Quest to find a full face mask that doesn't leak

[Schnoozer]

hi all -

I recently traveled overseas with my CPAP for the first time, which was surprisingly easy. What was hard was that I got sick, was very congested, and not able to use my ordinary P10 nasal mask as a result.

So far, I've tried :

Resmed F20 (large size) : I had high hopes for this one, especially with the memory foam seal. I haven't been able to sleep even an hour with it, I just can't get the seal no matter what I do. If it's VERY tight I sort of get a seal but even then, I sleep on my side and it's hissing and leaking big-time. Maybe I could adjust it in or try a new size, but frustrated with this expensive purchase.

Resmed F40  (medium seal, standard headgear) : Much better! I like the hybrid/cushion feature, and the seal is 'kinda ok'.  I brought this when I was traveling and did a few nights with it, but I spent a ton of time fidgeting with is and OSCAR says it was still leaky and often the amount of leaking that is supposed to not matter.

I also bought a large size headgear for the F20 to see if it might fit better, and maybe it did but honestly I can't tell. 

I am a mouth breather and use mouth tape every night, which is fine but honestly I am liking the idea of a full face mask cause I won't need the tape. Also it's nice in case I get sick and even after a few days with it I wonder if I should just find a FFM that fits and stick with that.


I am OK to try a new mask and spend some time trying to dial it in. But I am not sure what's next - what kind of mask? Or should I try different size seals/headgear for the two I have? This stuff is not cheap so I am wondering if anyone has any advice.

[SarcasticDave94]

I've had better success with Fisher and Paykel full face masks than ResMed full face. I found them more comfortable and leak less.

[Schnoozer]

Yea maybe I'll just go for the F&P full face. It's a hybrid and really same things as the F40 but maybe it's a better fit.

[Crimson Nape]

It may just be me, but I've found that the design of all the F&P masks I've used require much less tensioning than their competitors.
- Red

[saltydawg2]

If you sleep with your mouth open, your therapy will be consistent, but you will still wind up with dry mouth, with a FFM. I am currently using a F30, and really enjoy it, as the best mask so far. It's soft on the nose, and the leaks are usually manageable.

[Schnoozer]

If you sleep with your mouth open, your therapy will be consistent, but you will still wind up with dry mouth, with a FFM. I am currently using a F30, and really enjoy it, as the best mask so far. It's soft on the nose, and the leaks are usually manageable.

Yea I get this, and actually when I was trying to get used to the f40 I used mouth tape and the FFM a few times, with better results.

But I'm seeing now that after taping for a while, I seem mouth breathe much less! So, maybe I can abandon the tape at some point.  I'm not sure

[Shutterbug57]

I have tried the following masks:

Resmed F20 - works reasonably well, but my nose stuffs up. Only use as an alternative if my main mask cannot be worn.

ResMed F30i - nice mask, but I cannot get a seal.

ResMed F40 - ever comfortable, but breaks seal and gets massive leaks during the night.

Dreamworks Full - Not as comfortable as the F40, BUT, I can get an all night seal with leaks ratings of zero at all metrics. This is my main and preferred mask.

For the F30i, F40 & Dreamworks, I got fit packs and experimented to find the best cushion for each. I got the fit pack.

[Big Guy]

A 2nd thumbs up for the F30. Mine is an AirFit model. I also have the F20 and the F40. I like them all, but the F30 is my go to mask of choice. 

[SarcasticDave94]

I have tried the F&P Simplus, Vitera, and the Evora Full. All 3 need less tension to seal than others I've tried in the past.

[Nitrous]

I’m surprised that the AirTouch F20 hasn’t been mentioned.  I switched to it a while ago and haven’t looked back. I’m also a side sleeping mouth breather but wak up refreshed after a good nights sleep.