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AirFit F30i is leaking and I don't know what to do
#1
AirFit F30i is leaking and I don't know what to do
After switching to an AirFit f30i from the dreamweaver, I have been having my best sleep as of yet. Only problem it seems is that my leak rate is increasing through the night, which makes the machine pump up the pressure. I also have erratic flow rate, but I don't know why or what to make of it.

       

AutoSet 10
5-10 cmH20
1 EPR
no ramp
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#2
RE: AirFit F30i is leaking and I don't know what to do
I have the same problem. Too much air coming out of the front mouth holes is causing it to think there is a leak and it drowns me in air.
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#3
RE: AirFit F30i is leaking and I don't know what to do
IT appears to be a mouth leak not a mask leak.  Some people use a full face mask to stop mouth leaks and some tape the mouth closed and some have learned a way to seal the mouth using the tongue pushed up to the top of the mouth.  The tongue takes a while to get use to and I tried for several months and now can use it - illuminating all of my mouth leakage.
Apnea (80-100%) 10 seconds, Hypopnea (50-80%) 10 seconds, Flow Limits (0-50%) not timed  Cervical Collar - Dealing w DME - Chart Organizing
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#4
RE: AirFit F30i is leaking and I don't know what to do
(06-09-2023, 08:40 AM)staceyburke Wrote: IT appears to be a mouth leak not a mask leak.  Some people use a full face mask to stop mouth leaks and some tape the mouth closed and some have learned a way to seal the mouth using the tongue pushed up to the top of the mouth.  The tongue takes a while to get use to and I tried for several months and now can use it - illuminating all of my mouth leakage.

So you're not supposed to breathe through your mouth at all even with a full face mask?
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#5
RE: AirFit F30i is leaking and I don't know what to do
Regarding leaking air through your mouth or breathing through your mouth while wearing a full-face mask, I have found that it is much better to either tape or use the tongue to the roof of the mouth to prevent it from the beginning. With most of the full-face masks that I have tried, if your jaw drops open too much it will cause leaks around the lower part of the mask seal.
Also, if your pillow is too firm, it can push against the edge of the mask and cause it to leak. I have been using the pillow cube pillow (12” x 12”) which allows the mask to hang off the edge. I am currently using a ResMed AirFit F20 and my leak rates are relatively low. When I was using the p30i (nasal pillow mask) the leak rates were almost non-existent.

As a test, try using tape to see if that makes a difference. The best tape I have used is the Smith and Nephew/BSN Cover-Roll Stretch - 2" x 10 Yards. I cut it about 4” long and I dog-ear one corner to make it easy to tack off.


 
   
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#6
RE: AirFit F30i is leaking and I don't know what to do
A full face mask allows you to breathe through your mouth and that is not a leak. The air is contained not leaking out your mouth because it is a closed system. 

But with more total area the full face mak covers there is more areas that can leak. That is why it is easier to stop leaks with a nasal cushion if you do not mouth breathe.
Apnea (80-100%) 10 seconds, Hypopnea (50-80%) 10 seconds, Flow Limits (0-50%) not timed  Cervical Collar - Dealing w DME - Chart Organizing
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#7
RE: AirFit F30i is leaking and I don't know what to do
My experience with the F30i is that when one is awake with mouth closed, the length of the face is significantly shorter than when sleeping with the mouth open. So, I thought initially that the small-wide was the size for me. But, over the span of the night, my mouth would drop open in sleep, and I would start getting leaks. This stopped when I switched to a medium mask. My advice is to fit the seal with your mouth slightly open and see if that helps.
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#8
RE: AirFit F30i is leaking and I don't know what to do
I've had a little different leak problem with the F30i, that I think I have finally resolved.  I switched from a nasal type mask to the F30i a few months ago due to mouth leaks and not really wanting to go the taping route. From the first night, it was comfortable with very few small, or no leaks all night, and along with using a soft collar, brought my average AHI down to consistently in the 1-3 range. This lasted for 5-6 weeks and then small leaks started waking me up several times each night. I'm pretty good about keeping my equipment clean and changed out as recommended, but the leaks kept lasting longer.  I do toss and turn a lot, and have been trying to stay off my back, so I attributed the leaks mostly to side sleeping and pillow pressure on the mask.

I mark my headgear with a Sharpie so that I can reattach it to the frame close to where it was tightened before washing. Recently, I noticed that somehow all four straps were set at different lengths, resulting in unequal overall mask fit / tightness. I readjusted all the straps to pull equally at a comfortable, not too tight position, and since then I'm back to very few, if any problems with leaks waking me.
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