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[Product Review] Resmed Airfit F20 FF mask review - Printable Version

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Resmed Airfit F20 FF mask review - StevesSp - 10-13-2019

Disclaimer: I have so far used this mask for just three nights and have experience of only one other mask.

I needed a new cushion for my Resmed Mirage Quattro FX. I have used this model for a number of years.  I use FF masks because I have chronic sinus issues which means I struggle to breathe through my nose. I trialled several masks during the fisrt few weeks of CPAP therapy before settling on the Mirage Quattro FX, though with hindsight, I now know that my lack of CPAP experience was a limiting factor. Nevertheless, I have been quite happy with my mask so far.

However, it has become been increasingly difficult to buy replacement parts (or masks) and the prices have been exorbitant here in Oz, hence my decision to give the F20 a go.

So far, so mixed.

The good:

  1. A lot cheaper than the MQ FX.
  2. Relatively simple construction means strip-down for cleaning is simplified.
  3. The design of the exhaust has REALLY reduced the noise generated. It is so quiet that I had to feel around the mask for the first couple of nights, wondering where the air was actually exhausting. This is a very welcome improvement over the Mirage Q FX.
  4. The lower straps sit higher than on the MQ FX. This means they no longer rub between my ear and the side of my head, as the MQ FX straps would do once they had stretched a little.
The not so good:

  1. The cushion material is much stiffer than that used on the MQ FX and this makes achieving a good seal MUCH harder.
  2. The construction of the cushion is simpler, lacking the MQ FX's multi-layer design, again making it harder to get a good seal.
  3. The aforementioned issues with sealing (so far at least) mean I am using much tighter straps than I am used to. This is creating soreness on the bridge of my nose.
  4. The 'simplified' strip-down in fact results from the fact that the cushion doesn't appear to be separate from the frame and the elbow/valve assembly likewise cannot be taken apart. While this means fewer parts for cleaning, I am a little concerned that (a) cushion failure will mean replacing the whole mask and (b) it is impossible to easily air-dry the exhaust valve separate from the elbow after washing.
It's early days so I plan to persevere, though my nose is so sore at the moment that I might go back to the MQ FX for a night or two. I will try to update this thread when I have a few more nights under my wheels.

If anybody else has experience of this mask and would like to share their thoughts, please go ahead.

RE: Resmed Airfit F20 FF mask review - StevesSp - 10-15-2019

Well, after around one week of use, things have improved a little. I have managed to slacken the straps slightly without causing leaks, though as with other masks, finding a combination of upper and lower strap tension that works requires a little patience and experimentation.

I have also managed to reduce the pain on the sides/bridge of my nose through the same reduction in strap tension, plus using a Resmed 'Gecko' nasal pad. I hope to be able to slacken the straps a little more and do without the pad, because it's a fiddly thing to position and keep in place while fitting the mask.

I am still very pleased with the quietness of the mask vents, as is Mrs Wife!

RE: Resmed Airfit F20 FF mask review - ragtopcircus - 10-15-2019

The cushion (seal and clear plastic shell) does actually separate from the frame. You need to disconnect the elbow first.

RE: Resmed Airfit F20 FF mask review - StevesSp - 10-15-2019

(10-15-2019, 02:27 PM)ragtopcircus Wrote: The cushion (seal and clear plastic shell) does actually separate from the frame. You need to disconnect the elbow first.

Thanks. I realise that. I was mostly surprised that the cushion doesn't separate from the mask for cleaning, or replacement if it gets damaged. With the F20, a cushion failure means more of the mask has to be replaced. This makes them even more expensive than my Quattro FX cushions.

RE: Resmed Airfit F20 FF mask review - ragtopcircus - 10-16-2019

F20 cushions are $22 at Amazon.

RE: Resmed Airfit F20 FF mask review - StevesSp - 10-16-2019

Thanks for the tip. That's less than half what I would pay here in Oz, allowing for currency exchange charges and including the shipping. Once again, the dreaded 'Australia Tax' inflates the price to ridiculous proportions.

RE: Resmed Airfit F20 FF mask review - ragtopcircus - 10-16-2019

It’s expensive from DME’s in the USA too, even some of the online vendors.