Need help deciding between F&P Evora, or the Resmed f40

[CygnusX1]

I’m new to cpap. I started about 2 months ago. I have had the philips dreamwear pillow(hated due to being noisy and leaking with higher pressures). I’ve had the F&P Eson 2, and the Brevida. Had leak issues with all of them, and discovered a chunk of it was mouth leak. I tried using a chin strap and its cut the leaks down dramatically but its extremely uncomfortable and leaves red marks on my face that lasts for hours. I have one more mask my DME will allow me to try for free, and my sleep tech is suggesting a full face mask. I have narrowed it down to the Fisher and Paykel Evora, and the Resmed F40. I’m a very active side sleeper who sleeps with a hand under the pillow kinda putting pressure on the mask so a secure seal is important.

From what I’ve read, the Evora tends to have the better seal but my concerns with it are the lack of a swivel or movement in the hose, as well as the lack of a diffuser to make it quieter and lessen airflow at the exhaust ports. From what I’ve seen in my research the evora has 5x greater airflow at the exhaust ports vs the f40. I also sleep with a blanket over my shoulders buried into my face and it seems like the ports on the evora would cause a lot of blowback into my face as it rebounds off the blankets.

My concerns with the f40 are the slightly less secure seal, probably due to the lack of a top of head adjustment point. Also the non removable foam filter from what I’ve read is a pain in the butt to clean and can build up mold and dirt over time.



I’ve done so much research and watched sooo many videos. Hoping to get some better insights via real users here on a forum with experience using these masks. Thanks for your time

[super7pilot]

I had an F40. The filter-vent ring where the hose enters is in fact removable and so replaceable.

But a soak in vinegar (acidic) does kill bacteria and a water flosser blasts out any built up goo.

[SarcasticDave94]

I used the Fisher and Paykel Evora Full recently and it was fine for me.

Red marks from the mask or chin strap possibly indicate they're too tight. And with these, tight ain't right.

[CygnusX1]

@SarcasticDave If the chin strap is not on tight it slips too much and I end up getting mouth leak. Might not need it anymore if one of these full face options works. I do like the ability to use the brevida with the chinstrap though, maybe I need to invest in a better one. Currently using the basic resmed chinstrap. The brevida has definitely been the best mask so far for me as long as I dont have leak issues.

@Super Pilot I’ve seen some people taking apart the filter ring forcibly using a tool and putting in cut up strips of foam but i’m not into doing all that. Also I dont have a flosser blaster, but I suppose the vinegar would kill the bacteria. Some of the photos I’ve seen just really got me a bit disgusted and spooked. Could be those folks were not very good at keeping their stuff clean on the regular who knows. Kinda why I’m reaching out to see how bad its been for others as well as their methods for keeping it clean.

[super7pilot]

X1, that filter comes out as a unit. You can just toss it and pop in a new one. It’s captive in the silicone  cushion.

It is VERY, VERY quiet.F40 manual

[CygnusX1]

I’m on medicaid, and they’d only give me one every 3 months with my cushion. I dont want to have to pay out of pocket for extra filters. I know it’s quiet, and reduces the exhaust flow dramatically versus the evora. One of the main pros for the f40. Just hoping I get more positive feedback from people cleaning theirs, and find out whether anyone has encountered a filthy ring themselves even with daily cleaning. 

What pressure do you run your f40 on, and how is the seal for you? Do you sleep on your sides, toss and turn a lot?

[super7pilot]

Side sleeper and Mine had problems sealing at the cheek. But we are all different. I ended up with the minimalist P10 nasal pillows.

[charlie*M]

I'm a side sleeper and have used the F40 for 11 months or so but  I don't have any experience with the Evora.  No issues with the F40 exhale filter ring, I just replace it on the cushion replacement schedule (new cushion comes with a new filter ring).  It is removable for cleaning, but I never had to clean it.  Remember that it's an exhale filter, there is no room air passing through it, only filtered air from the machine.  Keep up on your machine filter schedule, keep your tube from raining out, and it should be fine. 

I did (do) have side leakage issues that were improved by lowering my max pressure from 12 to 10 cm.  Leaks decreased but did not go away, and my therapy also improved.  I do really like the quietness, the flexible snorkel, the swivel, and the quick disconnect of the F40 (for bathroom breaks).

I'm also trying to transition to the P10 nasal pillow, as 11 months of CPAP have trained me to keep my mouth shut

[CygnusX1]

@charlie You never cleaned it?? Thats something that is supposed to be cleaned daily. I’d be afraid to see what the inside of your filter looks like at the end of the 3 months with never being cleaned. Yes it is an exhaust but you will inevitably inhale tiny bits from it as well. The filter in the machine is not a HEPA filter, its just a basic filter to prevent dust/large particles from building up inside the machine. It is not purifying the air in any way. You are indeed breathing in the same air as in your room just with slightly less large airborne particles.

[SarcasticDave94]

The problem is if you go tight with these, you always sacrifice comfort. This is regardless of if the mask or chin strap are tight, you can't make it right this way. And you're not gaining therapy in many cases, because squashing the mask will most likely increase leaks, not lower them.

Think of it like this, you try to install a car tire that doesn't fit the rim. You can try to force it. The result will be poor fit and leaks.

The best solution is get what fits right.

New slogan: if it fits right, it won't need to be tight.

PS I had Medicaid a few years ago. How long ago did you get the mask? If recent, act ASAP to try to swap for something else.