Trying out F40 mask. Suggestions?

[bampi]

I've been using Nasal mask for a year now with I think are good results (average of 0.9 AHI). The usual events I get are OA, H, and leaks from moving around, lying on my back, and chin tucks (and other issues below). I only used the settings the doctor gave me and have not used any support like SCC or mouth strips. 

The other issue I have that made me try out a FF mask is mouth breathing. Most of the time I wake up with stomach air. Now that I have finally done a few research I found this site.

Other context: I was diagnosed with Severe OSA, Retrognathia, Post-nasal drip

Got an F40 mask, found a good fit, and changed my settings a bit but failed to get a good result. I don't know what I'm doing haha. I appreciate some help. Thanks!

Samples of using a Nasal mask and doctor's settings:
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20mar2025.png

F40 attempt:
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[THEVGE]

It probably does not explain your issues, but the F40 should be set to "pillows" and not "full face", see the manual.

For myself, changing masks has never made such a huge difference. I would first try the correct setting.

Positive is your leak performance. I got an F40 for the same reason as you and I love it! My F&P Evora FM is halfway to the bin ;-).

[bampi]

Will try the Pillows settings, but I need to adjust Pressure first. Should I go higher? How about the EPR? I also experienced dry lips when I woke up.

F40 has a really good fit on my face and it's more comfortable than my nasal mask.

[THEVGE]

If you have dry lips, the most logical explanation is you open your mouth during sleep.

To reduce this, typically pressure should be lower. But often you need higher pressure for your therapy.

I have been pretty succesful using a Knightsbridge chin strap to reduce mouth opening during sleep.

[bampi]

I really hope the F40 can help me on the mouth breathing. I'll try 10-14 pressure with 3 EPR.

Cannot easily buy Knightsbridge from where I am. Maybe try cheap China made vertical chin straps. I can also buy a Velpeau dual-use cervical collar right now to see which ones are useful.

How importance are pillows? Do you use soft or firm or elevated pillows?

[bampi]

I went back to Nasal mask because I cannot sleep well with the F40 with the high AHI in the 20s.

[SarcasticDave94]

The last chart I've seen has a lot of Positional Apnea. Those are the clusters of events caused by your chin tucking and kinking off the airway externally. You can try to correct this by a thinner pillow, making certain you don't chin tuck, or a soft cervical collar.

[bampi]

The last chart I've seen has a lot of Positional Apnea. Those are the clusters of events caused by your chin tucking and kinking off the airway externally. You can try to correct this by a thinner pillow, making certain you don't chin tuck, or a soft cervical collar.

Thanks! Already ordered a Velpeau dual-use scc and will use this with a thinner pillow. I will also consider my sleeping position: side vs back.

[LaurenceShaw]

I have been pretty succesful using a Knightsbridge chin strap to reduce mouth opening during sleep.

Quick note:  Please use the link of Supplier #37 if you are interested in the Knightsbridge Dual Band chin strap.  A keyword search will still lead one to the counterfeits!  The final hearing in federal court for default judgment against the counterfeiter that was scheduled for April 17th has been vacated indicating the judge should be issuing a court order soon and this counterfeiting situation should finally be rectified.  (The Knightsbridge Dual Band has straps which pass below the jaw and lift vertically to work with the natural rotation of the jaw.)

[jdougc]

If you are reluctant to use mouth tape, consider a very thin pliable Somnoseal device. Fits just inside your mouth and provides a good seal.
I use it but still use the 2x5 strips of tape.
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