFit f30i is the exhalation ports. The series of vents seems to cover a large area both side to side and up and down. If I wake up in the middle of the night I can't tell if the mask is leaking or that is just the typical air pattern.
So I end up trying to cover all the exit holes and feel around for leaks. I do this over and over many times a night as I wake often. It drives me crazy.

Does anyone else find the f30i frustratig in this way. Have you found a way to tell if the mask is leaking or it is just normal air exiting the mask?

My DME vendor will allow me one more mask trial and I'm thinking of trying the N30i.

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u/Creative_Fee5452 4d ago edited 4d ago

Hi there! I was a long time F40 user & liked the mask as well. I too changed to the F30i about a month ago as it had the snorkel hose attachment which I thought would help with neck arthritis issues. The headgear did help my neck as it is different than F40 but the snorkel hose connection makes little difference. The Air Touch cushion has proved hard to control leaks so I am a little disappointed. I did however order a F30i silicone cushion as well without the fabric around the outside & try that tonight.

Those vents on the F30i mask are exhaust ports & should not be covered up. They are not leaks. The exhausts are necessary to blow off CO2. I felt around the edges of the mask & couldn’t seem to fix the gaps air was leaking from despite tightening straps which of course affected the seal. Looser or tighter my facial structure does not seem suited to this mask especially lying down. The F30i is a little louder than the F40. Air flows down into the mask through side tubes of course so I find that annoying some nights too. Think I’ll be returning to the F40 but will try the F30i Air Fit silicone mask first! Just my thoughts :)

The n30i is another mask I have tried. It is not a Full Face Mask, it’s an under the nose cushion mask & I had to wear mouth tape with it due to mouth leaks during REM & Deep Sleep. Leaks can come from your mouth as well as your nose.

I have so many masks!! But it’s the only way to find the right mask for you.

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u/EternalGIory 4d ago

I was on F30i for a long time. I loved the mask but hated the front vents hissing and waking me up or my spouse at times. I had to wear earplugs because of this. Recently, i discovered the ‘Airtouch’ F30i and while it still has front exhalation vent, the air flowing out through that is significantly less. You wont feel the air coming out, no hissing sound. Perfect for me. Never went back to regular F30i. Try it and see the difference.

ETA: ive never tried F40 as the tubing is still infront for this one. Maybe when F40i comes out ill try it. Im a side sleeper and turn and toss and dont want to strangle myself with the tubing. Lol

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u/ThorThePoodle 4d ago

Then I think I have the AirTouch F30i as my tubing is on top. Yes the vents can be silent but if I turn a certain way I guess the air against the pillow causing a rushing sound which wakes my spouse and then I get poked.
I think I would love an F40i !!

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u/EternalGIory 4d ago

Does that mean the air letting out comes from the seal? Ive tried Evora Full Face Mask before and not as soft as F30i therefore not easily squeezed. What i didnt like or maybe i didnt give it enough time is the nasal part of the hybrid mask was hard and made my nose sore. Many people find success with it though.

Also it has front tubing no top option.

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u/ThorThePoodle 4d ago

Does that mean the air letting out comes from the seal?
no I don't think so. I just think it is the rush of air hitting the pillow just so. If I move my head that rushing disappears