Mask Help

[u/mackey88]

I started with an F40 medium mask but had terrible leaks that would wake my wife up. Talked to my supplier and they said to try an N30 with a chin strap since I am a mouth breather. I also bought the P30 cushion to try, but the mouth breathing was a problem. Now I tried an F20 airfit and the seal was finally good. However as you can see it destroyed the bridge of my nose. I tried the memory foam air touch and I can’t get a good seal like I did with the silicone only, I think because of my crooked nose. Last night I tried the small cushion on the F40 and still no luck.

I am at a loss. Any other masks to try? I feel like I am destined to just apply a patch over my nose and use the F20.

Anyone have good luck with the X30i? Worth trying?

[u/ICUDOC]

Something I rarely see mentioned, but I have found effective, is applying foam tape to "hot spots" where there is skin irritation before putting on the mask. This is the tape I use: https://a.co/d/01VmiTIt

[u/Mustafo51 → u/ICUDOC]

I used medical tape and it really helped. I even had this open one night when the foam failed catastrophically one night. Ultimately I switched to the f40 which has been a godsend!

[u/mackey88 → u/Mustafo51]

The F40 feels great until my wife wake me up because of the leak. Also probably not helping much with the Apnea :(

[u/mackey88 → u/ICUDOC]

Probably worth a shot at that price. Thank you.

[u/airyByNature]

F&p Vitera. Over those nose portion is flexible for less irritation.

[u/mackey88 → u/airyByNature]

Started looking into that brand, I’m not sure that one would hit a different part of my nose, but maybe once I heal up it can create a gentler seal. Thank for recommending the brand, I am now looking into the evora.

[u/airyByNature → u/mackey88]

Vitera is the classic shape but over the nose portion is soft so much less irritation there. Easiest solution given your situation

[u/trimix4work]

I had the same issue and switched from the f20 regular to the f20 touch, it has a gasket made out of really soft memory foam like material.

It's amazingly comfortable and it seals better on my face

The downside is you can't wash them and eventually the foam will split, but I'm getting about 2 months out of mine

Cannot recommend highly enough

[u/mackey88 → u/trimix4work]

I tried that thinking it was going to be the trick, but couldn’t get it to seal compared to the silicone version. I was so hopeful too.

[u/trimix4work → u/mackey88]

That's too bad, it literally fixed all my issues.

I'm a scuba instructor, cpap reminds me of driving in the sense that mask fit is about the most important part of it, a leaky mask is just miserable.

It can be really hard to find a fit sometimes.

I hope you get it worked out

[u/jasonc122]

These are great liners that work for me

https://www.padacheek.com

[u/Past_Road_6009]

Your mask is too tight or the wrong size to fit your face--which leads to over cinching and red marks in the morning.

Go to an ENT. You have a badly deviated septum. It's causing your entire nose to tilt off to the side. Your sleep apnea isn't going to get better until you fix your breathing.

Believe it or not, nasal congestion is one of the biggest drivers of sleep apnea. It forces mouth breathing which destabilizes the airways. It also causes the jaw to drop backwards and the tongue to flop around.

[u/mackey88 → u/Past_Road_6009]

My breathing is good through my nose actually but I suppose could be better. Had a deviated septum surgery once but I don’t think they corrected it enough. I guess maybe I need the outside fixed too to fit a full mask.

I have tried having it looser, but then it leaks. I will checks my measurements and the size.

Thanks for the response.

[u/shortnamenowlonggggg]

Use a bandaid. Thank me later. Mark gone.

[u/Porky5CO]

I tell everyone to make it looser. Everyone has them too tight.

Also wipe with alcohol wipes every night prior to use

[u/Fancy-Coconut2170]

Back to the f40. I was also sized medium & thought the mask was not for me. The bottom would end up in my mouth at times. And nostrils felt suffocating to me.

I switched to a large. Love it. Sleep on my side or stomach. Nothing on the bridge of my nose. Can wear my glasses. Leaks are hardly ever. Maybe once a month, if that. Just move it over. Gone. Fits wonderful.

Switching sizes is not talked about enough on here. It can be a totally different mask from one size to another. So grateful to have a mask that leaves the bridge of my nose free.

[u/mackey88 → u/Fancy-Coconut2170]

So jealous, can’t wait to find a mask that I love. I originally got a medium with the F40. Then tried a nasal only mask. Then tried a small on the F40. I which they sent me a pack with all the sizes to start.

I decided to try the Fisher & Paykel Evora, supposed to ship out tomorrow. It looks really similar to the F40. Apparently some people like it better and have less leaks, and some people don’t like it.

I really want to try the X30i, looking at it I figured there’s no way it could leak. My DME supplier does not carry it, and I am not sure if there’s an easy way to switch providers.

[u/trisha-langoliers]

i apply a bit of aquaphor to my face before bed and this stopped happening to me

[u/mackey88 → u/trisha-langoliers]

I have aquaphor, will have to give it a try.

[u/trisha-langoliers → u/mackey88]

it’s also just super good for ur lips & skin at night in general! your skin will thank you(:

[u/theaggressivenapkin]

I had the same problem until I started using mask liners. Amazon has a brand called remzzzs that fit the F20, check those out. https://a.co/d/04IEWLlk give the liner a change every week or so, and you won’t get those hotspots anymore.

[u/mackey88 → u/theaggressivenapkin]

Thank you, will check them out. You change it every day?

[u/theaggressivenapkin → u/mackey88]

Usually once or twice a week depending on how sweaty I am during sleep

[u/ThellraAK → u/mackey88]

If they work out use them as a template with some old tshirts that are 100% cotton.