I just started trialing this mask a couple of weeks ago. After fourteen months on APAP, having tried over a dozen different masks....I have FINALLY FOUND MINE!!!
After I realized I couldn't do a nasal cushion or pillows (my first choice) I trialed several full-face masks. Thank goodness for
[commercial link removed, please refer to Supplier #1] and their 30-day return insurance.
The Amara View was pretty good, except the headgear didn't fit right and gave me a severe headache. I ended up using a ResMed headgear with the Amara View mask, and it did ok for a few months. Then, I trialed a few more and settled on the AirFit F20 for a few months. It worked, but caused sores on my nose until I started using Boomerang pads. (Yes, I tried the AirTouch F20, too.... I found the memory foam too rough) Then, the Philips' DreamWear Fullface mask appeared. I've used it for about the past 5 months with pretty good success...except I had to get a small frame to use and while I liked the flat profile, I needed to use both boomerang pads and a mask liner to get a good fit without leaks. And the headgear seemed to stretch out too easily .... I had to replace it earlier than the norm. But over time my AHI started to remain below 4 on most nights. Making progress.
Then I saw the F30. Had to try. ResMed headgear has always fit me better. The hose on the front wasn't a huge deal...and I could still sleep on my side and even on my stomach with my head burrowing in to my pillow. I have the small cushion, and it really is nicely contained in size, yet feels roomy. Not as flat as the DreamWear, but my mouth doesn't feel as "scrunched in" either. But I kept waking up because the nasal openings seemed a little too big..and I was using the small mask. I finally realized the outer edges of the nasal opening were collapsing inward during the night (when my pressures topped out) and starting leaking & waking me up. I appreciate ResMed trying to make them soft, but I think they're a bit too soft for higher pressures. I tried putting tape at the edges, but woke up with tape on my nose
Then I tried small pieces of a Boomerang pad along the outside edges of the nasal opening, but they were too thick. I didn't need a mask liner, but one night decided to try a small piece of a mask liner on each side of the nasal area.
PERFECT!!
At first I wasn't sure what the thin strip between the two nares' openings was for.... but I now think it's to help prevent the openings from stretching out-of-shape. I plan to find some scraps of quilted fabric that will be just a bit thicker but still soft and see how they do. The purchased mask liners are ridiculously expensive and yet cheap in quality.
I could see this headgear being a challenge for larger folks.... I've always had to special order a small headgear for other masks....but this one is close to perfect for me. I might try fiddling with the top strap...I have it as tight as possible, but if I add some more velcro, I might be able to fix that minor nasal leak. I'll bet you could switch out this headgear with another ResMed headgear if you need a larger one and get it to work. I would imagine in time ResMed will make a large cushion as well. But I suspect their initial target was smaller folk who really struggle to get a decent fit.
The mask cushion itself just sits nicely on my face and outside of the nasal area, no leaks, burps, or slips. I don't need boomerang pads or mask liners to keep it in place. For the past week...my AHI is under 2, even under 1 on three nights!
For me...this mask is the closest to perfect I can find. But we all have different faces...our noses, our nares, our cheeks, our lips, the angle of our jaws. the arch of our teeth....they are all unique. Keep trying until you find your perfect fit. Fortunately, manufacturers are listening and production processes are getting more advanced AND easier all the time. In time, I believe there will be a process to fine-tune all of those issues to adapt to everyone's needs. Hmmm...maybe I need to setup a CrowdFunding account and develop that?
Sleep is the most important thing we do. Be patient. Most of us didn't develop sleep apnea overnight ....we won't find the perfect treatment overnight, either. Success is built on top of multiple failures. This forum has been such a help to me, recommending ways to bridge gaps, heal sore spots, and hack my machine settings!
For the first time in at least 45 years...I am finally starting to look forward to going to sleep at night. I am finally learning to trust when I wake up in the morning ....that I actually got enough sleep! This really is life-changing for me. No one else can understand unless you've lived it.
Both my parents lived into their 90's with untreated sleep apnea...one developed Alzheimer's and the other heart failure from years of high blood pressure, despite medication and healthy lifestyle. So, I'm anticipating I may have another 30+ years in me. I'm looking forward to 30 years of finally feeling rested!!!
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