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Hose connecting to face mask, or connecting overhead
#1
Hose connecting to face mask, or connecting overhead
I am about to get a bipap machine,  and another mask. I have used FFM pretty much exclusively for years, most recently the Air Touch F20, having the hose connected to the front of the mask. I am interested in trying the F30i,  but have no experience with the tube at the top of the head. Of those who have had both connections, what are the pros and cons?  I DO toss and turn at night, and sleep on both sides as well as my back., to give my sides a break. I am curious about the air movement on both sides of my face, the air temperature,  and the ability to keep the overhead connection together. Thanks.
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#2
RE: Hose connecting to face mask, or connecting overhead
I was just given an F30i during my latest Titration. Just my opinion that follows.

Positives for top of head connection,
Hose night not pull mask off kilter as much without hose holder
Hose may be less likely to be in your face
Might be easier to transition to back or sides

Some things that are maybe negative
Silicone frame pieces can get pinched a bit side sleeping, increasing noises heard
Can get cold-ish
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEBSITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#3
RE: Hose connecting to face mask, or connecting overhead
I have owned both and I much prefer the top model. I am also an active sleeper and like the tubing out of my way. I know NO negative reasons
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: Hose connecting to face mask, or connecting overhead
I personally prefer hose on top of the head, but that comes with caveats like hose frame causing noise conduction to the ear when breathing. It also depends on if the mask types with hose on the top works for you. The only top of hose designs I've seen are cradles, nasals, or pillows. I've not seen a F20 like mask (like a pilot's mask) with a hose up top.

For instance, I had issue with the cradle being shifted with the F30i, and my AHI would on occasions rise significantly. I had better nights with F20 for FFM, but things are more complex than that. I generally get even better therapy using nasal masks. So, the top of the head design that works well for me is the DreamWisp since the regular Wisp works well for me. I get better CA, AHI, flow limitations with nasal masks.

Although I hear breathing noise with Dreamwisp, I use a white noise maker to mask noise. Since I'm a back and side sleeper, I like the hose on top over hose on the mask. It depends if the hose on top design works well for my therapy.
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#5
RE: Hose connecting to face mask, or connecting overhead
How do you go about cleaning the air tubes on the F30I? 

The thing I like about the F30 and F20, is that they are super easy to clean. I've pretty much adapted to the hose being in front.  Cool
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#6
RE: Hose connecting to face mask, or connecting overhead
I clean it once a week by soaking it in warm soapy water and then rinse it out by apending the opening on the faucet to shoot water through the tubing.
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#7
RE: Hose connecting to face mask, or connecting overhead
Mine doesn't get dirty. Why? No machine to use a mask with until QUACK doctors get with the program.
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEBSITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#8
RE: Hose connecting to face mask, or connecting overhead
For me, the hose is the worst part of equipment to clean. I have a brush on a long wound wire, but it's not long enough. 

When I ordered it, it was stated to be 7' long. It showed up and was too short. It was too much hassle to return it, so I make do the best I can with it. 

Not crazy about the idea of not being able to thoroughly clean the air tubes on the F30i. Think I'll just stick with my F30 AirFit.  Bigwink
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#9
RE: Hose connecting to face mask, or connecting overhead
I've never tried the F30i, but I have used the PR Dreamwear which is their equivalent. It has 2 side tubes for the airflow, but If I was on my side and just had partial blockage of one side, it made a bit of noise but not enough to bother me.  I was concerned about cleaning.  The side tubes are worse than cleaning the hose (I used to clean the hose, but now just replace them--I don't use a climate hose or humidifier so they are usually fairly cheap).  The main reason I switched back to F20 was the mask kept loosing seal and waking me up--but again that was not the F30i.  Oh, yeah, forgot... The top of head connection, otherwise was great.  I move around a lot so that part I liked.
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#10
RE: Hose connecting to face mask, or connecting overhead
Thanks to everyone for their reply. I'll try the F30i. If not for me I'll try the other F30. I currently have the Air Touch F20, which is usually OK, except when the pressure on the bridge of my nose starts hurting.  Whichever I buy, I will have to cut the magnetic catches off because of my newly implanted. Defibrillator.
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